Discussion on Reddit’s r/coachella highlights a notable trend: Coachella frequently rebooks certain artists every few years rather than back-to-back. This stems from deep artist-Goldenvoice relationships, artists’ consistent appeal, and the festival’s radius clause restricting competing festival appearances in North America from December 15 to May 1.
Acts like Justice and Tame Impala, first supported early in their careers, now return regularly as major draws. Festivalgoers often appreciate watching artists progress up the lineup rather than seeing repetitive bookings. While some see it as repetitive, others recognize it reflects a small fraction of the roster and practical festival logistics.
Notably, the radius clause has faced legal challenges, including a high-profile 2018 antitrust lawsuit filed by another festival organizer. The case proceeded after a 2019 appeals court reversal but has not stopped Coachella’s booking approach. Overall, Goldenvoice’s balancing act between fresh talent and dependable headliners remains key to co-curating Coachella’s iconic weekend vibe.
Source: r/coachella