This morning, while having breakfast and discussing recent events, I mentioned the term “Coachella” in front of my two skeptical eleven-year-olds, who immediately lifted their eyes from their devices in unison. One of them asked, “How do you know about Coachella?” I was taken aback and countered, “How do you know about it?” They exchanged a knowing glance, one I’ve come to recognize as the “here we go again” look that younger generations often give to their older counterparts. I pressed on, asking, “What is Coachella?” Their response was, “It’s where influencers go.”
This statement accurately reflects the evolution of the California music and arts festival over its 27-year history. Currently taking place this week, Coachella features performances by artists like Jack White, FKA Twigs, and Sabrina Carpenter. However, much of the media attention has focused on the festival’s attendees, notably Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada. He was spotted dancing with his girlfriend, Katy Perry, and was photographed sitting on a curb, red plastic cups resting on their knees.
The image of Trudeau dressed in youthful attire—worn jeans, a white T-shirt, and a backward baseball cap—evokes thoughts about how middle-aged individuals relate to music festivals. It raises the question of whether it might be more dignified for them to step back from such events as they age.
Do you find yourself concerned about hydration? Do you host an investment podcast while pondering which American Express card maximizes your rewards? (Avios over Platinum forever!) Did you spend over $2,000 on your ticket, only to arrive in a climate-controlled RV and don your “festival outfit” in search of younger crowds to mingle with? If so, perhaps it’s time to reconsider whether such experiences are truly meant for you.
I am particularly referring to middle-aged men, as there seems to be a certain type who attends Coachella to confront their midlife concerns. For Trudeau, 54, attending a music festival might take a backseat to his relationship with Katy Perry as a form of midlife expression. Nevertheless, he represents a wave of individuals from tech, finance, and business backgrounds who have integrated this festival into their schedules, leading to increased ticket prices and an infusion of a rather intense energy into the environment. While they have every right to enjoy popular music, seeing photos of figures like Trudeau and Perry, or even Danny DeVito at past Coachellas, can evoke a sense of disillusionment.
To be fair, some of this discomfort may stem from Perry’s own reputation, which has faced scrutiny this week due to allegations of sexual assault by fellow actress Ruby Rose. I wouldn’t relish encountering Katy Perry at my local grocery store, let alone at an event where I had spent a substantial amount of money to attend.
I recognize the perspective of seasoned festival-goers who have been attending Glastonbury for years and bring their children along from a young age. I admire their dedication and would likely join them if I didn’t dislike camping and crowds. These individuals should continue pursuing their passions until they can no longer do so. Additionally, I acknowledge that I might not be the best person to critique this scene, especially since I was happily listening to the soundtrack of “The Phantom of the Opera” while preparing lunches this morning.
However, I am not addressing those dedicated fans; I am referring to those who only began attending Coachella at 50 and fail to realize that if they have to consult a Reddit thread titled “Am I too old for Coachella?”, the answer is likely yes. Consider the practicalities: you may find yourself stuck in an Uber line for hours, overheated, sitting on a curb, and missing much of the experience.
When I asked my children what they found intriguing about the Coachella coverage this week, they excitedly recounted, “Carter Kench dressed up as an actual pinky and got a shout-out from Katseye on stage!!” They burst into laughter as if it were the funniest thing they’d ever heard. For me, it didn’t resonate in the same way. Perhaps it is best for those of us in the older demographic to let younger generations enjoy these events without our participation.
Emma Brockes is a columnist for The Guardian.
If you have thoughts regarding the issues discussed in this article, feel free to submit a response of up to 300 words via email for potential publication in our letters section.
