Who is playing Coachella 2016? What we know so far
Over the holiday break a flood of speculation about possible Coachella headliners breached the otherwise impenetrable wall of silence that normally surrounds the annual music festival.
The 2016 installment will likely be announced in the coming days, and as such those who follow the yearly comings and goings have been gathering evidence. Fake lineup posters have been posted. Viable candidates have been vetted on various message boards. Tour schedules have been scrutinized.
The roster for this year’s event, which will occur over two consecutive weekends, April 15-17 and April 22-24, is gradually coming into focus. Here’s what we know, or what we think we know.
Likely headliners
Gun N’ Roses. Slash is reportedly reuniting with Axl Rose and unconfirmed other former members to perform with some version of Guns N’ Roses for a 2016 tour. A coy marketing campaign has teased the news, one that will likely be confirmed on Tuesday night when Rose appears on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The first reunion gig will reportedly be at Coachella.
LCD Soundsystem. The New York band broke up five years ago. Or maybe it was a hiatus? Anyway, James Murphy’s great dance-rock concern released a new single over Christmas, and will reportedly headline in the desert.
Buzz-worthy headliner possibilities
Kanye West. In the days leading up to the Goldenvoice-affiliated FYF Fest 2015, West stepped in at the last minute when singer Frank Ocean canceled. Will the promoter repay the favor with a headliner slot? (And did Ocean disqualify himself from an appearance?)
Kendrick Lamar (and/or Black Hippy). The Compton rapper is nominated for 11 Grammy awards and didn’t play Coachella last year. In the interim, Lamar has dedicated himself to transforming “To Pimp a Butterfly” for concert performances. Will he do it at Coachella? Or, if not, will he and the Black Hippy collective take over a stage?
Adele. The superstar announced her massive 2016 tour, and it commences in the spring. Notably, the entirety of April is blocked off. Which is to say, she’s available.
Tool. Tool played only one show in 2015, but they’ll commence the year with concerts in San Francisco, San Diego and parts of the Southwest. One place they’re not slated to perform? Los Angeles. Why is that, do you think?
Madonna performs at the Forum in Inglewood on Oct. 27, 2015. Read the review.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)Don Henley performs at the Forum in Inglewood on Oct. 9, 2015. Read the review.
(Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)Los Lobos perform at El Gallo Plaza in East Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2015. Read the review.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)Silversun Pickups perform at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Masonic Lodge on Sept. 28, 2015. Read the review.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)R. Kelly, cigar and mike in hand, performs at the Forum in Inglewood on Oct. 10. Read the Times review.
(Axel Koester / For the Los Angeles Times)Grace Jones in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Sep. 27.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Lauryn Hill performs at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 14, 2015. Read the review.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Little Big Town band member Phillip Sweet performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 10.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Miguel performs at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Sept. 4, 2015. Read the review.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)D’Angelo and the Vanguard performs at FYF Fest at Exposition Park on Aug. 23, 2015. Read the review.
(Christina House / For The Times)Morrissey takes the stage at FYF Fest on Aug. 23, 2015. Read the review.
(Christina House / For The Times)Solange onstage at FYF Fest on Aug. 23, 2015.
(Christina House / For The Times)FKA Twigs performs at FYF Fest at Exposition Park on Aug. 23, 2015.
(Christina House / For The Times)Kanye West performs during FYF Fest on Aug. 22.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)Jehnny Beth performs with Savages at FYF Fest on Aug. 22, 2015.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)Taylor Swift performs at Staples Center in August.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)Shania Twain at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 20.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)Aretha Franklin at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 2.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)The Weeknd performs during Hard Summer at the Fairplex in Pomona on Aug. 1, 2015. Read the review.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Mötley Crüe celebrates the end of another concert, at the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore., on July 22.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)John Famiglietti, left, front man Jake Duzsik, and Jupiter Keyes of the L.A. experimental band Health performing at the Echo in Los Angeles on July 22, 2015.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie performing at the Hollywood Bowl on July 12.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Kendrick Lamar performing at the BET Experience at Staples Center on June 27.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Underworld performs at the Hollywood Bowl on June 21. Read the review.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Brian Wilson at the Greek Theater on Saturday, June 20. It was also his 73rd birthday.
(Michael Robinson Chávez / Los Angeles Times)D’Angelo performs at Club Nokia on June 8, 2015. Read the review.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Sufjan Stevens and his band on the first night of a two-night run in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Ciara performs at Club Nokia on May 30, 2015.
(Michael Robinson Chávez / Los Angeles Times)Guitarist
Neil Diamond performs at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, May 23, 2015.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)Steve Aoki, EDM DJ, producer and recording artist, performs on Broadway between 4th and 6th streets in downtown Los Angeles, May 16, 2015.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)Rapper Big Sean performs at
Pop superstar
Sia performs during the Wango Tango concert at the StubHub Center on May 9, 2105, in Carson.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)Justin Bieber performs during the Wango Tango concert at the StubHub Center on May 9, 2105, in Carson.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)Kanye West performs in shadowy lights during the Wango Tango concert at the StubHub Center on May 9, 2105, in Carson.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)Ne-Yo performs in front of a full house during the Wango Tango concert at the StubHub Center on May 9, 2105, in Carson.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)Nick Jonas performs during the Wango Tango concert at the StubHub Center on May 9, 2105 in Carson.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)James Hatfield fronts Metallica at the Rock in Rio Festival in Las Vegas on May 9.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Chester Bennington and Linkin Park play the Rock in Rio fest in Las Vegas on May 9.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Tim McIlrath, lead singer for the Chicago-based, melodic hardcore band Rise Against, wades into the crowd at Rock in Rio on May 9.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Gwen Stefani fronts No Doubt at Rock in Rio in Las Vegas on May 8.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)Ariana Grande performs at the Forum in Inglewood, April 8, 2015.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Rivers Cuomo of Weezer performs with his band at Burgerama on March 28. Weezer was one of the headliners for the two-day festival at Santa Ana’s Observatory.
(Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)Lead singer Zac Carper of FIDLAR performs with his band at Burgerama, the two-day Santa Ana festival thrown by OC DIY impresarios Burger Records.
(Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)Experimental artist Lustmord makes his Los Angeles debut on March 21 at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever.
(Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)R&B singer Chris Brown performs at the Forum in Inglewood. The March 8 show was a stop on his tour with Trey Songz and Tyga.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Trey Songz performs at the Forum on March 8.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)Kendrick Lamar performs at the Air + Style concert and snowboarding event at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Feb. 21.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)Ellie Goulding. Goulding played the festival in 2014, but in the interim she’s ascended to become one of future pop’s brightest stars. The singer is embarking on a 2016 American tour, the Coachella dates are open and she’s performing in the Southwest throughout April.
Chic/Nile Rodgers. Thanks in large part to Daft Punk, the influential disco and funk producer Nile Rodgers has had a late-career renaissance. He and Chic are touring in 2016.
Missy Elliott. Over the past few days the visionary rapper, whose return-to-form single “WTF” was a 2015 highlight, has been posting Instagrams of rehearsals, so she’s up to something.
Eminem. The last time Eminem was on the main stage, he shared it with Dr. Dre and a Tupac Shakur hologram. Isn’t it about time he do it on his own?
Jack U/Major Lazer. All signs point to a grand Diplo and Skrillex arrival as Jack U, and while he’s there Diplo is rumored to be reconvening his Kingston-fueled electronic concern Major Lazer. If Jack U performs, also expect a surprise guest: Justin Bieber. He’ll be in the middle of a solo tour, but a few Coachella dates remain open.
Stromae performs at the Mojave tent during Week 2 of the
Stromae makes funny faces at the crowd during his performance at the Mojave tent during Week 2 of the
The crowd reacts to Stromae’s performance at the Mojave tent during Week 2 of the
Stromae performs at the Mojave tent during Week 2 of the
Kaskade, whose real name is Ryan Raddon, performs for fans on the
Kaskade, whose real name is Ryan Raddon, performs on the
Music fans flock to water-cooled fans between the tents on April 19.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known by her stage name Marina and the Diamonds, performs at the Coachella Stage on April 19, 2015.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Music fans cheer as Marina and the Diamonds perform at the Coachella Stage.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known by her stage name Marina and the Diamonds, performs at the Coachella Stage.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Marina Lambrini Diamandis performs at the Coachella Stage.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Music fans flock to the water-cooled fans between the tents on a hot afternoon during Week 2 of the
Music fans dance at the Heineken Tent on April 19, 2015.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)A music fan flings her hair to the beats of EDM music during week two of the
Surprise guest
FKA Twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
FKA twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
FKA Twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
FKA Twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
FKA twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
FKA Twigs performs at the Gobi Tent during Week 2 of the
Music fans dance to the Cashmere Cat’s tunes during his performance at the Gobi tent during week two of the
Cashmere Cat performs at the Gobi tent during week two of the
A music fan watches Cashmere Cat perform at the Gobi tent during week two of the
Cashmere Cat performs at the Gobi tent during week two of the
Cashmere Cat performs at the Gobi tent during week two of the
A music fans twirls an LED-lighted hula hoop around on the campsite during week two of the
Eric Soto shaves at the campsite during week two of the
Tatym Young, right, dances with other music fans on the campsite during week two of the
Music fans douse themselves in water after disassembling their homemade Slip ‘N Slide at the campsite during week two of the
Music fans find ways to cool down from the hot afternoon during week two of the
Music fans take a break and get a massage at the campsite during week two of the
Music fans flock to charging stations to replenish their devices at the campsite during week two of the
Nica Tan styles her hair at the Beauty Bar at the campsite during week two of the
Music fans get last minute make-up done at the Beauty Bar at the campsite during week two of the
Natalie Micchiche, bottom right, puts on her makeup at the crowded Beauty Bar at the campsite during week two of the
Music fans get last minute haircuts at the Golden Crown Barber Shop pop-up store at the campsite during week two of the
Music fans take a dive on the homemade water slide at the campsite during week two of the
Tyler Smith gets a haircut at the pop-up Golden Crown Barber Shop at the campsite during week two of the
Sara Neff, center, joins other
Austin Melton, center right, loses a game of Jenga to Katie Everds, second from left, at the campsite during Week 2 of the
Cindy Pleng, center, parties with her friends at their tent on the campsite before going to watch DJ Snake’s performance during week two of the
Tiffany Nguyen, center, and Dina Sam, center right, pour drinks for Cindy Pleng, bottom, as they party at their tent before going to watch DJ Snake’s performance during week two of the
Music fans pose with a Volkswagen van dressed as a toaster at the campsite during Week 2 of the
Music fans dance to EDM music during week two of the
An ecstatic music fan flings her hair to the beats of EDM during week two of the
Chris Watson shows off his wristbands to prove that he’s attended both weeks of Coachella.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Music fans linger around the ‘Praxis’ during week two of the
Seeking some open space, a music fan lays on the ground outside the Mojave tent listening to Caribou perform.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Caribou performs at the Mojave Tent at the
Music fans wait in line to get through the security check point at the entrance during week two of the
A group of festival fans stages a beer pong game at dusk during week two of the
A fan photographs a sunset vista of the ferris wheel during week two of the
Music fans cheer for Canadian producer Dan Smith, also known as Caribou, during his week two performance at the
Music fans enjoy themselves at the water-drenched dance floor at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Music fans raise their hands to touch the bubbles blown at the crowd at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Music fans enjoy themselves at the water-drenched dance floor at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Music fans browse through records in the record store during Week 2 of the
Music fans browse through records in the record store during Week 2 of the
Music fans browse through music records in the record store during Week 2 of the
Performers get ready and dressed in ‘hippos in office attires’ and to perform inside ‘The Corporate Headquarters’ during Week 2 of the
Performers get ready and dressed in ‘hippos in office attires’ and to perform inside ‘The Corporate Headquarters’ during Week 2 of the
Performers dressed in ‘hippos in office attire’ perform inside ‘The Corporate Headquarters’ during Week 2 of the
Performers dressed in hippos in office attire perform inside ‘The Corporate Headquarters’ on Week 2 of the
Music fans get their photographs taken with a sign that reads ‘
Elizabeth Fraley, bottom, and Sara Von Gillern, top, of ‘The Furies LA,’ perform aerial stunts at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Elizabeth Fraley, left, and Sara Von Gillern, right, of ‘The Furies LA,’ perform aerial stunts at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Music fans wander around during Week 2 of the
A music fan slow dances to EDM music at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
Ava and Laura Lisbona known as DJ duo Lisbona, perform at the DO Lab during Week 2 of the
A music fan brings a bag of ice back to his campsite during Week 2 of the
Music fans get their photographs taken with a sign that reads ‘
Some likely undercard acts, based on information gathered through sources, holes in tour schedules and online message boards.
Miguel
Baroness
Of Monsters & Men
St. Germain
Wolf Alice
Deerhunter
Leon Bridges
Animal Collective
D’Angelo & the Vanguard
Two Door Cinema Club
Infected Mushroom
Jean Michel Jarre
Savages
Health
Lapsly
Very unlikely
The Beatles
The Smiths
David Bowie
Frank Ocean
Got any quibbles or inside information? Feel free to share it in the comments.
Follow me on Twitter: @liledit
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