Coachella 2013 Day Two Recap: Phoenix Rock with R. Kelly, Postal Service Unite the Masses + More
The big question mark on Saturday at Coachella 2013 was whether Daft Punk would make an appearance. Well, they didn't. However, fellow French group Phoenix did get an unexpected visitor in the form of R. Kelly, so fans craving a dramatic moment at least left feeling somewhat pleased. As for their set, Phoenix attracted a massive audience and gave a strong performance as major festival headliners, nicely blending old standards ('Lasso,' 'Long Distance Call,' '1901') and tracks from their forthcoming new album. Scroll down to read about Diffuser's other award-winning sets and see exclusive photos from day two of Coachella 2013.
Biggest Spectacle: Major Lazer and 2 Chainz (Tie)
Saturdays Mojave stage sets by Major Lazer and 2 Chainz both saw the crowd from the Sahara stage merge with the smaller tent to form a kind of super-tent, where the massive audience was treated to all spectacle with little substance. Before taking the stage, 2 Chainz hyped up the crowd considerably by letting his band build anticipation. Alas, this resulted in a bit of a bridge to nowhere, as he remained absent for another 10 minutes. Major Lazer, on the other hand, did not keep the crowd wanting for anything, as leader Diplo has become as much of a hype-man as a DJ. He even went into the audience in a rubber ball, a la Wayne Coyne.
Best New Artist: Savages
You know that hype you've heard about Savages? They deserve every bit of it. The London-based female foursome was all intensity and fury, and if the ladies were nervous, they powered through with a performance as blistering hot as the scorching sun many were fleeing inside their tent. Believe everything you hear about Savages, and catch them in the small rooms while you can.
Best Set You Never Need to See Again: The Postal Service
The live translation of the Postal Service's beloved electro-pop was everything we could have wanted, as the group played most of its sole album, 'Give Up,' and created a moment of festival-wide togetherness, as fans from all demographics spread across the polo fields for their feel-good set. It was also the type of thing that once off the bucket list is probably unnecessary to relive, as Ben Gibbard and co. satisfied appetites sufficiently in one helping.
Other standouts from Saturday at Coachella 2013 included Sigur Ros, the xx, El-P, the Make-Up, Grizzly Bear and Janelle Monae. Check out photos of these and more below.