Coachella 2025 – Day 1 Review
Desert heat, pop chaos, and one unforgettable resurrection.
Day 1 of Coachella 2025 exploded out of the gate with a sonic bang and cinematic energy, cementing this year’s edition as one for the history books. From surprise reunions to genre-spanning crossovers, the opening day delivered moments of joy, chaos, and catharsis under the blazing Indio sun.
Lady Gaga brought the drama.
Headlining the main stage, Gaga unleashed a two-hour visual odyssey that felt like both a funeral and rebirth of her past selves. Drenched in theatrical symbolism, she debuted several tracks from her electrifying new album Mayhem, framed by shifting set pieces, high-concept choreography, and a literal “resurrection” moment that had the crowd screaming. It wasn’t just a concert—it was performance art on an epic scale.
Missy Elliott turned the future into now.
Clad in chrome armor and backed by alienesque dancers, Missy delivered a career-spanning set with pulse-pounding visuals and next-level production. Classic hits like “Work It” and “Lose Control” had the ground shaking—she made it clear she’s not here for nostalgia; she’s still rewriting the rules.
Rock nostalgia crashed into punk energy.
The Go-Go’s made a dazzling return to the Coachella stage, and the biggest surprise? Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong crashing their set for an explosive “Head Over Heels.” It was a euphoric, genre-bridging moment that captured the spirit of the festival—unexpected, electric, and unapologetically fun.
Benson Boone stunned with Queen power.
Just when it felt like Coachella couldn’t get more surreal, Benson Boone pulled a major flex by inviting Queen legend Brian May on stage. Together, they launched into “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and every generation in the crowd sang as if their lives depended on it. It was pure festival magic—goosebumps under a setting desert sun.
Not everything went smoothly.
Scorching temperatures hit a sweltering 102°F, and early festivalgoers endured massive delays getting into the campgrounds—some waiting up to 12 hours. Logistics aside, the crowd stayed resilient, and the vibe only intensified as night fell and the music took over.
Standouts from the undercard:
Tyla brought fire and fluidity to her breakout performance, commanding the stage with magnetic presence. Fred again.. lit up the Mojave Tent with a set that danced between house euphoria and tender introspection, while Chappell Roan proved she’s a rising pop juggernaut in full bloom.
Final Verdict:
Day 1 of Coachella 2025 was a fever dream of fire and fantasy. It delivered high-gloss spectacle, emotional resonance, and just the right dose of chaos. From Gaga’s glitter-covered resurrection to surprise punk cameos and blistering DJ sets, this year’s festival kicked off like a supernova. If this is the beginning, the rest of the weekend might just melt the desert.