The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is often defined by its massive headliners, but some of the most talked-about moments happen in the smaller tents. On Saturday, April 11, the New York-based band Geese stole the spotlight at the Gobi Tent with a bold, garage-rock reimagining of one of the most famous pop songs in history: Justin Bieber’s “Baby.”
The timing of the performance was a calculated masterstroke. Geese delivered their cover of the 2010 hit just hours before Justin Bieber himself was scheduled to accept the Main Stage as a headliner for the festival. By transforming the bubblegum pop anthem into a raw, high-energy rock track, the band provided a stark contrast to the polished spectacle of the festival’s primary stage.
This performance marked a significant milestone for the group, as 2026 is the first time Geese has appeared on the Coachella lineup. The set served as a high-profile introduction for the band to a global audience, blending their signature eccentric sound with a surprising nod to mainstream pop culture.
Frontman Cameron Winter led the charge, delivering the lyrics “I know you love me, I know you care” with a grit and intensity that reframed the song’s original sentiment. The cover was not a standalone piece but was woven into the band’s own track, “2122,” a structural choice that has become a recurring tradition at their live performances.
A Setlist Rooted in New Material and Tradition
Whereas the Bieber cover provided the viral highlight of the afternoon, the rest of the set focused heavily on the band’s evolving sound. Geese leaned into material from their 2025 album, Getting Killed, performing several key tracks including “Taxes,” “100 Horses,” “Husbands,” “Trinidad,” and “Cobra.”
The integration of “Baby” into “2122” highlighted the band’s penchant for sonic experimentation. According to reports from Pitchfork, the rendition omitted the original song’s Ludacris verse, focusing instead on the melodic core of the track repurposed for a rock setting.
The full setlist for the Gobi Tent performance was as follows:
- Husbands
- Getting Killed
- Baby/2122
- I Spot Myself
- 100 Horses
- Cobra
- Bow Down
- Au Pays Du Cocaine
- Taxes
- Trinidad
Expanding the Global Reach of New York Garage Rock
For Geese, the Coachella appearance is more than just a single performance; It’s the catalyst for a broader international campaign. The band is using this momentum to kick off a series of high-profile festival appearances across the globe. Following their debut in Indio, California, the group has confirmed upcoming slots at several major events, including Primavera Sound, Bonnaroo, Lollapalanza, and Outside Lands.
The reception in Indio suggests that the band’s appeal is translating well to large-scale crowds. Reviewers noted that the group “blows their Coachella crowd away,” signaling a shift from underground favorites to a band capable of commanding a festival atmosphere via SFGate.
The band’s willingness to play with pop sensibilities—as seen in the Bieber cover—demonstrates a versatility that helps them stand out in a crowded indie rock landscape. By bridging the gap between avant-garde rock and familiar pop melodies, they are expanding their accessibility without sacrificing their artistic identity.
Key Takeaways from the Performance
- Strategic Timing: The cover of “Baby” occurred on April 11, just hours before Justin Bieber’s headlining set.
- Festival Debut: 2026 marks the first time the New York group has played Coachella.
- Album Promotion: The set featured five songs from their 2025 release, Getting Killed.
- Future Dates: The band is scheduled for upcoming performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound.
Looking Ahead: The Return to the Stage
The energy of the first weekend has left the audience wanting more. During the set, frontman Cameron Winter addressed the crowd, promising that the band would return to the Coachella stage next weekend, provided there are no “emergencies.”
As the festival continues, the industry will be watching to see if Geese can maintain this momentum through their upcoming summer tour and festival circuit. Their ability to create “water cooler moments” through unexpected covers may prove to be a key part of their growth strategy as they move into larger venues and international markets.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the band is their scheduled return to the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival next weekend.
Do you think the garage-rock reimagining of “Baby” outperformed the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below.