INDIO, California — Do-over! With Coachella now spanning two consecutive weekends, music fans arriving to the Empire Polo Club fields Friday (April 19) for this year’s second go ’round have all the details from the first weekend to help them form their game plan. Here’s what MTV News learned on Weekend One of the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit
No one knew what to expect when the Wu-Tang reunion was announced. After years of in-fighting, it was anyone’s guess which members would actually show up for Sunday night’s performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Exceeding expectations, all living members — RZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, GZA, and Cappadonna — united onstage. The MCs and the crowd were clearly thrilled by the feat, with one fan saying it was “like seeing a unicorn.” Weirdest Cameo Ever?
The strangest moment in a weekend defined by the unusual came with an out-of-left-field cameo. Phoenix welcoming R. Kelly for a mash-up of his “Ignition (Remix)” with their “1901” was no doubt unexpected, but somehow managed to flow seamlessly. There’s no telling whether the R&B crooner will pop in again this weekend, but if you’re a fan, it could be worth keeping an ear out. 2 Crowded
Get to the Mojave tent early Saturday afternoon if you want to get inside to score some shade and a chance to see 2 Chainz in person. The rapper’s draw was much larger than his low billing and early set time would suggest. Though some didn’t have the patience to wait out his 20-minute delayed start, his brief 25-minute set packed in the hits, including “No Lie,” “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different.” 6:10 to Yuma
Check out the new Yuma dome, which is much bigger than it looks from the outside. Boasting air conditioning, hardwood floors, couches and a booming sound system, the Yuma is like a nightclub hosting Coachella’s artier DJs. Huge lines formed in the afternoon as fans sought refuge from the heat and there were long waits to see popular acts like Four Tet and Richie Hawtin, so try to pop in during the evening to avoid wasting any of your precious festival minutes. Visit the Roaring Twenties
Offering another drastic change of scenery, the Red Bull Speakeasy will transport you to the Prohibition era. Get hip to the password to enter this throwback joint, where you can buy booze — with Red Bull, of course — and just might get to hear a pianist tickle the ivories. Do the Harlem Shake
Baauer mixed Biggie, Jay-Z and Snoop into his set before making the Sahara Tent go absolutely buck wild with the “Harlem Shake.” No matter how many versions of the viral smash you’ve watched on YouTube, nothing compares to being dropped right in the middle of a freakout as costumed revelers bust out their wildest dance moves with the composer himself behind the decks. Yes, That’s the Smiths
As fans continue to wait for a Smiths reunion — and it looks like we might be waiting forever — at least you can hear some of the band’s tunes as done by an original member. Along with cuts from his new solo album, The Messenger, guitarist Johnny Marr pleased fans with Smiths’ favorites “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” and “How Soon Is Now?” Just Do Lab
Come for the Seussian decor and tasty beats; stay for the refreshing mist guns and lighthearted vibe. It’s not hard to get sucked into the Do Lab, so be warned: You might find yourself having so much fun, you lose track of time and forget there were bands you wanted to see. For a mind-blowing performance, make sure to catch the theatrics and acrobatics of Lucent Dossier Experience, the Do Lab’s mini Cirque du Soleil. And, Don’t Miss …
Jurassic 5 sounded as smooth as ever, Dog Blood (Skrillex and Boys Noize) threw down hard, and if you’ve never seen the Red Hot Chili Peppers, what are you waiting for? Also, this might be your only chance to see the Postal Service, so if you’re a fan of Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, make sure to swing by. Did you attend Coachella’s first weekend? Share your advice in the comments below!
No Comments