Coachella 2012: A spectacle, a specter and the triumphant returns of At the Drive-In and the Hives
Kevin Bronson on
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Coachella raised the dead on Sunday night.
On the final day of Weekend 1 of 2012’s doubleheader in the desert, a mind-blowing headlining set from Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg – with a host of guests including Eminem – featured a cameo from Tupac Shakur, the seminal rapper who was killed in 1996. His appearance came via a holographic image that alternately thrilled and freaked out a massive crowd high on historic hip-hop, and its accompanying aromas.
The careers of two long-silent rock bands may have been resurrected on Sunday, too – At the Drive-In’s reunion show that preceded Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg showed how much hard rock has missed the edgy Texans, and Swedish showmen the Hives announced their return in audaciously hilarious fashion.
Elsewhere, Justice and Calvin Harris led the dance music charge; the Weeknd made its much-ballyhooed debut; Gotye and Santigold certified their star quality; and L.A. locals Fitz & the Tantrums and the Growlers established themselves as festival faves. Following are Buzz Bands LA’s review of select Sunday sets.
Nice, kroq Ken, front and center.