INDIO, Calif. — The punk rock duo Lambrini Girls has withdrawn from the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival lineup for 2026, following a serious injury to lead singer Phoebe Lunny. Lunny, who fronts the band with bassist Selin Macieira-Bosgelmez, fractured her neck and was diagnosed with an acute brain injury while in Australia, according to an Instagram post from Lunny on April 8.
The announcement came as a disappointment to fans eagerly anticipating the band's high-energy performance at the renowned festival, set to take place over two weekends in April 2026 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Lambrini Girls, known for their raw, irreverent punk sound and unapologetic lyrics tackling social issues, had been slotted into the diverse lineup that typically draws hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world.
"We are so gutted guys," Lunny wrote in her post, expressing the band's frustration. "We want to be there so badly." She elaborated on the severity of the injury, noting that it wasn't something she could power through like a minor setback. "If it was a broken leg, I would do a Dave Grohl and play it," she said, referencing the Foo Fighters frontman's legendary 2015 Glastonbury performance where he played seated after breaking his leg onstage. "This isn't something we are taking lightly and we are really sad."
Lunny attributed the injury to an incident in Australia, where she fractured her neck but received a misdiagnosis initially. This delay in proper care led to the acute brain injury diagnosis upon seeking late treatment. "Doctors orders are I can't fly or perform for 6 weeks," she shared, adding a note of optimism amid the setback. "But I'm lucky and expect a speedy recovery thank f--k lol." To underscore her resilient spirit, Lunny included a photo in her post showing her in a hospital gown, pulled up cheekily to reveal her underwear, a nod to the band's playful and defiant aesthetic.
The U.K.-based musicians emphasized the communal joy they derive from live shows. "Seeing people of all ages, genders and backgrounds come together to mosh, lift each other up, cry, scream in both parts joyful and angry, is my greatest joy," Lunny wrote. "Thank you for always showing up for us." This sentiment highlights why Lambrini Girls' absence will be felt keenly at Coachella, a festival celebrated for its inclusive vibe and boundary-pushing performances.
This isn't the first time Lambrini Girls has had to navigate personal health challenges impacting their touring schedule. In September 2023, Macieira-Bosgelmez, formerly known as Lilly Macieira, announced a one-month break from touring to prioritize her mental health. The bassist opened up about longstanding struggles in high-pressure environments like tours. "I’ve always struggled badly in touring environments, and despite my best efforts, those struggles have consumed me entirely and spat me out again," Macieira-Bosgelmez wrote on Instagram at the time.
Macieira-Bosgelmez shared details of her neurodivergence, revealing that she grew up with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and autism until four years ago. "Growing up with bipolar and autism undiagnosed until four years ago, I’ve lived entirely accustomed to severe discomfort as a baseline for existence," she explained. The break followed "one of the most intense and destructive manic episodes" she had experienced, prompting her to step back and create a safer space for recovery. "I’ve betrayed myself for so long at nobody’s cost but my own," she added. "No more cosplaying from me."
These personal disclosures underscore the toll that the music industry's demanding pace can take on performers, particularly those in emerging punk scenes where resources for mental and physical health support may be limited. Lambrini Girls, formed in 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, rose to prominence with their debut EP "You're Welcome" in 2022, blending post-punk with humorous, feminist-leaning commentary. Tracks like "Help Me I'm Gay" and "Boys Keep Swiping" have resonated with younger audiences, earning them spots at festivals across Europe and now, albeit briefly, Coachella.
Coachella organizers have not yet commented publicly on the band's withdrawal or whether a replacement act will be announced. The festival, produced by Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG Presents, typically reveals its full lineup in January, with headliners and supporting acts drawn from genres spanning indie rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Lambrini Girls' inclusion signaled the event's continued effort to spotlight rising international talent alongside global superstars.
The news of Lunny's injury arrives against the backdrop of Coachella's storied history of unforgettable moments that often define the festival's legacy. Over the years, the event has hosted surprise collaborations and reunions that have captivated audiences and dominated social media. For instance, in 2022, Brazilian singer Anitta brought out Snoop Dogg as a guest during her set to perform their collaboration "Onda Diferente," blending reggaeton rhythms with West Coast rap flair.
That same year, Harry Styles invited Shania Twain onstage for his headlining performance, where they delivered renditions of her classics "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "You're Still the One!" The duo's chemistry electrified the crowd, offering a nostalgic country-pop infusion to the festival's eclectic lineup. Earlier, in 2010, Jay-Z and Beyoncé surprised fans during Jay's set with a performance of "Young Forever," a rare joint appearance that foreshadowed their powerhouse status in music.
One of Coachella's most talked-about spectacles came in 2012 when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg shared the stage, joined by a holographic Tupac Shakur. The late rapper, murdered in 1996, appeared as a lifelike projection performing "Hail Mary" and "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" alongside his peers. The technological marvel left attendees in awe, sparking discussions about the future of live performances and posthumous tributes that lingered on social media for months.
Also in 2012, Calvin Harris enlisted Rihanna for an unannounced guest spot, where she sang "Where Have You Been" before diving into their hit "We Found Love." The pair repeated the magic in 2016, reinforcing Coachella's reputation for serendipitous pairings. In 2013, 2 Chainz teamed up with Fall Out Boy, with the rapper declaring to the crowd, "Not only did I come to save hip hop... I came to save rock n' roll," as they blended hip-hop swagger with emo-punk energy.
The festival has also been a platform for pop icons and reunions. In 2014, Justin Bieber joined Chance the Rapper to perform their track "Confident," delighting Beliebers in the audience. That year, Beyoncé made a stealth appearance as backup dancer for her sister Solange's set, a sibling showcase that preceded the iconic "Beychella" of 2018. During the latter, Beyoncé headlined with Solange and a Destiny's Child reunion, plus a cameo from Jay-Z, creating what many called a historic weekend.
In 2015, Madonna surprised fans by joining Drake onstage after he performed his song "Madonna," culminating in a much-publicized kiss that fueled tabloid headlines. The following year, Drake and Future brought their mixtape chemistry live, performing tracks from "What a Time to Be Alive." Ariana Grande closed out a chapter in 2019 by reuniting *NSYNC (minus Justin Timberlake) for "Tearin' Up My Heart" and a mashup with her single "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored."
These moments illustrate Coachella's role as a cultural touchstone, where artists push creative boundaries and forge unexpected connections. While Lambrini Girls' dropout is a setback for the 2026 edition, the festival's track record suggests it will deliver fresh surprises. For Lunny and Macieira-Bosgelmez, the focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes of a return to the stage soon. Fans, in the meantime, can stream the band's discography, including their 2023 album "Death of Pop," which critiques fame's underbelly—a theme that feels all too relevant in light of recent events.
As the band heals, their story serves as a reminder of the human element behind the music. Coachella, ever evolving, will undoubtedly adapt, but the void left by Lambrini Girls' punk spirit may linger until they mosh again elsewhere.