This is, so far, the burning question of this Coachella, inescapable from the campsites to the press tent. Even though performance rumors stemming from a Vevo leak were officially squashed in Rolling Stone, many Coachellans aren't buying it. And last night things got even a little more complicated.
Just before Yeah Yeah Yeahs took the main stage, the massive jumbotrons played a short trailer for Daft Punk's single “Get Lucky” from their upcoming forth studio album Random Access Memories.
The video teased a new song featuring Pharrell Williams dressed to the futuristic nines. We spotted Pharrell himself in VIP earlier that night, wading through a crowd eager to snap a few Instagram photos. It also announced the album also “stars” Panda Bear, Nile Rodgers, Julian Casablancas, Paul Williams, DJ Falcon, Todd Edwards, Chilly Gonzales, and Giorgio Moroder.
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Twitter exploded, rumor abounded, and some took it as a sign their predictions had been confirmed. Here are some of the arguments we've heard as to why it's possible they'll perform:
1. The timing is perfect. Their album drops on May 21st and yesterday Consequence of Sound reported that the first single “Get Lucky”, the very one previewed by the Coachella trailer, debuts on Monday. What better way to launch a single than have the entire Internet talking about you; oh wait we're doing that anyway.
2. The last time Daft Punk played in America was in 2010, as a surprise guest for Phoenix. Phoenix closes tonight. Fate?
3. It seems a bit counter-intuitive to tease a hundred thousand people with a trailer at a Coachella and then not show up. Their 2006 Coachella set is one of lore, why would they want to tarnish that legend?
One thing is certain: Anyone officially associated with the festival that we've talked to flatly and confidently denies that Daft Punk is playing. But then again, telling a reporter the big secret on the eve of its hypothetical fruition would be just about the dumbest thing you could do. It's all very confusing, interesting, and the subject of much discussion, which is exactly what we expect Daft Punk intended. After all, they just upstaged everyone at Coachella with a two-minute commercial so it's safe to say they know what they're doing.
Missed the video last night? Check it out below…
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