Radiohead’s “Kid A Mnesia” Experience Headlines Coachella 2026 – But Don’t Expect a Conventional Performance
Coachella 2026 is already generating buzz, and not just for the headliners. The festival lineup includes a unique presentation of Radiohead’s “Kid A Mnesia,” alongside a highly anticipated collaborative performance dubbed ”Nine Inch Noize” featuring Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize. But what does this all mean for your festival experience? Let’s break down the details.
Radiohead Returns… Sort Of
Initial excitement centered around the listing of “Radiohead Kid A Mnesia” on the Coachella schedule. However, a representative for the band clarified to The Times that Radiohead will not be physically performing at the festival. So, what is happening?
The appearance likely centers around the “Kid A Mnesia” project itself. Released in 2021, this compilation album masterfully blends the sounds of Radiohead’s critically acclaimed albums, “Kid A” and ”Amnesiac,” which originally debuted just eight months apart.
Many fans speculated at the time of its release that “Amnesiac” was essentially material left over from the ”Kid A” sessions. “Kid A Mnesia” leans into that theory, offering a cohesive experience of these two sonic landscapes.
More importantly, the listing points to an immersive experience tied to the album. In 2021, Radiohead launched a digital/analogue “bunker” – described as an “upside-down digital/analogue universe” – alongside the album release. This interactive exhibition draws on original artwork and recordings to celebrate the 21st anniversary of “Kid A” and “Amnesiac.”
This aligns with Radiohead’s recent artistic endeavors. They recently opened “This Is What You Get,” an exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, exploring the band’s visual identity. Running until January 11, 2026, it demonstrates their continued interest in expanding beyond traditional concert performances.
Nine Inch Noize: A Collaboration Years in the Making
Beyond Radiohead, the lineup boasts a compelling collaboration: “Nine Inch Noize.” This project unites Nine Inch Nails and German electronic music producer Boys Noize (Alex Ridha).
This isn’t a spontaneous pairing. Boys Noize supported Nine Inch Nails on their recent “Peel It Back” tour, and even delivered remixes of the band’s iconic tracks.
Fans who caught the live shows witnessed a dynamic fusion of sounds. Reznor’s energy combined with ridha’s electronic expertise, elevating tracks like “Closer” into a “techno bliss,” as one observer described it. Demand for a studio version of these remixes is already high.
Boys Noize is also scheduled to perform a separate set at Coachella, adding to the anticipation.This marks Nine Inch Nails’ first festival appearance since 2005.
What to Expect at coachella 2026
Here’s a swift recap of what you need to know:
* Radiohead: Expect an immersive experience centered around the “Kid A Mnesia” project and the “bunker” installation, not a traditional concert.
* Nine Inch Noize: A collaborative performance between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize, building on their recent tour and remix work.
* Boys Noize: A separate performance from the acclaimed electronic producer.
Coachella 2026 is shaping up to be a festival that values artistic innovation and unique experiences. While a full Radiohead performance isn’t in the cards, the “Kid A Mnesia” presentation promises a compelling and immersive journey into the band’s sonic world. Keep an eye out for further details as the festival approaches.
