Wow! Coachella unearths 2023 set times & drops another surprise as blink-182 unexpectedly get ready to rock the Empire Polo Club

Coachella 2023

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival //
Empire Polo Club – Indio, CA
April 14th-16th & April 21st-23rd, 2023 //

When the calendar turns to April, we all know what that means …

Yeah, that’s right — Coachella is just around the corner, and unlike a year ago when Swedish House Mafia and The Weeknd were elevated to headliner status with less than two weeks to go, it looks like there won’t be any last-minute lineup changes in 2023 (and we can thank the absence of a particular rapper for that).

But after casually including Grammy winners Arcade Fire in its 2022 set times for Weekend 1, the three-day music and arts festival has once again stunned us with another surprising addition while unleashing the schedule for the first weekend of its 22nd installment and after 11 p.m. PT on Wednesday no less (at 11:07 p.m. PT to be exact).

This time, it’s blink-182 being thrown into the mix despite not being listed on the official lineup poster as Mark Hoppus (bass, vocals), Tom DeLonge (guitar, vocals) and Travis Barker (drums) storm the Sahara Tent on Friday for their first-ever appearance at Coachella. It’s particularly shocking given that the band had to postpone the Latin American leg of its highly anticipated reunion tour because Barker dislocated and tore ligaments in his left ring finger during rehearsals earlier this year. The last proper show that the reunited pop-punk icons played with their original lineup prior to DeLonge’s second exit was in 2014, so we would recommend getting there early — as in, well before their scheduled start of 6:45 p.m. — if you are hoping to catch what should be a memorable performance. Heck, maybe that’s why DeLonge typed 6:30 p.m. in his tweet? Or could it simply be a typo? Either way, it won’t be too long before we know for sure which one it is.

Regardless of what time blink takes the stage, there are always so many tough decisions to make at Coachella, and it doesn’t get any easier when a legendary 90’s act finally gets the chance to rock the Empire Polo Club. There’s also a world-famous DJ making his long-awaited return — seven years, in fact — on Saturday in case you forgot (we imagine Calvin Harris fans certainly haven’t).

Nevertheless, we want to hear it straight for those of you who are headed out to the desert: What’s your biggest conflict this year and who are you most excited for?

WEEKEND 1 SET TIMES

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 1 - Friday set times

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 1 - Saturday set times

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 1 - Sunday set times

WEEKEND 2 SET TIMES

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 2 - Friday set times

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 2 - Saturday set times

Coachella 2023 - Weekend 2 - Sunday set times

As you can see above, Coachella has finally confirmed with the release of its set times for Weekend 2 that Frank Ocean’s headlining performance has been canceled and will be replaced with another dose of blink-182 — for at least part of Sunday — as we shared a day ago.

But there’s also a TBA act now listed at 10:25 p.m. once blink wrap things up around 10:20 p.m., and we now know it will be Four Tet, Fred again.. and Skrillex following their big night in NYC at Madison Square Garden a couple of months ago already stamping their footprint squarely on this year’s electronic scene less than a quarter of the way into 2023.

MAP

A little more than 24 hours before the gates officially open, this year’s map has arrived and there’s not a whole lot that has changed in a matter of 12 months. There is one alteration that’s worth noting for those keeping tabs, however.

After allowing guests only one way to access the Sonora, Gobi and Mojave Tents last year, the fest has reinstituted a direct — albeit narrow — path from the Sahara Tent to them like there was in 2019. While that might create a bit more foot traffic close to The Do LaB Stage, the walk to those three stages won’t be nearly as far if you’re coming from that side of the polo fields. For many attendees, this route should definitely come in handy (and save you a few steps) at some point from Friday to Sunday.

Coachella 2023 - map

So whether you’ll be in Indio or watching the YouTube livestream from the comfort of your couch, there’s plenty of good music to witness over the course of three days. If you’re still thinking about going and are looking for tickets, you can hop on the waitlist for Weekend 1 here or purchase them for Weekend 2 (GA and VIP) here along with whatever parking and shuttle passes remain.

Happy Coachella!

UPDATE (April 16th): The first two days didn’t see any last-minute changes to the schedule, but there was one announced on Sunday. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs have been moved from the Coachella Stage to the Outdoor Theatre and will begin at 2:10 p.m. instead of 2:30 p.m., leaving Jacqk Glam to slide up 40 minutes and pushing Stick Figure back to 3:20 p.m.

But the most disappointing news on Day 3 was for those watching all of the action at home. Despite listing both acts on the schedule earlier in the day, Coachella has pulled the livestream for Björk and Frank Ocean this evening. 2023 will mark Björk’s third appearance at the Empire Polo Club and first since 2007, while Ocean is expected to close out the festival as Sunday’s headliner after postponing what has been considered to be a highly anticipated performance — his first in six years — and was originally announced when the 2020 lineup dropped. Despite there being no official word about Björk, YouTube did confirm the change for Ocean. With that in mind, we will have to make do with Noname, Big Wild, Weyes Blood, 2manydjs, Kali Uchis, Jai Wolf, DRAMA and Sudan Archives, among others, providing the entertainment. Stream on, Couchchellans!

Coachella comes clean with 2023 lineup as Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK & Frank Ocean land headlining slots in the desert

Coachella - 2023 lineup

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival //
Empire Polo Club – Indio, CA
April 14th-16th & April 21st-23rd, 2023 //

It’s that day again when Coachella finally lets the cat out of the bag each year.

Many had speculated the famed California music festival would offer up its big secret this week as it often does once we ring in a new year, and Goldenvoice did just that for its latest installment on the same day Bonnaroo, Boston Calling and Sonic Temple all revealed their own lineups as well.

But after last year saw late lineup changes with Ye (fka Kanye West) — unsurprisingly — backing out as the headliner for Sunday and being replaced by Swedish House Mafia and The Weeknd, it appears that Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett is prepared should the same sort of scenario happen again at the Empire Polo Club this April.

Headlining will be Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK and Frank Ocean, and while two of those artists check the box that we referred to in 2022 when it comes to the fest featuring more international acts, this year’s Day 3 headliner — whose set was originally announced for the 2020 edition but was pushed back to 2023 as the COVID-19 pandemic sent Coachella on a three-year hiatus — is also one who has been known to cancel his performances.

If Ocean does this time, Tollett and company will have Calvin Harris waiting in the wings and ready to step onto the main stage after 10 p.m. much like SHM did in 2022 (with some help from The Weeknd). He could even elevate sub-headliners Gorillaz, ROSALÍA and/or Björk to the No. 1 spot since two of them have headlined Coachella before. Either way, the man who has been organizing the three-day event — which expanded to two weekends in 2012 — for more than 20 years now certainly has his share of options after locking down Harry Styles and Billie Eilish to lead the charge a year ago.

We should note that it’s not clear yet which day Harris will perform if all goes according to plan, but the five-time Grammy-nominated DJ/record producer has headlined once before in 2016 and was included as a sub-headliner in 2020 before it was ultimately canceled. We will provide updates about his status below whenever we have more information.

Given those contingencies, the roster for Coachella’s 22nd year has a lot to consider below the top line for all three days and there are plenty of names that stick out among the undercard. And though those receiving high placement on the poster like Burna Boy, Eric Prydz, Kali Uchis, The Chemical Brothers, Porter Robinson, boygenius, Porter Robinson, Kaytranada, $uicideboy$, Fisher + Chris Lake, Blondie, the Kid LAROI, A Boogie, Becky G, Charli XCX, Dominic Fike, Metro Boomin, Labrinth, Jai Paul and Underworld are worth considering, there are others farther down that deserve being mentioned here such as FKJ, SOFI TUKKER, Jai Wolf, Wet Leg, Chromeo, 2ManyDJs, SG Lewis, TESTPILOT, Mura Masa, Weyes Blood, Marc Rebillet, Alex G and Hiatus Kaiyote.

Tickets for Weekend 1 are almost sold out, though you can always jump on the wait list here after three-day GA and VIP passes go on sale here during a presale this Friday, January 13th at 11 a.m. PT.

UPDATE (April 19th): So much for not having any last-minute changes this year. But considering how capricious Ocean remains as a performer and what transpired during his Weekend 1 headlining set, it should not come as a complete shock that the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has pulled the plug on his Weekend 2 performance only a few days before it’s scheduled to happen. What might be more surprising to learn, however, is that Ocean sustained two fractures and a sprain in his left leg while at the Empire Polo Club last week and still decided to perform (sort of). blink-182, the reunited pop-punk icons who were tapped as this year’s surprise addition when set times for Weekend 1 dropped (much like Arcade Fire were in 2022), will reportedly take over the headliner slot on Sunday after rocking the Sahara Tent last Friday to mark the band’s first show with its original lineup since 2014. If you thought last year was bad after Ye’s cancellation with less than two weeks to go, we think it’s fair to say Ocean just one-upped him but feel free to chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

UPDATE (April 20th): Coachella has confirmed with the release of its set times for Weekend 2 that Frank Ocean’s headlining performance has been canceled and will be replaced with another dose of blink-182 — for at least part of Sunday. But there’s also a TBA act now listed at 10:25 p.m. once blink wrap things up around 10:20 p.m., which will be Four Tet, Fred again.. and Skrillex following the trio’s big night in NYC at Madison Square Garden a couple of months ago when they performed a five-hour B2B marathon.

Coachella 2023

Outside Lands 2022: Tough conflicts, must-see acts, what to drink & our very own scavenger hunt

Outside Lands 2022Photo by Marc Fong // Written by Molly Kish & Kevin Quandt //

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 5th-7th, 2022 //

Outside Lands takes over Golden Gate Park this weekend in celebration of its 14th year. Growing in fans and footprint since 2007, it has become a pilar of the Bay Area music scene and remains widely known as one of the country’s top-rated festivals. OSL kicks off August with three-jam packed days of music, food, art and magic, and this year’s edition aims to maintain its legacy while also continuing to diversify the fest’s roster of genre-expanding talent.

Changes for this year include several new lounges, an expanded SOMA Tent and augmented-reality installations throughout the festival grounds. Food vendors appear to have a larger presence, and the Outsider Art showcases have returned with live painting, balloon art and crowd-controlled AV pathways.

With the lineup being stacked, there are definitely plenty of tough conflicts, many of which are forcing attendees to make some tough decisions. To help you navigate OSL 2022, we put together a guide of recommendations and scavenger hunt (PRINT HERE) so you can get the most out of the experience.

Plus, don’t forget to create your own schedule here!

Outside Lands 2022 - SOMA Tent

Tough Conflicts

Like death and taxes, one thing is for certain at any given music festival: the dreaded schedule conflicts that can dampen many attendees’ plans to see all their favorite artists. Unless you plan to work on your GGP sprinting skills, you’ll likely be forced to make some rather difficult decisions. Below, you’ll find a few of our toughest conflicts.

Dayglow (Friday, 5:20 p.m. Twin Peaks) vs. Washed Out (Friday, 5:20 p.m. Sutro)

This is kind of an interesting conflict as sonically, these two artists aren’t super far away from each other, yet a decade separates their rise to success. Dayglow, aka Sloane Struble, is a young Texan that continues to build his brand of throwback indie-pop in exciting ways that has been making waves with the younger demographic that is likely to be in strong attendance. His earworm tracks certainly bear influence from bands like Phoenix and Foster the People. I also have to believe Struble is keen on Washed Out in his formative years, hence why this conflict will be tough for the crowd and artist alike.

It’s been a couple years since the release of Washed Out’s last album, but that doesn’t mean the “godfather of chillwave” still can’t draw a crowd. It has been 13 years since this artist cemented his hipster status with “Feel It All Around” being featured as the opening track to the TV series “Portlandia”. Will we see a “generational divide” in the crowd between these two sets?

Green Day (Saturday, 8:25 p.m. Lands End) vs. Polo & Pan (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Sutro)

It’s no big surprise that GD is up against one of the more popular dance acts on the bill for this year. The tricky part here is that both acts are simply crushing it with their current live show., Billie Joe and company put on one helluva headline performance at Lollapalooza over the past weekend, and you can surely bet they’ll only want to top it for their hometown crowd. That’s no easy feat as the power trio is widely known for their crowd interplay, covers and wall-to-wall energy.

Strike that 90’s punk angst against the French swagger of Polo & Pan, and we’ve got a real “Sophie’s choice” on our hands here. The Saturday party crowd is sure to be assembled in Lindley Meadow to hear the tropical-laced French house that is simply infectious.

Dixon (Sunday 3:30 p.m. SOMA Tent) vs. Wet Leg (Sunday 4 p.m. Sutro)

Sure, these two artists bring radically different music, so many fans of these acts won’t see this as a conflict. However, German powerhouse DJ Dixon is always worth catching, especially in the newly expanded SOMA Tent. Expect a pummeling mixture of techno and house, chock full of dramatic emotions that may transport you to the storied Berghain in Berlin. On the other hand, Wet Leg continue their dominant year as the tongue-in-cheek indie darlings hailing from Isle of Wight. Sure, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers are still earning confidence onstage, but if you’re looking for more light-hearted guitar rock, head to Sutro.


Outside Lands 2022 - Illenium

Must-See Acts

Artist: Robert Glasper
Set date/time: Saturday, 2:50-3:40 p.m.
Location: Sutro

We’re thrilled to see some jazz make its way onto the OSL bill in 2022, and Glasper was a keen choice as he steps out to make a bigger name for himself after being a sideman for far too long. Even if the name isn’t recognizable, there’s little doubt that you’ve heard his playing on many of your favorite hip-hop releases of the past 10 years. He recently made waves at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa this past weekend, playing in multiple configurations with various jazz and hip-hop stars. It wouldn’t surprise us if Dave Chappelle or Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) made a brief appearance for this afternoon set.

Artist: Illenium
Set date/time: Sunday, 8:20-9:35 p.m.
Location: Twin Peaks

It hasn’t been more than four years since we’ve seen Illenium grace the OSL bill, and we’ve included this selection as it’s billed as a “Special Hometown Performance.” What exactly does this mean? To be honest, we aren’t sure but are certainly curious to see what added production or even special guests Illenium may include. His bass-heavy selections that run the gamut of future bass to beat-driven pop-punk will certainly please the younger crowd, but his recent prevalence in the Las Vegas nightclub scene could pull the 30-something tech crowd to finish their weekend at Twin Peaks. Wonder who will have more lasers: Illenium or Posty? A laser battle in Golden Gate Park is the stuff we dream of, right?


Outside Lands 2022 - Beer Lands

Beer Lands

There’s little doubt that the masses that will stampede Golden Gate Park over the next three days will arrive thirsty. Literally. The beer-swilling variety know where to go for all things craft brews, and this year is no exception as the ever-changing list of breweries offers all our local favorites alongside some fresh choices. Also, don’t be fooled by the name, as Beer Lands offers options for cider (i.e. Ace and Golden State) and hard kombucha (i.e. Strainge Beast).

New to the “Beer Lineup” this year is a nice mix of up-and-coming local breweries. Santa Cruz’s buzzy Humble Sea will make their debut and are likely to offer some of their DDH hazy IPAs that have put them on the map in the past couple of years. SF’s Laughing Monk has no shortage of varieties to offer to attendees, but we think their Peach Kettle Sour or Prophetess Blonde Ale would go down easy in the polo fields. Old Caz Beer, out of Rohnert Park, are a young brew crew with a lot to offer, so keep your eyes peeled for potentially pouring their RPX Pale Ale and maybe they’ll even bring their Lavender Radler or Pineapple Seltzer. Golden State Cider of Sonoma will make their debut in 2022, yet the question remains if they will bring their Mighty Dry, Brut, Jamaica, Ginger Grass or maybe something exclusive to the festival. Come thirsty, my friends.

OUTSIDE LANDS 2022 SCAVENGER HUNT: PRINT HERE

Outside Lands - updated 2022 lineup

Outside Lands returns this August as Green Day, Post Malone & SZA lead the charge at Golden Gate Park in 2022

Outside Lands - 2022 lineup

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 5th-7th, 2022 //

With festival season heating up last week as Coachella kicked off the first of its two weekends to end a three-year hiatus, it’s time for Outside Lands to reveal its own plans for 2022.

Because after being forced in 2021 to push back its 13th edition (read our review here) to Halloween weekend due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-day music festival is finally returning to its usual timing in early August and spring is when we normally anticipate the lineup dropping every year.

But the 14th installment of SF’s signature event has a slightly different feel than in years past as Green Day, Post Malone and SZA earn headlining duties with Jack Harlow, Weezer, Phoebe Bridgers, Illenium, Lil Uzi Vert, Kali Uchis, Disclosure, Mitski, Polo & Pan and Anitta leading the undercard.

Though all three headliners will be topping the poster at OSL for the first time, Green Day’s set should carry a little extra weight given that the legacy act originally hails from the East Bay. Other noteworthy names on the bill, meanwhile, include Dominic Fike, Oliver Tree, Mac DeMarco, Pusha T, Mt. Joy, Kim Petras, Local Natives, The Marías, Parcels, Dayglow, Purple Disco Machine, Hiatus Kaiyote, Washed Out, Ashe, Surf Mesa, Wet Leg, Sam Fender, Role Model, Baby Tate, The Backseat Lovers, Amber Mark, Best Coast, Franc Moody, Pussy Riot, Duckwrth, Empress Of and Rostam.

And for those who are fans of all things dance and electronic music, the SOMA Tent featuring Claude VonStroke, Dixon, TOKiMONSTA and more should be quite the party. Check out the poster above for the rest of the artists slated to perform.

Three-day GA and VIP passes go on sale for $399 and $899 this Wednesday, April 20th at 10 a.m. PT with payment plans available for both so pick up your tickets here and don’t miss out on our coverage over the years here.

Outside Lands 2022 - daily lineups

UPDATE (May 17th): OSL has released its daily lineups for 2022, with SZA headlining the festival on Friday, Green Day rocking Saturday and Post Malone performing Sunday to close up shop. Check out the daily schedules above before single-day tickets go on sale here for $175 (GA) and $395 (VIP) plus fees starting this Wednesday, May 18th at 10 a.m. PT. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a three-day ticket payment plan and putting down just $99 up front, your last chance to do so is Monday, May 23rd at 12 p.m. PT!

Outside Lands - updated 2022 lineup

UPDATE (July 11th): With less than a month to go before its return this summer, the fest has added a handful of new artists for 2022, including Rina Sawayama, The Linda Lindas, Symba and salem ilese, while also announcing the unfortunate news that Anitta will no longer perform. Time is quickly running out on your chance to buy OSL tickets, but they’re still available here for now!

The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Le Tigre, Phoebe Bridgers, Beach House & more give This Ain’t No Picnic new life in 2022

This Ain't No Picnic Festival 2022

This Ain’t No Picnic //
Brookside at the Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA
August 27th-28th, 2022 //

As we have said in this space before, it has not been an easy time for the live music industry by any stretch of the imagination. Whether you’re an artist, employee or fan, enduring 18 months without in-person events was painful to experience. So, maybe it’s fitting Goldenvoice is reviving a festival that hasn’t been around in almost 20 years at this point.

The renowned California concert promoter is bringing back This Ain’t No Picnic for the first time since 2002 and taking over the Brookside Golf Course at the Rose Bowl for two days in late August (warning: it will be hot) with a killer roster that screams “Pitchfork Fest!”

A couple of NYC indie-rock giants in The Strokes and LCD Soundsystem, who are currently in the middle of a 20-date residency at Brooklyn Steel, will serve as headliners while the fest’s undercard offers its own set of highlights starting with the reunion of Le Tigre, another NYC product who last reunited in 2016 to release “I’m with Her” as their latest single.

Other notable names bolstering the iconic indie music festival’s lineup in 2022 include Phoebe Bridgers, Beach House, Jorja Smith, Kaytranada, Jungle, IDLES, Isaiah Rashad, Sparks, Turnstile, Circle Jerks, Descendents, Caroline Polachek, Mac Demarco, Slowthai, Courtney Barnett, Four Tet + Floating Points, Tinashe, Earl Sweatshirt, Yves Tumor, Queen Naija, Honey Dijon, Sleep, Deafheaven and more. Peep the poster above for the rest of the artists scheduled to perform.

Making its debut at Oak Canyon Ranch in Silverado where past incarnations of Lightning in a Bottle and other music festivals in the Southern California area have also taken place, This Ain’t No Picnic exposed the raw energy of punk-leaning, indie darlings like Sonic Youth, Sleater-Kinney and Guided by Voices in 1999 before taking another step toward the mainstream by booking Beck, Yo La Tengo, Built to Spill, At the Drive-In and Modest Mouse for its 2000 edition.

With there being more optimism surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic heading into next year, you can bet that tickets for this one will go quick so make sure to sign up for the presale occurring on Thursday, December 9th at 10 a.m. PT here before they go on sale at 2 p.m. PT here. GA passes will be available for $299-$349, with VIP going for $799 and Clubhouse at an eye-opening $1,199. But if you’re looking to dance and sweat your ass off in the Pasadena heat, this is the only summer picnic you’ll want to be at!

This Ain't No Picnic 2022 - daily lineups

UPDATE (May 3rd): This Ain’t No Picnic has delivered daily lineups for its return this August, with LCD Soundsystem headlining Saturday and The Strokes closing out the two-day festival on Sunday. Single-day tickets go on sale this Friday, May 6th at 10 a.m. PT here.

This Ain't No Picnic 2022 - Saturday set times

This Ain't No Picnic 2022 - Sunday set times

UPDATE (August 8th): Set times are here! This Ain’t No Picnic has released its schedule with slightly more than two weeks to go while also announcing a few lineup changes, including the addition of Leon Vynehall on Saturday. Unfortunately due to visa issues, Logic1000 and Tems will not be able to perform as previously scheduled, but in the meantime, make sure to download the mobile app here and you can still grab tickets here!

Goldenvoice