Coachella 2025 Weekend One: Highlights from an Epic Festival Experience

INDIO, California – The first weekend of the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival concluded with memorable performances and surprise guest appearances, marking another successful year for the iconic event. Taking place at the Empire Polo Club, the festival displayed a mix of established acts and rising stars across various stages.

One of the standout performances came from Grammy-winning rock band Weezer, who, despite being added to the lineup just a week prior, managed to energize the crowd with a 12-song set that included popular hits and a rare cover of Metallica‘s ‘Enter Sandman.’ This performance took on added significance as bassist Scott Shriner faced a personal crisis, having had his wife involved in a recent incident that led to her being shot and arrested.

Another memorable moment was Coachella newcomer Benson Boone’s set, highlighted by a surprise appearance from Queen guitarist Brian May. The duo treated the audience to a rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ allowing fans to sing along passionately. Boone remarked on the importance of the performance, saying, ‘I was trying to get the crowd at Coachella to understand what an absolute legend Brian May is and the cultural impact he has had on music and THE WORLD.’

The Canadian band The Beaches also made a splash during their festival debut on Sunday. The all-female quartet expressed their joy and vulnerability onstage, with guitarist Leandra Earl sharing heartfelt messages with her family via livestream. The band’s energy resonated with the audience, especially during their performance of ‘Shower Beer,’ when a fan unexpectedly provided a beer on stage. Earl, alongside her bandmates, delivered a genuine and engaging set that left a lasting impression on attendees.

Blackpink members Lisa and Jennie took the stage to deliver their solo debuts, providing fans with the chance to see them in a new light, separate from their group identity. Meanwhile, the boy band ENHYPEN attracted a dedicated crowd, showcased their talents despite a smaller audience turnout compared to their K-pop counterparts.

Electronic music fans were treated to an exhilarating set by DJ Zedd, who brought out an array of collaborators including Bea Miller, Maren Morris, and John Mayer. Zedd’s seamless integration of live performers into his set elevated the experience, drawing cheers from audience members during performances of their popular hits like ‘The Middle.’

Headliner Lady Gaga promised “massive chaos in the desert” and delivered with immersive theatrics and engaging choreography. Her elaborate stage show captivated festival-goers, marked by high-energy renditions of her hits and impressive visual effects, including a unique light-up chessboard during ‘Poker Face.’

Coachella 2025 has intentionally balanced established talent with emerging artists, creating a platform for both. Iconic bands like Green Day graced the stage for the first time at Coachella, reminding fans of their enduring legacy, while Missy Elliott showcased her timeless appeal, performing hits that made the question, ‘How old is Missy Elliott?’ trend on social media.

Megan Thee Stallion was also a highlight of the weekend, though scheduling conflicts prevented many from witnessing her full set in person. Her energized performance, featuring surprise guests like Queen Latifah and Ciara, retained the audience’s overwhelming enthusiasm.

As Weekend One of Coachella 2025 wraps up, fans look forward to another round of exciting performances as the festival continues to celebrate its creative spirit with a blend of nostalgia and innovation.