Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2012
Coachella 2012 was absolutely legendary. Over three days in the California desert, I witnessed some of the most incredible performances of my life. The lineup was so stacked that every time slot felt impossible to choose between artists. Here are the highlights from an unforgettable weekend.
The Headliners
Radiohead
Seeing Radiohead headline Coachella was surreal. After catching them at Leeds Festival years ago, experiencing them in the desert under the stars hit different. The sound system at Coachella gave their intricate arrangements room to breathe, and watching thousands of people sway to "Reckoner" under the night sky was transcendent.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys brought that raw, blues-rock energy that was perfect for the desert setting. Their set was loud, grimy, and absolutely electric.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and the Tupac Hologram
This was THE moment everyone talks about when they remember Coachella 2012. Dr. Dre brought out everyone - Snoop, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa - but when the Tupac hologram appeared on stage, the entire festival grounds went silent, then erupted. It was controversial, it was technological wizardry, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Whether you loved it or hated it, you couldn't deny it was a historic moment in festival culture.
Electronic & Dance
M83
M83's dreamy, atmospheric sound was perfect for the golden hour slot. "Midnight City" had the entire crowd jumping, and the visuals were stunning.
Swedish House Mafia
The Swedish House Mafia closed out the Sahara tent with an absolutely massive set. The energy was insane - confetti cannons, pyrotechnics, and beats that you could feel in your chest.
Avicii
Before the world knew his name, Avicii was already killing it at Coachella. His progressive house tracks had everyone dancing.
Modeselektor
The German duo brought some serious bass and experimental electronic sounds that were perfect for late-night dancing.
Amon Tobin
Amon Tobin's "ISAM" live show was a visual and audio spectacle. The 3D mapped projection on a custom stage setup was mind-blowing.
Dada Life
Pure party energy. Dada Life brought the champagne showers and the bangers.
Sebastian
The French electro producer's set was dark, heavy, and absolutely perfect for getting lost in the music.
Indie & Alternative
Bon Iver
Justin Vernon's falsetto floating across the desert at sunset was one of the most beautiful moments of the festival. The stripped-down arrangements felt intimate despite the massive crowd.
Arctic Monkeys
The Sheffield lads brought their A-game, ripping through hits old and new with Alex Turner's swagger on full display.
Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird's whistling and violin work was a nice respite from the heavier sounds elsewhere. His musicianship is unmatched.
Beirut
Zach Condon's Eastern European-influenced indie folk was the perfect afternoon set, with brass instruments shining in the desert sun.
Feist
Feist's voice is pure magic. Her set was intimate and powerful, proving you don't need massive production to captivate a crowd.
The Head and the Heart
Their folk-rock harmonies were feel-good festival vibes at their finest.
Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel)
A rare performance from the reclusive Neutral Milk Hotel frontman. Hearing "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" live was a bucket list moment for so many indie fans.
Real Estate
Perfect jangly, dreamy indie rock for a sunny afternoon.
James
The British alternative rock veterans still had it, delivering a nostalgic set that had the older festival-goers singing along.
Hip Hop & R&B
Childish Gambino
Donald Glover was still relatively early in his Childish Gambino career, but his energy and flow were already top-tier.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd's dark, moody R&B was perfect for the late-night vibe. This was before he became a global superstar, and you could feel something special was brewing.
Azealia Banks
"212" had just blown up, and Azealia brought that fierce New York energy to the desert.
Other Standouts
Gotye featuring Kimbra
"Somebody That I Used to Know" was EVERYWHERE in 2012, and seeing it performed live with Kimbra was special.
Gary Clark Jr.
The blues guitarist absolutely shredded. His guitar work was some of the most impressive musicianship of the weekend.
Fitz and the Tantrums
Pure, infectious soul-pop energy. Impossible not to dance.
Givers
The Louisiana indie pop band brought those funky rhythms and upbeat vibes.
M. Ward
His Americana folk-rock was a nice palate cleanser between heavier sets.
The Hives (one song)
Caught just one song from The Hives while running between stages, but even one song from those Swedish rockers in their signature black and white was a blast.
The Verdict
Coachella 2012 was one for the history books. Between the Tupac hologram, incredible headliners, and stacked undercard, this festival had everything. The desert heat, the art installations, the fashion, and most importantly, the music - it all came together to create an experience I'll never forget.
If you ever get the chance to go to Coachella, do it. Just bring sunscreen, lots of water, and prepare to have your mind blown.