Daft Punk crown Coachella, Day One

United States | | 30 April 2006

In a frenetic finale to the first day of California's Coachella festival, the French disco kings showed their elders the real meaning of electro by reworking hits from their first ten years, including 'One More Time', 'Around The World', and 'Da Funk'.

Dressed in their customary robot suits and helmets, the pair packed the Sahara dance tent, which has been expanded by 50 per cent since last to cater for the likes of Daft Punk, Audio Bullys, Carl Cox and Madonna, who plays tomorrow (Sunday).

Record crowds attended the opening day, with organisers estimating that at least 60,000 battled the queues and searing heat to enjoy what many claim to be the most glamorous festival in the world. The Coachella main stage played host to the disappointing Depeche Mode as headliners, plus others including Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Kanye West and Common. (see previous story).

But unlike previous years when the festival hasn't got into full flow until the sun goes down, the party got started almost as soon as the gates opened. Crowds packed out the three tents (which actually look more like aircraft hangars), with people spilling out of amazing early shows by Wolfmother and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

Police reported little trouble with only 15 arrests and 11 people were taken to hospital, mainly with heat related problems.

The action resumes at 1pm tomorrow with some of the highlights expected to be coming from Tool, Bloc Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Scissor Sisters.

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