McCartney, Morrissey, Winehouse Lead Coachella Lineup

Posted on Jan 30th 2009 10:30AM by Steve Baltin
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The lineup for the tenth annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (the festival started in 1999 but skipped the year 2000) was announced this morning. And while by far the biggest name is Sir Paul McCartney making his first-ever U.S. festival appearance, leading to what is sure to be a Coachella classic moment as he leads tens of thousands in a singalong to 'Hey Jude' (you can picture it already), all eyes and tabloids will be on the return of Amy Winehouse to the States. The troubled British chanteuse will perform on Saturday, along with the Killers, TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes, MSTRKRFT, Henry Rollins, Drive-by Truckers, Turbonegro and more. Rounding out the marquee acts are the Cure, who will close out the final night.

This year's edition again offers a wide range of potential highlights, including Leonard Cohen's return to the West Coast (the recent Rock Hall inductee is playing his first U.S. show in 15 years this upcoming month in New York), My Bloody Valentine, Morrissey's return to the desert after being one of the headliners in Year One. Beirut, Black Keys, Silversun Pickups, Franz Ferdinand, the Crystal Method, Yeay Yeah Yeahs, Lupe Fiasco, Atmosphere, Paul Weller, Antony & the Johnsons, Public Enemy and Roni Size are all among the early bands slated as can't-misses.

One thing that is missing right now is the requisite Coachella band reunion, which in previous years has included the Stooges and Pixies, among others. Despite Internet rumors and the pleading of fans, we all have to accept that the Smiths thing just ain't happening; the other buzzed-about possible reunion has been the Replacements. But for now, no 'Mats and no Britney (who was much discussed as possibly doing a Madonna dance tent turn). As Prince's late addition proved last year, there probably will still be more acts to come.

Tickets go on sale this morning at 9 a.m. PST and, in recognition of the economic crunch and how expensive $269 for a three-day pass is to people right now, the festival will offer layaway plans for the first time, allowing people to put 50 percent down and pay off the remaining 50 percent by April 1.