Coachella Just Got Even Wilder: Weezer, Ed Sheeran & Surprise Sets Shake Up the Schedule
Coachella season is here — and it’s already heating up with unexpected additions, legendary artists, and a few surprise twists. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, already a heavy-hitter in the music world, just dropped its updated set times for both weekends, and fans are buzzing. Whether you're camping under the desert stars or watching from your phone screen, this year’s lineup has a little something for everyone — from classic rock anthems to chart-topping pop and gritty hip-hop.
🎸 Surprise Additions: Weezer & Ed Sheeran Join the Party
Let’s talk about some of the most jaw-dropping additions. First up, iconic alt-rockers Weezer have been slotted for a Saturday afternoon set (April 12) in the Mojave Tent at 3:10 p.m. Yes, you read that right — not a headline slot, but a sweet daytime appearance that’s bound to draw a massive crowd.
Weezer has been touring their debut self-titled album, also known as the "Blue Album", in its entirety — and if you’ve ever screamed “Buddy Holly” or “Say It Ain’t So” from your car window, this one’s for you. It’s been a while since the band dropped a full LP (the last being "Van Weezer" in 2021 and the quirky "SZNZ" EP series in 2022), so don’t be shocked if they sneak in a few unreleased tracks. This could be their testing ground for what’s next.
Then there’s the mega-pop surprise: Ed Sheeran will be taking the Mojave Tent stage too, but on Weekend 2 (April 19) at 3:00 p.m. sharp. That’s right — the guy who sells out stadiums worldwide is bringing his acoustic charm to one of Coachella’s cozier spots. It’s a unique, stripped-down opportunity to see Ed in an intimate setting. Honestly, the last time he played a venue this small might’ve been during his early pub days — or maybe that one random casino show not too long ago.
Sheeran’s currently promoting “Azizam,” a heartfelt single off his upcoming eighth studio album, "Play." With his uncanny ability to pull at heartstrings with just a loop pedal and a guitar, this set is a can't-miss, especially for fans craving a more mellow, emotional moment between the Coachella madness.
🚨 Plot Twist: FKA Twigs Cancels – But That Opens Doors
The festival got an unexpected curveball when FKA Twigs announced she was canceling her North American shows in April due to visa issues. As unfortunate as it is for fans of her experimental, genre-blending sound, her absence gave Coachella some extra flexibility with the schedule — and they’ve made good use of it.
In classic Coachella fashion, the empty slots haven’t stayed empty for long. In fact, the festival has a history of filling surprise openings with big-name, often first- or second-line performers who end up playing earlier-than-expected sets. It keeps things unpredictable, which is honestly part of the charm.
⚡Flashback to Surprise Sets: A Coachella Tradition
Coachella thrives on surprises — it’s kind of their thing. Just in the past few years, we’ve seen some absolutely epic last-minute sets that had fans sprinting across the polo grounds. Remember when Arcade Fire popped in for a daylight set? Or when Vampire Weekend unexpectedly jammed out while everyone was still half-asleep from the night before?
Let’s not forget the time YG Marley’s performance turned into an unofficial Fugees reunion — two-thirds of them, at least. That’s the kind of wild, unplanned energy that makes Coachella so legendary. You show up for one artist, and boom — you're witnessing music history.
🎤 Still Holding Strong: The Heavyweight Headliners
Even with the fresh additions and scheduling curveballs, Coachella’s major headliners are locked and loaded. Get ready for Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott to light up the night across both weekends. Each of these artists brings a different vibe, guaranteeing something electric no matter what genre you’re into.
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Lady Gaga is expected to blend spectacle with soul. She’s no stranger to Coachella (remember her jaw-dropping 2017 headline set?), and she’s rumored to be cooking up something cinematic for this year.
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Green Day, pop-punk royalty, will deliver high-octane nostalgia with new energy. These guys don’t just perform — they incite full-blown singalongs.
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Post Malone continues to evolve, and his Coachella performance will likely reflect his genre-blending style, mixing hip-hop, rock, and crooner vibes.
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And of course, Travis Scott, known for his chaotic and immersive live shows, will bring Astroworld energy back to the desert.
💡 What Makes This Year Stand Out?
Coachella 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books. Here’s why:
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Unexpected day sets from major artists like Weezer and Ed Sheeran? That’s a rare treat.
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Visa drama leads to creative lineup shuffling, keeping things dynamic and exciting.
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A perfect blend of nostalgia and new energy — whether it’s Green Day or SZA, there’s a generational mix happening that makes it one of the most inclusive and diverse Coachellas yet.
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Festival culture continues to shift, with fans now expecting the unexpected. Gone are the days where you only show up at sunset. Now, the early sets could be where the magic happens.
✨ Pro Tips: Don’t Miss the Early Stuff
If you’re heading to the Empire Polo Club this April, here’s some advice: Get there early. In past years, early-day slots have delivered some of the most memorable performances — without the sunburned crowd crush.
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Bring a blanket, claim a shady spot, and be open to discovering someone new or seeing a mega-star in a much more laid-back setting.
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Follow Coachella’s socials like a hawk. They’re known to tease surprise sets the day-of, and if you’re lucky, you might just stumble into something unforgettable.
🎶 Final Thoughts: The Desert Never Sleeps
From the powerhouses like Gaga and Posty to the chill, nostalgic hits of Weezer and the soft acoustic magic of Ed Sheeran, Coachella 2025 is pulling all the right strings. Add in the potential for more surprise appearances, schedule swaps, and spontaneous guest features, and you’ve got yourself a music lover’s dream.
Whether you’re in it for the vibes, the fashion, the art installations, or just to say you were there, this year’s festival is already proving it’s more than just a show — it’s a full-on cultural moment.
So, grab your sunscreen, dust off your best desert-fit, and get ready — because Coachella is coming in hot. 🔥
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