Billie Joe Armstrong made a surprise appearance during the Go-Go’s afternoon set at Coachella 2025 on Saturday, April 12. Ahead of Green Day’s headlining performance that evening, the band’s frontman joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group for a rendition of their 1984 hit song “Head Over Heels.”
In the hours leading up to the collaboration, Armstrong teased a “special surprise” on Green Day’s Instagram account. “Go see the Go-Go’s,” he wrote alongside a photo of the festival’s three-day lineup poster. Following the Go-Go’s set on the Outdoor Theatre stage, Armstrong returned to social media to celebrate the moment. “Head over heels after playing with @officialgogos at @coachella,” the singer-songwriter captioned a backstage photo with the band on Instagram. His post also featured a carousel of snapshots from the performance, including an official setlist.
The Go-Go’s responded with a post of their own, sharing a photo on Instagram with Armstrong and writing, “We had the time of our lives!” This year’s two-weekend Coachella festival runs April 11–13 and April 18–20, 2025. Saturday lineups are headlined by Green Day, with additional performances from Charli XCX, Anitta, Clairo, ENHYPEN, Jimmy Eat World, T-Pain, and more.
“Death, taxes and… rock n roll,” Armstrong told Billboard ahead of Green Day’s foray into the desert. “In this world gone sideways we know one thing for certain – rock n roll is forever, and its spirit is needed now more than ever. So bring your rage, your hope, and your loudest voice. Coachella, let’s have the time of our lives.”
The festival’s opening day on April 11 delivered standout moments from Lady Gaga, Tyla, LISA, Mustard, and more. The Go-Go’s, who emerged from the Los Angeles punk scene in the late 1970s, marked their return to the stage at Coachella, performing their classic hits. This year, they reformed for their first shows in more than seven years. The original five members of The Go-Go’s - singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine, and drummer Gina Schock - played their timeless tracks, including “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” and “We Got The Beat.”
Earlier this month, the Go-Go’s performed at The Roxy in Los Angeles, which Variety reports was a chance to “practice our Coachella set.” During their Coachella set, the trailblazing all-female band interpolated the chorus of Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” into their own 1981 hit “We Got The Beat.”
However, not all was smooth sailing at this year’s festival. Attendees complained about long queues and a lack of facilities, branding the experience of arriving at Coachella as “worse than Fyre Festival.” Fans began arriving at the festival’s campsites on April 11 in hopes of beating the crowds, but instead found themselves stuck in 12-hour lines to get in. One user on X/Twitter posted a photograph of a field full of cars lined up, captioning it: “Coachella descends into chaos, and it hasn’t even started yet. These are cars lined up to get through security to enter the car camping area.”
Festivalgoer Adam Roberts expressed his frustration, saying, “I made a joke earlier that I didn't know Fyre Festival tickets were included in admission this year, but that's honestly how I feel. I feel duped.” Other attendees also drew comparisons to the famously disastrous 2017 festival in the Bahamas.
In addition to The Go-Go’s, Saturday’s lineup featured a headline set from Lady Gaga, who returned to top the bill after headlining the festival in 2017. Other performances included Missy Elliott, rising pop star Benson Boone, The Marías, White Lotus star and BLACKPINK member LISA, The Prodigy, Parcels, Mustard, and Mau P. Those not attending the festival in person could livestream performances on Coachella’s YouTube channel or via the new Coachella Livestream app, beginning at 4 PM PT/7 PM ET each day.
Despite the logistical issues, the excitement surrounding the festival remains palpable. Coachella, known for its blend of music and arts, continues to attract fans from around the globe, eager to witness performances from legendary artists and emerging stars alike. Billie Joe Armstrong’s surprise collaboration with The Go-Go’s added a layer of nostalgia and thrill, reminding attendees of the rich history and ongoing evolution of rock music.
Green Day, who will headline the festival on April 12, 2025, has been a significant player in the music scene since the 1990s. Their latest studio album, 2024's Saviors, showcases their enduring relevance and ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape. As they prepare for their performance, fans are eager to see what surprises they might have in store.
The Go-Go’s, with their unique blend of punk and pop, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their reunion and participation in Coachella reflects not only their lasting appeal but also the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse musical genres. As the festival unfolds, fans can expect more surprises and standout performances that highlight the best of today’s music scene.
