Post Malone may not have shared the stage with any country stars during his electrifying set on Sunday, but the echoes of his recent collaborations with Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw, as well as his undeniable passion for country music, reverberated throughout his performance, which brought the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to a spectacular close.
With about a third of his set drawn from the 2014 album "F-1 Trillion," featuring collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton and Jelly Roll, Malone's influence was palpable. His sound often flirted with country and country rock vibes, making for a unique blend that had the crowd on their feet.
Standout moments included the honky-tonk anthem "M-E-X-I-C-O," highlighted by a captivating fiddle and lap steel solo, and his chart-topping track "I Had Some Help" featuring Wallen, which dominated the Billboard 100 throughout 2024. Favorites like "White Iverson" seamlessly melded with his more countrified tunes, as the set crescendoed with hits like "Rockstar" and "Sunflower."
As Malone rocked the main stage, other performers were lighting up stages across the festival. On the Outdoor Stage, dance music maestro Zedd captivated a massive crowd, bringing a festival-like celebration to life. With special guests like Bea Miller and Julia Michaels, and a surprise appearance from John Mayer, Zedd delivered a high-energy set that felt like a joyride through his greatest hits. "If you came to see me, it’s a party with me," he declared, and he meant it. The set included a thrilling drum solo by Zedd himself and ended on a high note with the iconic "Clarity."
In the Gobi Tent, Australian punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers unleashed a passionate and spirited performance. Lead singer Amyl Taylor, a whirlwind of energy, channeled the raw attitude of punk legends while delivering a poignant political message, advocating for peace and support for marginalized communities. Their set featured high-octane tracks like "Hertz," "Chewing Gum," and "Tiny Bikini," providing a perfect finale for the weekend.
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Meanwhile, in the Mojave Tent, English electronic titans Basement Jaxx brought the house down with infectious beats and a colorful cast of vocalists. Their iconic hit "Where’s Your Head At?" turned into a sing-along spectacle, complete with dancers in ape suits, while the legendary Kraftwerk followed suit with a mesmerizing, futuristic set featuring classics like "The Man-Machine" and "The Robots."
Earlier on the main stage, Megan Thee Stallion commanded attention with a dynamic medley of hits, flexing her twerking skills alongside her talented dancers. Highlights included a collaboration with Queen Latifah and the live debut of her new track "Spin" with Victoria Monet.
As the sun began to set, Jennie from K-pop sensation Blackpink took to the Outdoor stage, mesmerizing fans with her solo debut "Ruby." The vibrant costumes and surprise appearance by Kali Uchis on "Damn Right" sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Beabadoobee transformed the main stage into a floral paradise, her dreamy vocals drifting over the audience as she performed hits like "Pretty Eyes" and "The Perfect Pair." A true voice of Gen Z guitar rock, she captured hearts with her nostalgic yet modern sound.
Shaboozey, the country-hip-hop artist, presented a visually stunning set dubbed "Coachella’s Country Hour," featuring a desert-themed backdrop. His performance included the live debut of "Blink Twice" and a duet with Noah Cyrus, wrapping up with his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)."
In the Gobi Tent, Canadian indie band Beaches entertained a packed audience with their infectious energy and playful lyrics, while the Sonora Tent offered a refuge from the heat, hosting nu-metal artist Wisp. Her hauntingly beautiful set resonated with the crowd, who joined in for her new, unreleased tracks.
Outside, Meute, a techno marching band from Germany, got festival-goers dancing with their unique brass arrangements of techno classics, while U.K. punk duo Soft Play brought their heavy yet groovy sound to a near-capacity crowd, offering a fun and energetic experience.
As the evening rolled on, Bob Vylan took the stage in Sonora, captivating the audience with their unapologetic punk anthems addressing pressing societal issues. Their performance included songs like "We Live Here" and "Hunger Games," igniting chants of solidarity from the crowd.
Coachella 2025 may be a distant thought, but the memories of this weekend's electrifying performances are sure to linger long after the last notes fade into the desert night.
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