Coachella from your Couch
Surprisingly, we have photos of a few of the performers. Way to make it out of the gutter, guys.
Amy Taylor – Photo ©dickslaughter.com
We asked our Coachella ambassador, Niyaz Pirani—who has attended the massive, ridiculously priced gathering of the hip more than fifteen times and has covered it for multiple publications, including the now-defunct OC Weekly—to send us some coverage.
Why? Because we thought it’d be fun to get the lowdown from someone who genuinely loves the festival… And since we were not invited, we will talk a little shit and give everyone the link to watch the whole thing for free instead of paying thousands of dollars to stand in the desert sun, breathe in dirt, and not be able to see over some girl’s sun hat.
The 2025 edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes over the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, for its 24th iteration under the desert sun this weekend, April 11–13, and next, April 18–20!
Whether you’re on the grounds and gearing up for another excellent weekend of music or throwing your own “Couchchella” from home with the YouTube livestream, this year’s lineup offers a diverse array of reasons to tune in to America’s premiere music festival—with its strongest lineup of the post-pandemic era.
Obviously, this list is highly subjective, so if there’s something I missed that you want us to check out next weekend when we’re out there, leave a comment below.
Otherwise, here’s a quick run-through of artists on my must-see list that should be on yours too. Of course, set times and overlap mean you won’t get to see all of these, but between the two weekends’ livestreams, there’s a good chance you can catch most of them.
I like that only the Misfits have their own font. Click the flyer for the free livestream.
COACHELLA 2025 | Day 1
LADY GAGA – Mother Monster is launching her “Mayhem” era at Coachella with what promises to be another jaw-dropping performance from one of the reigning queens of pop. Last time she played, she ranked #2 on my all-time Coachella performances list, right behind Prince. Her mix of artistry, weirdness, pure vocal talent, and ability to connect with the audience is nearly unmatched. Bonus points if she brings out Bruno Mars for “Die With a Smile.”
MISSY ELLIOTT – I’ve seen Missy twice, and both times were otherworldly. The first time she swapped herself out with a marionette puppet and ghosted the crowd. The second time, she had a spaceship on her head with dancers everywhere. Sensory overload in a hits-packed, high-energy set.
THE PRODIGY – So rare, so raw. Even after the death of frontman Keith Flint, these English electronic pioneers still bring BIG ENERGY. So many classics ready to be aired for a new generation.
MUSTARD – In the same vein as Metro Boomin’ before him, DJ Mustard finally gets his deserved spot at Coachella. The man behind bangers from Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Rihanna, and so many more is likely to have a feature-laden set that will have the crowd buzzing for days. Here’s to (fingers crossed) Kendrick bringing “Not Like Us” to the Polo Field and Travis Scott showing up Weekend Two for “Parking Lot.”
MAU P – I saw this Dutch tech-house wonder drop a 3-hour set late last year at The Shrine, and while I can’t exactly describe what he does (in the same way that Jamie XX and Four Tet spin their magic), I can confirm this will be one of the best electronic sets—and biggest parties—of the weekend.
THE GO-GOS – They don’t come out of retirement often, and they have their original drummer back in the fold after time away for an injury. It’s always important to pay respects to the legends when you get them, especially when they’re from L.A., and for those reasons, we’re head over heels for the Go-Gos.
TYLA – She canceled last year, and I’ve been waiting to hear “Water” live since.
MIKE SNOW – Need to hear “Animal” live.
THREE 6 MAFIA – Some of the only big-name rap on the lineup. Considering they’ve never played before, it’s a great one to cross off the list. This, Travis Scott, and Mustard promise to be some of the most hype rap sets of the weekend.
Honorable Mentions: Kneecap, Los Mirlos, Austin Millz, Chris Stussy, SPEED, Bob Vylan.
Look for Bob Vylan at the coveted 3pm time slot.
© dickslaughter.com
COACHELLA 2025 | Day 2
GREEN DAY – One of the last, biggest, greatest rock bands that make sense as a Coachella headliner finally gets its day(s) on the Main Stage. Tbh, I’m a basketcase considering there’s significant overlap with Above & Beyond. I wish Coachella could say good riddance to such painful conflicts, but only a nimrod would skip this set entirely—which is why I’ll go halfsies. Dookie.
CHARLI XCX – Charli is fuckin’ lit. No way around it. Last time she played the main stage, she brought her “Crash” era to a close with a dominating, dark pop performance. This year will likely see her zeitgeist-capturing, culture-shifting “BRAT” get the showcase it deserves.
THE ORIGINAL MISFITS – The only act other than Prince to ever have their logo on the Coachella poster—and for good reason. They’re the f*ckin’ Misfits. This may be the least-attended set during its time due to generational differences, but for Coachella old heads who can trace Goldenvoice back to their punk roots, they know this one’s huge. Still wondering if it’ll be streamed—Danzig didn’t allow photographers at No Values Fest last summer. Editors note: (Neither did Lee Ving of FEAR and no one cared.)
Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein of the Misfits has no issue having his photo taken.
Photo ©dickslaughter.com
ABOVE & BEYOND – Trance therapy to the highest degree. One of the most joyous, transformative, and emotional acts in existence. Hope they drop in with the L.A. Phil for some acoustic stuff earlier in the day.
DARKSIDE – Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington play a unique blend of rock and electronic that many say begs to be seen live. Their latest release, Nothing is a sonic journey I’m ready to take in the Mojave tent.
GUSTAVO DUDAMEL & THE LA PHIL – Always go for the orchestra set. Weekend One promises guest appearances by Zedd and Laufey—who knows who else will show up? Plus, Gustavo’s headed to New York soon, so this may be one of the last chances to see them together.
JIMMY EAT WORLD – Emo/pop-punk legends on their legendary run, the same way Deftones and Blink have been. If they don’t play “Lucky Denver Mint,” I’ll cry/riot.
YO GABBA GABBA – Self-explanatory.
VIAGRA BOYS – The People’s Headliner. Real ones know. If you don’t, just watch.
If Coachella has a belly contest, Sebastian Murphy of Viagra Boys will be a top contender.
Photo ©dickslaughter.com
Honorable Mentions: Hanumankind, Glass Beams, The Dare, 2hollis, Klangkuenstler, Salute, Horsegirl, Together Pangea,
COACHELLA 2025 | Day 3
POST MALONE – Country Posty, Rap Posty, R&B Posty … maybe even Nirvana Posty(?!) … They’re all going to show up and show out. Austin Post has proven to be a sonic chameleon, drifting through genres and racking up gajillions of streams in the process. Glad he gets his time to shine.
MEGAN THEE STALLION – The ultimate form of aerobics at Coachella comes in the form of shaking your ass until you drop at Megan’s set.
KRAFTWERK – Not the original lineup, but these German electronic creationists provide a historical look into the blueprint of everything that came after. A must for anyone looking to cross more legends off the list.
POLO & PAN – The counterprogramming to Post Malone if you want to end Coachella with a feel-good party. The French tropical-ish house duo recently released a new record that’s as fun and funky as their previous work.
BASEMENT JAXX – Another ultra-rare electronic act, this time in its live iteration. “Where’s Your Head At” and “Romeo” are gonna be so good. My most anticipated set of the weekend.
CIRCLE JERKS – In Sonora! Go Goldenvoice. Booking hardcore royalty like Circle Jerks is exactly what I want to see in this tent, which has become known for its gnarly vibe and continuous crowd surfing.
It’s a long way from the Cuckoo’s Nest to Coachella.
Keith Morris of the Circle Jerks – Photo ©dickslaughter.com
AMYL & THE SNIFFERS – An Australian punk import with tons of attitude and grit, courtesy of vocalist Amy Taylor. I’ve seen them play smaller shows several times, and they always deliver. This jump up the lineup is huge for them.
Always the height of fashion, the ever-brilliant Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers.
Photo ©dickslaughter.com
