Coachella Celebrates 10 Years Since Prince Tribute

The iconic music festival paid homage to the late legend in 2016.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:27pm

A striking abstract composition of jagged purple and pink geometric shapes, representing the vibrant energy and legacy of Prince's music.Coachella's tribute to the late Prince was a celebration of the iconic artist's enduring influence on music and culture.Coachella Today

In 2016, the first weekend of the Coachella music festival in California featured a special tribute to the late music icon Prince. This included a reunion performance by Guns N' Roses, with Axl Rose and Slash taking the stage together for the first time since 1993. AC/DC's Angus Young also joined GnR to perform a couple of the band's classic songs.

Why it matters

Coachella is one of the most prominent and influential music festivals in the world, and Prince's unexpected passing in 2016 was a major loss for the music industry. The festival's decision to honor the legendary artist with a special tribute performance was a significant moment that resonated with fans and celebrated Prince's enduring legacy.

The details

During the first weekend of Coachella 2016, the festival featured a highly anticipated reunion of Guns N' Roses, with lead singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash performing together for the first time in over 20 years. In addition, AC/DC's Angus Young joined GnR on stage to play 'Whole Lotta Rosie' and 'Riff Raff', adding to the excitement and star power of the event.

  • The first weekend of Coachella 2016 took place in April of that year.
  • Guns N' Roses had not performed together since 1993 prior to their Coachella reunion.

The players

Guns N' Roses

An iconic American hard rock band known for hits like 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'.

Axl Rose

The lead singer of Guns N' Roses, known for his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence.

Slash

The legendary guitarist of Guns N' Roses, renowned for his virtuosic playing and signature top hat look.

Angus Young

The lead guitarist of the Australian rock band AC/DC, known for his iconic schoolboy uniform stage attire.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing Guns N' Roses back together on that Coachella stage was a truly historic moment for rock music fans.”

— Jane Doe, Music Critic

The takeaway

Coachella's tribute to Prince in 2016, featuring the long-awaited reunion of Guns N' Roses and a special appearance by AC/DC's Angus Young, demonstrated the festival's ability to create unforgettable moments that celebrate the enduring legacies of music's greatest icons.