Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Byrne opens Coachella set sitting at a table holding up a brain

The stunt was part of his performance of 'Here', off his latest album American Utopia

Clarisse Loughrey
Monday 16 April 2018 09:48 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David Byrne made the decision to open his set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival sitting at a table while holding a brain (a prop brain, not a real one - before you call the cops.)

The stunt was part of his performance of "Here", off his latest album American Utopia, which earned the musician his first top 10 album; it's also his first true solo LP in 14 years, with contributions from the likes of Brian Eno, Oneohtrix Point Never, Sampha, and Doveman. You can watch a clip below.


Of course, there was little anyone could do to upstage this year's headliner Beyoncé. Redefining the festival set, the musician became the first black woman to headline Coachella in a staggering compilation of her greatest hits; reuniting Destiny's Child, inviting Jay-Z to the stage, and breaking it down with her sister Solange.

It also joyfully saluted black musical culture: from HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) football half-time shows, New Orleans second line marches, and Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

It seemed there was no question after that night, as Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to declare: "Beyoncé is the greatest entertainer to ever live and the Queen of Music".

The festival also saw Eminem take to the stage, bringing along three key guests. First up was Bebe Rexha, who performed “The Monster”, a song she co-wrote but was originally performed by Rhianna.

Next was 50 Cent, who performed the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ track “Patiently Waiting” with Eminem, before launching into snippets of “I Get Money” and “In da Club”.

Beyonce thanks Coachella fans 'for allowing her to be first black woman to headline' festival

Finally came Dr. Dre, who previously appeared alongside Eminem when the rapper headlined Coachella in 2012. The duo began with “Still Dre” before launching into “Medicine Man” and “Forgot About Dre”.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in