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David Byrne opens Coachella set sitting at a table holding up a brain

The stunt was part of his performance of 'Here', off his latest album American Utopia

Clarisse Loughrey
Monday 16 April 2018 09:48 BST
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David Byrne made the decision to open his set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival sitting at a table while holding a brain (a prop brain, not a real one - before you call the cops.)

The stunt was part of his performance of "Here", off his latest album American Utopia, which earned the musician his first top 10 album; it's also his first true solo LP in 14 years, with contributions from the likes of Brian Eno, Oneohtrix Point Never, Sampha, and Doveman. You can watch a clip below.


Of course, there was little anyone could do to upstage this year's headliner Beyoncé. Redefining the festival set, the musician became the first black woman to headline Coachella in a staggering compilation of her greatest hits; reuniting Destiny's Child, inviting Jay-Z to the stage, and breaking it down with her sister Solange.

It also joyfully saluted black musical culture: from HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) football half-time shows, New Orleans second line marches, and Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

It seemed there was no question after that night, as Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to declare: "Beyoncé is the greatest entertainer to ever live and the Queen of Music".

The festival also saw Eminem take to the stage, bringing along three key guests. First up was Bebe Rexha, who performed “The Monster”, a song she co-wrote but was originally performed by Rhianna.

Next was 50 Cent, who performed the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ track “Patiently Waiting” with Eminem, before launching into snippets of “I Get Money” and “In da Club”.

Beyonce thanks Coachella fans 'for allowing her to be first black woman to headline' festival

Finally came Dr. Dre, who previously appeared alongside Eminem when the rapper headlined Coachella in 2012. The duo began with “Still Dre” before launching into “Medicine Man” and “Forgot About Dre”.

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