Report: Coachella Delayed Until 2021

Coachella may not be happening this year after all.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Goldenvoice, who organizes the annual music festival, is asking artists on the 2020 bill to play in 2021 instead, a sign that this year’s show will be canceled.

Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, and Rage Against the Machine were set to headline this year’s festival in Indio, Calif., which was postponed to October from April in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coachella is the largest music festival in the U.S. and attracts as many as 200,000 people. Due to social distancing and other reopening guidelines for safety, it’s becoming less likely that the event can go on as planned this fall.

An official announcement has yet to be made. Goldenvoice executives are speaking with artists and settling financial issues like insurance, according to people familiar with the matter. They are also awaiting word from local health officials.

It’s unclear how ticket sales will be affected. Tickets for the 2020 festival are sold out, but Goldenvoice may be able to convince fans to roll over their current tickets to next year. The report also notes that not all of the performers on the 2020 bill have consented to playing next year, due to both health and financial reasons. Additionally, not every act in the 2020 lineup has been asked to play next year.

The concert industry has been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. Ticketing companies, promoters, and talent agencies have had to fire or furlough their staff. However, concert promoters are hopeful that festivals will be able to return next year.

“We believe 2021 can return to show volume and fan attendance at levels consistent with what we’ve seen in recent years,” Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said during a call with analysts.