Rema’s set at Coachella 2025 started late, ran short, and ended with backlash. Scheduled to perform on April 13, he appeared nearly 30 minutes into his set. When he did, his microphone did not work properly, and he relied heavily on backing tracks. The crowd was confused, and the performance ended before it gained momentum.
His team later blamed technical issues, specifically a failed mic and monitoring system. Fans were divided. A week later, on April 20, he returned and delivered a full set without problems.
Scheduled Set and Expectations
Rema was slated to perform on the Mojave stage, one of Coachella’s mid-tier venues. His appearance marked a milestone in his global expansion, expected to spotlight crowd-favorites like “Calm Down” and “Charm.”
His team claimed all rehearsals and sound checks had been completed without issue. He arrived at the venue early and was reportedly ready to perform. Still, just before showtime, things took a turn.
What Went Wrong
The first sign something was off came when the DJ hit the stage to hype the crowd, shouting, “Are you ready? If you’re ready for Rema, make some mother*****’ noise!” But after the initial excitement, he kept stalling. As minutes passed with no sign of Rema, murmurs started spreading. Fans at the venue and watching online began posting about the delay. The confusion built.
@OsoFresh138 The Rema set at Coachella is a disaster. 20 mins in and Rema Is nowhere to be found. The DJ has been hyping the crowd while the band just stares at each other. It’s the DJ’s set at this point one person wrote on X.
@youlovevally Nahh Rema pulling up late while the DJ & guitarist look around wondering where he’s at is wild another said.
When Rema eventually appeared, nearly halfway through his slot, the reception was mixed. Something felt off. His vocals did not always match the mic movements. Lip-syncing accusations followed. Before the show could find its rhythm, it ended.
Technical Failures
In a statement afterward, Rema’s team explained the root of the issue: key equipment had failed. A malfunctioning microphone and broken monitoring system meant Rema and his crew could not hear properly. Performing live became nearly impossible.
Despite suggestions to pull the plug or delay further, Rema pushed ahead. According to his team, he did not want to disappoint the fans who had waited so long. But that choice had consequences.
Reactions and Fallout
Public reaction was split. Some called out the lip-syncing and poor coordination. Others defended him, citing the tech issues that were clearly out of his control. Either way, the performance sparked conversations about the reliability of production setups at major festivals.
Media outlets weighed in. Variety described the performance as “disastrous,” emphasizing how it missed the mark both musically and logistically. Online, the debate raged for days.
Second Weekend: A Complete Set
However, Rema was not done. He came back for the second weekend, performing again on April 20. This time, everything clicked. No delays. No glitches. Live vocals came through clearly, backed by a solid mix. The crowd responded, cheering, singing along, locked in.
He ran through songs like “Amazan,” “Yayo,” and “Calm Down” with full energy. The set was tight, confident, and well-received. Critics who panned the first weekend acknowledged the turnaround.
Rema’s first Coachella weekend was overshadowed by technical problems that affected his performance. The situation led to criticism, but also raised questions about production standards and artist support at large festivals. His second weekend showed what had originally been intended, helping shift focus back to the music.
