The Specials‘ Lynval Golding delivered a speech about No Doubt backstage at Coachella 2024 ahead of the band’s reunion show at the festival – watch it below.
The group played their first live gig since 2015 at the Indio, California event last Saturday (April 13), where they brought out Olivia Rodrigo to perform ‘Bathwater’ alongside frontwoman Gwen Stefani.
Prior to the career-spanning, 16-song set, Golding gave an encouraging message to the camera about Stefani and co’s long-awaited return. “I can tell you one thing, right,” the musician began. “I know exactly how they’re feeling right now.”
He continued by explaining that it had previously taken him five years to get The Specials back together, adding: “Oh my God, what an emotional time that was. When we hit the stage that first night, it was incredible.
“So I know when these guys go on the tears are gonna be falling through happiness and joy and love. And I just wish them so well – it’s gonna be a killer night. The guys… wow! What can I say? So pleased to be here tonight celebrating with them.”
Our first gig together in 9 years! Legend @lynvalgolding of @thespecials shares some profound and heartfelt words before we hit the stage at @coachella Weekend One. #Coachella #Coachella2024 pic.twitter.com/hoNH8vWLL5
— No Doubt (@nodoubt) April 18, 2024
Golding signed off by sending his “love and respect” to No Doubt – whose material blends ska with rock, punk, reggae and pop. The clip goes on to show the band making their way from the backstage area to the Coachella main stage.
In the caption, they wrote: “Our first gig together in 9 years! Legend @lynvalgolding of @thespecials shares some profound and heartfelt words before we hit the stage at @coachella Weekend One.” See the post above.
Last October, No Doubt members Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young performed as part of a tribute show for the late Specials frontman Terry Hall. The concert, which was held in Los Angeles, also featured appearances from Golding and Specials bassist Horace Panter.
No Doubt are scheduled to return to the desert this Saturday (April 20) for weekend two of Coachella 2024.
The band have not yet announced any further live dates, but Stefani recently said she was “open to anything”.
“Well, I don’t have a crystal ball,” she explained. “Most things have surprised me in life. One of the things I’ve learned is to be present in the moment and try to absorb what’s happening around me instead of looking ahead.”
Read NME’s overall review of Coachella 2024 weekend one here, including Doja Cat’s five-star headline performance, a breakout set from Chappell Roan, and a disgruntled Damon Albarn.
Check back here for the latest news, reviews and more from Coachella 2024.
