On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, showcased an electrifying day of performances, with Green Day headlining the evening. The punk rock icons made their Coachella debut, delivering a politically charged set that resonated with fans and festival-goers alike. Billie Joe Armstrong, the band's lead singer, opened their performance with a powerful rendition of "American Idiot," altering the lyrics to criticize former President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. "I’m not a part of the MAGA agenda," he sang, continuing a trend of using their platform for political commentary.
Green Day's set began at 9:15 p.m., right after Charli XCX's energetic performance. The crowd was already warmed up, having participated in a sing-along to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop" before Green Day took the stage. Billie Joe, alongside bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, delivered a mix of classic hits and new material, including tracks from their latest album. Fans were treated to a nostalgic journey through hits like "Holiday" and "Jesus of Suburbia," during which Armstrong also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, singing, "Running away from pain like the kids in Palestine."
Earlier in the day, the festival witnessed a surprise appearance by Senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke at the Outdoor Theatre before Clairo's set. Sanders emphasized the importance of youth engagement in politics, stating, "You can turn away and ignore what goes on, but you do it at your own peril. We need you to stand up to fight for justice." His remarks echoed throughout the festival, highlighting the intersection of music and activism.
Among the other notable performances was Charli XCX, who shared the stage with surprise guests Lorde and Billie Eilish. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable as fans danced and sang along to her hits, showcasing the festival's spirit of collaboration and celebration. The audience was a mix of festival veterans and newcomers, all eager to experience the magic of live music.
In the Mojave Tent, Weezer captivated fans with a high-energy set that packed the venue beyond capacity. The band performed fan favorites and new tracks, drawing a large crowd that had eagerly anticipated their return to the festival. The performance followed a week of media attention surrounding bassist Scott Shriner's wife, who was involved in a police incident in Los Angeles earlier in the week, adding a layer of intrigue to their set.
Another highlight of the day was the performance by Japanese Breakfast, who brought their unique sound to the Outdoor Theatre. The crowd enjoyed a mix of indie pop and rock, and many attendees were seen cooling off with fans as they watched the show. Melanee Singha from Santa Monica was among those using a fan to keep cool while enjoying the performance.
Yo Gabba Gabba also made a splash at Coachella, performing in the Mojave Tent and delighting both children and adults. The colorful characters engaged the audience with interactive songs and games, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that drew in families and festival-goers alike.
As the sun set over the polo fields, the excitement continued with performances from T-Pain, who remarked, "It took me 20 years to get on this stage," and delivered a powerful set that included Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" and "Tennessee Whiskey." T-Pain's energy was infectious, as he reminded the audience of his many hits from the early 2000s.
In addition to the music, the festival featured a variety of art installations and experiences. The Coachella Art Studios provided a creative space for attendees to engage in various artistic activities, offering a contrast to the high-energy performances. Sarah Scheideman, who runs the studios, emphasized the importance of creativity at the festival, stating, "When you do art, you’re figuring things out, you’re using your hands. The cell phone has to be away. In some ways, it’s like a contrast experience."
As the second day of Coachella 2025 came to a close, the festival demonstrated its commitment to not only showcasing musical talent but also fostering a sense of community and activism among attendees. With a lineup that included a mix of established artists and emerging talent, the festival continues to be a cultural touchstone, blending music, art, and social commentary in a unique and engaging way.
Looking ahead, the excitement for the next day of performances, including headliner Travis Scott, promises to keep the energy high as festival-goers continue to celebrate the spirit of Coachella.
