BIGBANG Takes the Stage at Coachella After 6 Years of Waiting

BIGBANG, which made its Debut in 2006, successfully held a performance to celebrate its 20th anniversary on the Outdoor Theater stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on the 12th (local time). This event, originally announced as part of the 2020 lineup but canceled due to the pandemic, finally came to fruition after six years, marking a significant return in K-pop history.

At 10:40 p.m., G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung appeared on stage accompanied by the chant “B to the I to the G to the bangbang” and performed a set list of 17 songs over approximately one hour. The performance began with “Bang Bang Bang,” followed by medleys of “Fantastic Baby” and “Manjeongsim,” before introducing mid-2000s hits such as “Loser,” “Lie,” “Haru Haru,” “Bad Boy,” and “We Like 2 Party,” all rearranged in a style suited to their current musical sensibilities.

Each hit song was given a new life through more intense EDM pop, deep R&B, reggae, and punk sounds, reaffirming that BIGBANG was the pioneer of the “artist-type idol” who moved beyond the early idol model centered on intricate group choreography to emphasize musical individuality. Taeyang’s “Ringa Ringa,” G-Dragon’s “Power,” the duo’s “Good Boy” sub-unit performance, and Daesung’s trot performance of “Nal Bwa, Gwisun” all showcased BIGBANG’s unique aura, where each member’s personality seamlessly blended together.

As this was their first group activity in about four years since “Still Life” in 2022, and given fan concerns over G-Dragon’s vocal condition during his recent solo activities, the live performance skills displayed by the three members that day were particularly noteworthy. The harmonies created by G-Dragon’s distinctive voice, Taeyang’s steady singing ability, and Daesung’s rich vocal range clearly demonstrated why they still belong at the pinnacle of the global mainstream music scene.

The climax of the performance was “Still Life,” the last song performed by all four members in 2022. Top’s voice, though he had left the group, could still be heard clearly. As Top’s rap part played, the three remaining members kept a solemn expression without their usual flashy choreographic additions, while G-Dragon performed a salute toward the sky—a truly BIGBANG-style way to greet and support their long-absent teammate after such a long silence. It was a moment that proved the musical friendship and legacy built over 20 years remain unshaken despite real-world changes.

BIGBANG plans to launch full-scale activities to commemorate its 20th anniversary starting with this performance, and Yang Hyun-suk of YG Entertainment stated, “We have agreed to hold a global tour with the members.”