As the first weekend of the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off, a swirl of rumors has overtaken the desert air: whispers suggest that not one, but two legendary rock outfits—Nirvana and Foo Fighters—could make surprise appearances.
Known for its jaw-dropping cameos and unexpected musical reunions, Coachella has always been fertile ground for surprises, but this year’s festival may outdo itself. With a lineup already shaken by several last-minute changes and unexpected artist withdrawals, speculation has reached a fever pitch.
Held over two weekends, April 11–13 and April 18–20, in Indio, California, Coachella 2025 has had to roll with the punches. British avant-pop star FKA Twigs was forced to cancel her highly anticipated performances due to visa complications surrounding her team’s handling of international travel paperwork. She had been scheduled to debut tracks from her forthcoming album Eusexua.
To fill the void, organizers acted swiftly, recruiting Weezer and Ed Sheeran to step in. Weezer will now play on the first Saturday at the Mojave Tent, while Ed Sheeran is set to serenade fans on Saturday of the second weekend.
Further shake-ups followed when Brazilian sensation Anitta withdrew due to personal reasons, and hardcore punk band Gel disbanded just days before their scheduled appearance. Despite these disruptions, Coachella’s core remains strong, with Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott headlining. Additional sets by Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, and Missy Elliott ensure a rich, genre-spanning musical experience.
But it’s the under-the-radar buzz that’s stirring the most excitement. Recent performances by Nirvana’s surviving members—Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear—have reignited fan hopes. At Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Concert earlier this year, the trio shocked fans by reuniting to perform “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with none other than Post Malone on vocals. Introduced cheekily by Adam Sandler as “Post Nirvana,” the performance became a viral moment.
That reunion wasn’t a one-off. Just weeks prior, the same trio joined Joan Jett, St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Violet Grohl for a benefit concert in Los Angeles. These appearances—combined with Post Malone’s existing Coachella set and his well-documented love for Nirvana—have led fans and insiders alike to wonder: Could another on-stage collaboration be in store?
Meanwhile, Foo Fighters, though reportedly canceling their 2025 tour plans following personal developments in Grohl’s life, are still a fan favorite when it comes to surprise appearances. With Coachella known for keeping tight-lipped about special sets until moments before showtime, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from festival organizers or the artists themselves. But with so many moving parts and a demonstrated willingness to throw surprises into the mix, the idea of a Nirvana mini-reunion or Foo Fighters cameo is not only plausible—it’s the exact kind of seismic jolt Coachella is famous for delivering.
