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The best, worst and megachurch-iest of Stagecoach Day 2

BBG News

Just a few days following Coachella’s end, the Stagecoach country music festival has once more attracted a vast number of attendees (in the tens of thousands) to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, which is now primarily devoid of grass. This three-day celebration started on Friday and will continue until Sunday evening, with Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs as headliners. I’ll be here throughout the weekend, providing you updates on both the highs and the lows in real time. Here’s a recap of Day 2:

An oasis in the desert

Jelly Roll, early in his headlining show, declared it was the largest one he’d ever led in his career. More than just entertaining, he saw this as an exceptional moment: “I never thought God would guide a boy from Tennessee to the desert of Southern California,” he continued, his voice swelling like a preacher’s, “to conduct a Saturday night service, using music to mend the broken.

In line with this presentation, the tattooed rapper-turned-singer, known for his facial ink, performed solemn renditions of his songs “Son of a Sinner” and “I Am Not Okay,” which are deeply rooted in his experiences with drugs and imprisonment, depicting tales of redemption. To add to the mix, he invited real-life worship leader Brandon Lake on stage to sing their collaborative Christian music hit, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The stage design mirrored a gas station, complete with a neon sign declaring that Jesus saves – essentially symbolizing a sanctuary amidst a desert.

Music

On Friday, Lana Del Rey, Zach Bryan, Paris Hilton, and Mumford & Sons each took the stage at the massive country festival held in Indio, California.

Jelly Roll took a break for some worldly delights: collaborations with BigXthaPlug and Wiz Khalifa that echoed his hip-hop heritage, and a performance by MGK, who delivered his catchy pop-punk number “My Ex’s Best Friend” in typical rebellious fashion. He also invited Alex Warren on stage to perform the melancholic ballad “Ordinary,” as well as debut a fresh duet between them titled “Oh My Brother.” (It seemed like an Imagine Dragons-inspired piece.)

At the end of his performance, Jelly Roll invited Lana Del Rey on stage for a spiritual finale, singing “Save Me” together while it appeared to rain around them. Although Lana’s delicate vocals seemed inappropriate for the song, requiring an unselfconscious tone that isn’t characteristic of her style, Jelly Roll’s obvious excitement at sharing the stage with her made it easy to overlook any discrepancies.

With arms wide open

On Saturday night, the powerful energy of the megachurch carried over to the Palomino tent with Creed’s performance, where lead singer Scott Stapp adopted various messianic stances as his bandmates played the gospel-infused grunge riffs from “One Last Breath” and “Higher”. During the latter song, Creed was joined by pop-soul sensation Tori Kelly – one of the many young adults who have kept Creed relevant a quarter-century after their peak commercial success.

Five minutes backstage with Koe Wetzel

I heard a rumor that Lana Del Rey mentioned kissing your friend Morgan Wallen during a performance at Stagecoach on Friday. Is that true? If it is, more power to them!

What tune do you think should be the very first one your newborn hears? Perhaps something like “Island in the Sun” by Weezer, with its positive energy?

In another words, you shared a photo from the other day showing you and Bailey Zimmerman having fun at Billy Bob’s in Texas. In the picture, he appears to be sipping on a Twisted Tea. However, I’m not certain about our conversation that night. We went to a bar, and it seemed like his manager warned him against going out with me. After we finished performing, things got quite chaotic — almost like a blackout situation. Personally, I’m not a fan of Twisted Tea. Nevertheless, Bailey is still young, and I recall being that age myself and drinking it too. So, I can’t really blame him for enjoying it.

What’s an adult beverage you’ve sworn off?
I will never drink Rumple Minze ever again.

Last year, Jessie Murph posted on TikTok saying some of your fans had called her a rat for appearing in your song “High Road”. She then suggested they listen to the solo version and get their DUIs (Driving Under the Influence). What are your thoughts on this?
She’s tough and assertive. Kudos to her! For those who were talking nonsense, I suggest you take a look in the mirror.

In the process of creating songs for your “9 Lives” album, you collaborated with Amy Allen who has also contributed to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet.” Is it safe to assume that you enjoy listening to Sabrina’s album? Well, I’d be dishonest if I claimed not to groove along with it. I’m a fan of hers.

At the present moment, there’s no ongoing feud or conflict with any other musician that I know of. Generally speaking, I get along quite well with most people in the music world. If someone tells you otherwise, feel free to pass the information on to me – we can always work it out!

As a movie critic, I recently shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse from our studio, and the latest track that we’ve produced is particularly captivating. This new composition delves into the chilling tale of a notorious serial killer, painting a haunting picture with its melody.

What’s a tattoo you wish you hadn’t gotten? For me, it’s the “2020 Sucks” on my leg. I was extremely intoxicated when I got it, and I woke up the next day with a sobering realization: that design is permanently etched onto my skin now.

Best cover version heard so far

During her second show at Stagecoach for the day, Tiera Kennedy gracefully danced to SWV’s popular track “Weak,” while donning an Aaliyah tribute T-shirt.

Second-best cover version heard so far

I had the privilege of gracing the main stage under the warm glow of sunset, channeling the enigmatic and contented ambiance of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” as Ashley McBryde. It was a moment of pure connection with both the song and the audience.

Imagine that

As Johnny Blue Skies, I stepped onto the Stagecoach stage following last year’s “Passage du Desir” tour. With my four-piece band in tow, we delivered an hour of soulful boogie-rock tunes that echoed the Allman Brothers with a dash of Booker T. & the M.G.’s’ groove. When it came to covers, I gave a heartfelt rendition of William Bell’s timeless early ’60s soul hit, “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” and a poignant take on Eddie Murphy’s “Party All the Time.

Still tipsy

Just like T-Pain had a triple win on Fridays, Shaboozey pulled off an exceptional Indio trifecta over the weekend, gracing the main stage at Stagecoach after slaying both weekends of Coachella. It’s no wonder he donned three sparkling belt buckles as part of his stylish denim ensemble! As a die-hard fan of Bob Dylan’s music, I was particularly moved when Shaboozey sang an emotional rendition of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” which he considers one of the greatest songs ever written. He even brought Sierra Ferrell onto the stage to perform “Hail Mary.” Of course, the night couldn’t end without him belting out his 2024 smash hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” a tune that spent an impressive 19 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100 last year. After the Grammy Awards in February, it seemed like Shaboozey had grown weary of “Tipsy’s” folksy charm. But here, with thousands joining him in song, he appeared reinvigorated and ready to keep the party going!

A flashy visitor

One striking example of Stagecoach‘s transformation from its initial years is evident in Scott Storch’s performance at Diplo’s HonkyTonk. In this venue, the renowned producer and songwriter was introduced by his Don Julio-swigging hype man as the one who had relationships with both Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. With sunglasses concealing his gaze, Storch positioned himself behind a Korg Kronos synthesizer and performed some of the catchy pop and R&B tunes he co-created in the early 2000s, including Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” for which he dramatically tore a cigarette moments before playing.

Five minutes backstage with Dasha

Are you asking about the sequence of events in the song “Austin”? The narrator lived in Los Angeles initially, then moved to Austin (or Nashville, as it was originally intended), and is now considering a move back to Los Angeles.

Hmm. Is it true that things don’t rhyme with Nashville?
Cashville? Hashville?

Which one would you prefer: Being 10% more intelligent or having a 10% increase in humor? I’d go for the latter since I already consider myself quite smart, but it seems that wit requires some intelligence too!

What was the last task you recently asked ChatGPT to help with?

Throwback to your L.A. days: Ralphs or Vons?
I’m more of a Trader Joe’s girl.

Most hated freeway?
The 10 is f—ing terrible.

Do you consider yourself a theater kid?
Yes — a thespian, all the way.

Is the term “theater kid” considered offensive?

While some people may use it as an insult, to me, it’s the highest form of praise. Before I step onto the stage with my band and dancers, I tell them, “Broadway, everyone — it’s Broadway.” I embody my musical-theater persona on stage, as if I’m playing a character in a musical production.

What’s a musical you’d like to be in but you haven’t yet?
I’m dying to play Sandy in “Grease.”

How many unread text messages do you have?
823.

Apart from you, do any members of our team also know the passcode for your phone?

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2025-04-27 22:31

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