Lana Del Rey, the enchantress of melancholic melodies, graced the Coachella stage last weekend (April 13) as its reigning queen. However, behind the scenes, a tempest brewed—one that left the “Video Games” singer both peeved and reflective.
The Unexpected Exit
In an Instagram post reflecting on her performance, Lana Del Rey revealed a twist in her musical tale: her tour manager, Peter Abbott, had quit just over a month before she took the stage. Amidst the desert heat and anticipation, Abbott’s departure cast shadows over the festival.
A Grateful Heart
Del Rey, ever the poetic soul, thanked the key players who made her set possible. From her devoted fans to her talented band, each note resonated with gratitude. But it was Emily Holt, who stepped up as tour manager in the eleventh hour, who truly shone. Del Rey’s words echoed through the digital realm:
“[Thank you] Emily for stepping up as tour manager when Pete quit for no reason after 15 years. He was butt hurt that I got 10 comped bikes for free from Wally and randomly decided he was more of a stage designer than a tour manager… Never got a phone call, probably never will. Still grateful for the 15 years though.”
Coachella’s Enduring Aesthetic
Del Rey’s appearance at Coachella marked a decade since her last performance at the festival. Her lyrics and imagery have long been synonymous with the desert vibes, and this year was no exception. Billboards leading into Indio posed the haunting question: “Has anyone else died for you?”—a nod to the media frenzy that followed her infamous 2012 Saturday Night Live appearance.
Grace Under Pressure
“No worries,” Del Rey continued in her Instagram post. “37 days was more than enough time to put together an entire headlining set all by ourselves. Not stressful at all.” She praised her managers, Ben and Ed, for their unwavering support, even when life’s chaos defied reason. And with a touch of humor, she added, “PS, please send me an email if you decide to quit this year—15 years is a long time for us too.”
Behind the Curtain
The carousel of photographs from her performance revealed more glimpses of the magic. Rehearsal footage, background singers, dancers, and a backstage snapshot with Jon Batiste and Jack Antonoff—all woven into a deeply personal caption.
A Resilient Songstress
Last year, the “Summertime Sadness” singer earned her ninth top 10 entry on the Billboard 200 with Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Grammy nominations followed, including one for Album of the Year. Del Rey’s journey continues, marked by both triumphs and the quiet strength that fuels her art.