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Reggie Watts has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the Coachella music festival. Taking to Instagram, the musician and comedian shared his critical perspective on the festival, which is set to commence its second weekend shortly.
Watts reflected on his experiences at Coachella, stating, “Having attended the festival several times, I’ve noticed that while its scale is striking, the essence seems to be diminishing.” He described the event as becoming increasingly complicated and impersonal, marked by numerous checkpoints, intricate wristband systems, and an abundance of security personnel. “Festivalgoers often navigate the grounds like living credit cards, moving from one branded activation to another,” he added.
He further elaborated, “The festival atmosphere lacks a genuine affection for attendees. There’s a discernible absence of care or respect. It feels more like a selection of vibes tailored for influencer culture. Occasionally, you may witness authentic moments, such as an artist passionately performing or a brief connection with fellow attendees, although these instances tend to get overshadowed by the chaos—a mere glimpse lost beneath the weight of logistical challenges and commercialism.”
He did not shy away from addressing the environmental impact of the festival, noting, “There’s a considerable amount of waste produced—plastic and trash scatter across the desert landscape. The departure experience is particularly disheartening, characterized by dust storms and a frenetic atmosphere as attendees rush to secure their wristbands, creating an overall feeling that the experience was transactional rather than communal.”
Watts concluded his thoughts with a call to action, suggesting, “There are more meaningful ways to organize such events. Independent festivals with passionate management exist—those that truly respect the music, the artists, and the audience. These events cultivate environments where a real sense of community can flourish. That is where the true magic lies and is certainly worthy of our support.”
Many artists have resonated with Watts’ sentiments, including Alison Mosshart of The Kills, who remarked, “Well said, Reggie.”
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In the previous year, Watts collaborated to introduce Flight Facilities at Coachella, and this year, he presented a performance titled “MuSick: Live from Reggie Watts’ Couch” at the Act Hotel in Palm Springs. This event was organized in partnership with Billboard, Amazon Pharmacy, and Amazon One Medical. Before the performance, Watts clarified his decision to participate, stating it was “not a choice I made lightly.”
This year’s lineup at Coachella features an array of prominent artists, including Lady Gaga, Green Day, Benson Boone, Jennie, Charli XCX, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, and Peso Pluma.
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www.rollingstone.com