The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has grown into one of the most iconic music events in the world, but its story begins humbly in the California desert. The inaugural Coachella Festival took place on October 9–10, 1999, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen of the renowned music promotion company Goldenvoice, the festival aimed to bring a fresh, genre-defying experience to music lovers in the United States. Unlike other large-scale events, Coachella was designed to prioritize comfort, diversity, and innovation, standing in sharp contrast to the chaos of Woodstock ’99, which had plagued attendees just months earlier.
The concept for Coachella was inspired by European festivals, including the legendary Glastonbury in England. Tollett and Van Santen saw an opportunity to create a multi-day festival that offered more than mainstream pop performances—an event where rock, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental acts could share the same stage. The location itself, the Empire Polo Club, proved ideal after a 1993 Pearl Jam concert demonstrated that the venue could support a large-scale music event while maintaining an intimate and organized atmosphere.
The festival’s name, “Coachella,” is rooted in the region’s history rather than the festival itself. The valley takes its name from the Cahuilla Indians, the original inhabitants of the area. Historically, the region was also referred to as “Conchilla,” Spanish for “little shells,” a nod to the fossilized shells scattered throughout the desert terrain. Over time, the spelling evolved—likely due to a map or printing error—and became official on maps by 1909.
The very first Coachella lineup reflected the festival’s commitment to diversity and experimentation. The headliners—Beck, Rage Against the Machine, and Tool—offered a mix of alternative rock, hard-hitting riffs, and experimental sounds that captured the spirit of the late 1990s music scene. Supporting acts expanded the festival’s sonic palette, including A Perfect Circle, At the Drive-In, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, DJ Shadow, Jurassic 5, Modest Mouse, Moby, Morrissey, Pavement, and Underworld. Electronic music fans were equally well-served, with performances by artists such as A-Trak, Autechre, Bassbin Twins, BT, Carl Craig Innerzone Orchestra, Derrick May, DJ Cam, DJ Food, DJ Rap, Esthero, Fantastic Plastic Machine, GusGus, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Kid Koala, Kool Keith, Lamb, Los Amigos Invisibles, LTJ Bukem, Luke Vibert, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mix Master Mike, Money Mark, Mr. Scruff, Nightmares on Wax, Perry Farrell, Plastikman, Qbert, Rahzel, Richie Hawtin, Roni Size, Sandra Collins, Scratch Perverts, Simply Jeff, Spiritualized, Super Furry Animals, Thievery Corporation, The Art of Noise, The Wiseguys, Ugly Duckling, and µ-Ziq. This eclectic mix of performers established Coachella as a festival where musical boundaries were constantly challenged and expanded.
Over the years, Coachella has evolved into more than just a music festival; it has become a cultural phenomenon that blends art, fashion, technology, and social experience. Each year, the festival attracts attendees from around the globe, drawn not only by the impressive lineup but also by the unique desert atmosphere, large-scale art installations, and immersive experiences. What began as a modest two-day event in 1999 has grown into a multi-weekend cultural landmark, showcasing both established superstars and emerging talent across countless genres.
For fans of live music, the spirit of Coachella is perfectly captured every week at Coachella Music Festival Live, where every song played is sourced from real Coachella performances over the years. From unforgettable headliners to underground sets that defined a generation, Coachella Music Festival Live delivers the essence of the festival right into listeners’ homes, bringing the desert stage to life with authentic energy and legendary performances.
Whether you’re revisiting the groundbreaking performances of the late 1990s or experiencing current-day Coachella sets, the festival’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to musical exploration and cultural celebration. Its history—from the first Empire Polo Club event to today’s multi-stage extravaganza—offers a masterclass in how a well-curated festival can define an era, influence global music trends, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Coachella’s legacy is more than just the music; it’s about the connection between artist and audience, the evolution of sound, and the celebration of creativity in all its forms. Each year, the festival continues to inspire new generations of music lovers, proving that a desert in California can become the heartbeat of a global music movement.