Coachella 2025: Kerala’s Drummers, Queen’s Brian May, and Iconic Lady Gaga Performance Steal Show

Coachella is an annual music and arts festival held in Indio, California, that attracts visitors to the desert from across the world. It is known to have featured some of the greatest artist lineups, witnessed jaw-dropping performances and has on display a variety of immersive art installations.

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We round up some of the standout moments of the first weekend of Coachella 2025.

Benson Boone Brings On Brian May To Perform Bohemian Rhapsody

Rapidly rising artist Benson Boone gave fans a surprise by bringing on Queen’s lead guitarist Brian May to perform the famous guitar solo of the song that’s achieved cult status - Bohemian Rhapsody.

Performing alongside a choir, the May rose from beneath centre-stage mid-song and then joined Boone later to perform the latter’s original song, Beautiful Things, as well.

Clips from the performance went viral soon. However, some pointed out that one of the disappointing bits was that the crowds gave an underwhelming response to May, with others saying that Boone’s primarily young fandom is likely unaware of the musical genius and impact of Queen.

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Not to forget, Boone’s performance did feature him in his glittery ensemble and much-loved full flips from atop the piano.

Humankind Brings on Kerala’s Chenda Drummers for ‘Run It UP’

Indian rapper Hanumankind, who’s been making waves ever since his song ‘Big Dawgs’ became an international sensation, brought out a traditional chenda melam ensemble during his performance at Coachella.

Kerala-based percussion group Kochuveetil Beats came on stage in traditional white clothes, carrying their drums, and delivered an electrifying performance. They collaborated with Hanumankind for his song ‘Run It Up’, which has been a crowd favourite for a while.

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The cultural touch added a unique element to the song, and the collaboration was praised by many on social media.

Lady Gaga’s OTT Production Being Held As One Of The Greatest Ever

Singer Lady Gaga was the headliner for Day 1 of Coachella, and performed an elaborate set, complete with many costume changes and over-the-top production elements. The set was gothic, with elements ranging from dark to exuberant to artistic.

A full set comprising five acts, 21 songs, skulls, a chess-board dance-off battle and a tribute to late fashion designer Alexander McQueen were part of the singer’s performance.

“"I love you so much. I wanted to make a romantic gesture to you this year amid these times of mayhem. I decided to build you an opera house in the desert," Gaga said on stage.

Many publications hailed this as one of the greatest performances the festival has ever witnessed.

Among other highlights were Green Day changing the lyrics of their song in support of Palestine, Senator Bernie Sanders making a cameo, and Charli XCX bringing an array of surprise guests like Billie Eilish, Lorde and Troye Sivan.