INDIO, Calif. (AP) — The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival showcased its remarkable blend of music and political activism on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with surprise appearances and emotional performances marking the second day of the event. Among the highlights was a surprise appearance by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who encouraged the younger generation to engage in the fight for justice.
Sanders, who traveled to the festival after holding a rally in Los Angeles earlier that day, addressed a crowd of thousands, urging them to resist the political status quo. "You can turn away and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril," he declared to raucous cheers. The Vermont senator emphasized that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of the youth, stating, "We need you to stand up to fight for justice. To fight for economic justice, social justice, and racial justice." His message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were eager to hear from a prominent political figure at such a culturally significant event.
Sanders was introduced onstage by Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, the first Gen Z member of Congress, who praised the senator’s commitment to progressive values. Earlier in the day, Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a rally in Los Angeles that attracted around 36,000 attendees, marking it as one of his largest gatherings yet. The festival crowd responded with boos when Sanders mentioned former President Donald Trump, to which he replied, "I agree," acknowledging the audience's sentiment.
Musical performances on Saturday included an emotional set by Weezer, who played a dozen songs, including classics like "Undone (The Sweater Song)" and "Buddy Holly." The band’s frontman, Rivers Cuomo, expressed gratitude for being able to perform, especially following a difficult week for bassist Scott Shriner, whose wife was injured in a police incident just days prior. "It feels so good to get out here with you guys and let out these emotions," Cuomo shared with the crowd.
Meanwhile, Charli XCX delivered a standout performance that saw her joined by pop icons Troye Sivan and Billie Eilish. During her set, she declared it to be "Lorde summer 2025," referencing fellow artist Lorde, who is expected to make waves in the music scene this year. Timothée Chalamet was spotted in the audience, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
T-Pain also took the main stage, performing a mix of covers and mash-ups, including Journey’s iconic "Don’t Stop Believin’" and Chris Stapleton’s soulful "Tennessee Whiskey." His energetic performance added to the festival's eclectic lineup.
Earlier, on Friday, April 11, 2025, Coachella kicked off with a headline performance by Lady Gaga, who captivated audiences with a theatrical five-act show. K-pop sensation Lisa also drew a massive crowd to the Sahara tent, while Benson Boone announced his upcoming album and performed "Bohemian Rhapsody" alongside Queen’s Brian May.
The festival, which runs through Sunday, April 13, 2025, promises more exciting performances, with Travis Scott headlining Saturday night and Post Malone set to close out the festival on Sunday. The festival's blend of music, culture, and political discourse highlights its significance as a platform for both artistic expression and social commentary.
As the sun set over the Empire Polo Club, the energy of Coachella remained palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of performances and messages from their favorite artists and public figures. This year's festival not only celebrates music but also serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement, particularly among the younger generation.
In his closing remarks, Sanders expressed his appreciation for the platform that artists like Clairo provide in advocating for social issues. He highlighted her work in supporting women's rights and her stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The senator's presence at Coachella exemplifies the intersection of music and activism, reinforcing the idea that festivals can be a space for meaningful dialogue and action.
As the festival continues, attendees are reminded of their role in shaping the future through participation in democracy and advocacy for justice. With prominent figures like Sanders encouraging activism, Coachella 2025 is set to leave a lasting impact on both the music industry and the political landscape.
