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The 15 best things we saw at Coachella 2024

August Brown, Vanessa Franko, Nate Jackson , Mikael Wood and Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times on

Published in Entertainment News

No Doubt— the beloved ska-punk band from Anaheim that exploded with 1995’s “Tragic Kingdom,” making Gwen Stefani a major pop star, before eventually drifting apart in 2015 — returned to a hero’s welcome at Coachella Saturday night. Repertoire-wise, the band stuck to the classics — “Hella Good,” “Ex-Girlfriend,” “Underneath It All,” “Spiderwebs” — and reached back for the thrashing “Total Hate ’95” (originally a duet with Sublime’s Nowell) and for a cover of Madness’ “One Step Beyond.” — M.W.

Best ‘90s reunion we didn’t expect: Fugees at YG Marley

It’s not surprising that YG Marley brought his mother, Ms. Lauryn Hill, to join him on stage, but the addition of Wyclef Jean and a handful of Fugees hits that follow create a frenzy among the crowd, who effortlessly recite every word of “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not” and “No Woman, No Cry.” —Danielle Dorsey

E for effort: Sabrina Carpenter

The sun was still up Friday when she performed, but Carpenter already had put more effort into her set than some past Coachella headliners. She took the stage in front of the facade of a blue roadside motel with one room destroyed by an errant car crash, plus a dozen backup dancers, a full rock band behind them and a platform riser worthy of an arena set denouement. Clearly, she learned from the best as a recent opener on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. — A.B.

Most out-of-this-world set: J Balvin

 

What could make J Balvin’s intergalactic set full of neon lasers, alien heads and chrome spaceships feel even more out of this world? How about a cameo from Will Smith coming out to rap along to the song “Men In Black” like it’s 1997? — Nate Jackson

Best use of pool floaties: The Aquabats

The Aquabats’ Saturday turn in the Sonora Tent just may rank as one of the most fun in the festival’s history. The costumed ska-punk band kicked things off with “Pool Party,” complete with beach balls thrown out into the crowd. Then the creatures of “Yo Gabba Gabba” showed up. And when the band played “Pizza Day,” at least four giant pizza slice pool floats were tossed into the crowd. — Vanessa Franko

Most unexpected guest appearance: Paris Hilton with Vampire Weekend

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©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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