Lana Del Rey’s highly anticipated headline set at Coachella 2024 seemed to suggest that it would revolve around a narrative arc of redemption. She posted a billboard on the highway leading to the festival, referring to her mercilessly crucified performance on SNL in 2012. The billboard asked the question, “Has anyone else died for you?” in a way that satirised the advertising hoardings that populate America’s Bible Belt.
When Del Rey finally arrived on stage, it was as if she was surveying all she had done and achieved over the last 12 years, instead of focusing on redemption. Her setlist spanned her entire discography and included some hidden gems rarely played live, such as the hazy song “West Coast” and her interpretation of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time”. Although she had some technical issues, she remained true to her style and eschewed gimmicks.
Del Rey’s performance centred on the artistry of her music and approach instead of energetic performances. She arrived on stage via a motorcade of motorbikes, entering a stage that was built to resemble a palatial old mansion. She was accompanied by dancers moving down the grand staircases, and guests joined her for a few moments. The performances’ beauty lay in the small details, like the performer lying back on her dancers for “Pretty When You Cry”, or her leaning into the “Bartender” narrative, briefly checking her appearance in a mirror while the performers around her ventured into choreography that felt almost occultist.
Jack Antonoff made a virtual appearance for “Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have – But I Have It.” He sat behind the piano, joining the hologram version of Del Rey, which spun slowly and gracefully in one spot, and others, like Billie Eilish and Jon Batiste, joined her for duets. The two sang their respective breakthrough songs, “Ocean Eyes” and “Video Games.” Del Rey reminded the crowd that Eilish is “the voice of our generation,” to which Eilish bluntly replied, “This is the reason for half of your bitches’ existence.”
In conclusion, Lana Del Rey’s set showcased her entire career and unique artistry. It was not about redemption, as she had hinted, but rather a celebration of a star who stays true to herself
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