When Did Coachella Start Spanning Two Weekends?
Hello there, music lovers! Today, we're diving into the fascinating history of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, more popularly known as Coachella. We're going to answer the burning question: when did Coachella start doing two weekends? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and when did coachella start doing 2 weekends.
A Brief History of Coachella
Before we jump into the two-weekend phenomenon, let's rewind to the beginning. Coachella was born in 1999, organized by Paul Tollett of Goldenvoice. The first festival was a one-day event headlined by none other than R.E.M., Beck, and Tool. It was a roaring success, but little did we know, it was just the start of something much bigger.
The Single Weekend Era (1999-2011)
For its first 13 years, Coachella was a single weekend affair, typically held in late April. It quickly grew from a one-day event to a three-day festival, attracting some of the biggest names in music. From 2005 onwards, it became a two-day weekend, with the addition of a Sunday lineup.
The Game-Changer: Two Weekends (2012-Present)
The Decision to Expand
In 2012, Coachella made a monumental decision that would change the festival landscape forever. Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets, Coachella started doing two weekends for the first time. The second weekend, dubbed "Weekend 2," offered the same lineup as the first, with a few exceptions.
The First Bi-Coastal Coachella
The inaugural two-weekend Coachella took place on April 13-15 and April 20-22, 2012. The Drums, a British rock band, were the only act to play both weekends. The rest of the lineup was a mix of acts that played one weekend or the other.
Growing Pains and Success
The first two-weekend Coachella wasn't without its hiccups. Some artists expressed frustration at having to play the same set twice, while others embraced the challenge. Despite the growing pains, the experiment was a resounding success. Tickets for both weekends sold out in record time, proving that there was a strong appetite for a second weekend.
Coachella's Two-Weekend Format Today
Today, Coachella's two-weekend format is as much a part of the festival's identity as its iconic hot air balloon and towering art installations. It allows more fans to experience the magic of Coachella, and it's a boon for artists, who get to reach a wider audience.
Why Two Weekends Matter
The two-weekend format has had a significant impact on the music industry. It's created a new revenue stream for festivals, allowing them to book bigger acts and invest in better production. It's also given artists more exposure, with performances from both weekends often making headlines and going viral.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, it's clear that Coachella's two-weekend format is here to stay. It's become a staple of the festival season, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world. So, the next time you're dancing to your favorite band in the Indio sun, remember that you're part of a unique piece of music history.
When did Coachella start doing two weekends? It was in 2012, marking a significant shift in the festival landscape. And we, the music lovers, are all the better for it.