It is absolutely amazing that after holding this event 10 times previously, the city of Indio and Coachella security could do such a horrible job getting things started on Friday. Traffic was backed up almost once attendees got off the freeway at the Monroe exit at 1:00pm because obnoxious folks were driving in turn lanes and then cutting back over, not realizing people like them were the ones causing the problem. Don't see why a cop, even someone recently deputized, wasn't positioned at every intersection and issuing tickets.
Even worse was the line to get in the venue at Monroe as it took three hours for those of us who needed bags checked. Close to the gates, people were allowed to walk right up and merge as the line devolved into a mob. Couldn't tell what the problem was because by the time we got up to checkpoint, security had given up and let everyone bum rush the gates. One security guard was overheard saying there was a "breach at Monroe," but made no mention it was authorized. Many people started to run to the concert grounds and it was lucky no one was hurt. Hopefully someone gets fired over this.
Street Sweeper Social Club was raging on the Coachella stage playing tracks from their debut album. For those interested, I grabbed a slice of Hawaiian pizza and a Heineken, and when I sat down to enjoy them, Tom Morello brought out his Rage Against The Machine bandmate Brad Wilk to play drums during a cover of LL Cool J's "Momma Said Knock You Out."
At the Outdoor Theatre She & Him offered a sweet blend of indie pop as M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel exchanged taking turns on lead vocals. It was a delightful surprise to hear Ward sing a cover of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." Back on the Coachella stage, The Specials brought a wonderful dose of ska that livened up the crowd.
Under the Mojave Tent, Lucero delivered a fantastic set of alt country that at times brought to mind The Band and Wilco. I was surprised by the small turnout, which is everyone else's loss. Lead singer Ben Nichols mentioned they played late bar music as opposed to festival music, but the band would probably fare better at next weekend's Stagecoach Festival.
Article comments
1 - Christine
Coachella Valley, my old stomping grounds. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta! Right on, El. I'll have to read this later.
2 - LazaroCooks!
Great article. Those festivals are always a mission.
3 - Jordan Richardson
Tom Morello brought out his Rage Against The Machine bandmate Brad Wilk to play drums during a cover of LL Cool J's "Momma Said Knock You Out."
Daaaaamn.
4 - Jordan Richardson
Why the hell would it "worry" you for anyone to be a VIP?
And he was probably there because he's friends with Mike Patton and is a huge fan of Fantomas. Hell, DeVito does the commentary on the Fantomas/Melvins DVD.
Be jealous.
5 - Jordan Richardson
By the way, I would like to rent one of your villas.