The xx’s Triumphant Return: What They Played at Coachella 2026

The xx made a stunning comeback at Coachella after nine years, delivering a setlist blending their classic hits and solo ventures.

A Long-Awaited Return to the Coachella Stage

After nearly a decade away, The xx finally stepped back on the Coachella stage, sparking excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting their live return. Their performance on Friday, April 10, 2026, marked their first festival appearance in eight years, and the atmosphere was electric. I remember how the band’s ethereal sound and intimate stage presence captivated me during their peak years—catching them live again felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

The xx on stage at Coachella 2026, with Romy Madley Croft shining

It’s been quite a journey. The trio had been performing live again since early April, kicking off with a comeback show at Mexico City’s Pepsi Center WTC on April 3. Their Coachella set followed shortly after, just before headliner Sabrina Carpenter graced the stage, and it left a deep impression on fans — one attendee even described it as “so cool it gave me chills.” This show wasn’t just a greatest hits compilation; it was a carefully curated mix of tracks from their three studio albums, plus a medley of solo songs that highlighted the individual journeys of Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx.

They summed up their emotions and gratitude perfectly on Instagram after the show:

“Coachella, night one – we couldn’t have imagined a return like this. Our first festival show in eight years, and to share it with you at sunset felt special. Thank you so much! See you next weekend.”

The Setlist: A Perfect Blend of Past and Present

If you’re curious about what they played, here’s the full rundown of songs performed that night:

• Crystalised
• Say Something Loving
• Islands
• Angels
• Fiction
• I’ll Take Care Of You
• Shelter
• VCR
• Enjoy Your Life
• Wanna
• Treat Each Other Right
• GMT
• On Hold
• I Dare You
• Intro

This setlist is a beautiful walk through The xx’s career, highlighting their signature melancholic yet lush soundscapes. The inclusion of solo tracks like Enjoy Your Life, GMT, and Wanna offers a glimpse into how each member has evolved artistically since their last group album.

Reliving the Moment: Footage from the Coachella Set

For those who couldn’t attend, luckily footage from the performance brings the magic to life again. Check out these clips below to experience the haunting intros and mesmerizing vocals firsthand:

Fans across social media were buzzing about the set. One commenter shared:

“The xx’s final moments on stage gave me goosebumps.” — @natsuki1618

Another fan expressed their love from afar:

“No better platform than X to share my love for The xx. Although I’ve seen them several times live, I wish I were there tonight in Coachella.” — @ThePortalNewz

The buzz wasn’t limited to English speakers — fans worldwide chimed in, celebrating the band’s energy and intimate sound that transcends language barriers.

Back in the Studio: New Music Brewing

The Coachella return isn’t just about reliving old glories. The xx have been spotted back in the studio as recently as March 2026, fueling speculation about new material on the horizon. Jamie xx previously teased in 2024 that the band was “having a good time” working on fresh tracks, and rehearsal footage shared after the Coachella lineup announcement last fall showed a band clearly energized and eager to experiment.

Their recent festival reunions hint at a full-fledged comeback: at last year’s LIDO Festival, Jamie xx headlined and reunited onstage with Romy and Oliver, pleasing longtime fans who had missed their collective magic.

Solo Success Stories: Individual Journeys Before the Reunion

Each member’s solo work over the past few years has added new dimensions to the band’s sound, making their reunion all the more exciting.

• Romy Madley Croft released her debut solo album Mid Air in 2023, a dreamy, intimate record that showcased her lyrical vulnerability and unique voice. She followed it up with several singles, deepening her solo artistry.
• Oliver Sim dropped his debut LP Hideous Bastard in 2022, a raw and emotional exploration of identity and acceptance. His solo releases continued into last year with new singles, drawing praise for their honesty and depth.
• Jamie xx followed his acclaimed solo debut with In Waves in 2024, an album embracing more textured electronic sounds. Notably, In Waves featured his bandmates on the track Waited All Night, hinting they’ve never really drifted far apart creatively.

Romy shared a little insight in a 2024 BRIT Awards interview about their new work together:

“We’re just keeping it really open, and we’re up for trying new things, but it sounds like us. That’s all I can say right now.”

Reflecting on Their Legacy: ‘I See You’ and Classic Debuts

The last full album from The xx, I See You (2017), was a milestone for the band. It became their second UK Number One and climbed to Number Two in the US charts — a testament to their steadily growing fanbase. Critics praised Romy’s haunting ballad Performance as a highlight, describing the album as a moment when The xx stopped shyly glancing at their reflection and instead confronted themselves head-on.

Additionally, the band honored their roots by releasing a deluxe edition of their debut album xx in late 2025, offering fans bonus tracks and covers that evoke nostalgic memories of their breakthrough. Their involvement in Rough Trade’s 50th anniversary celebrations further cements their status as icons of modern indie and electronic music.

The xx at Coachella: A Night to Remember

The xx’s return to Coachella was more than just a festival set; it was a heartfelt homecoming for a band that has quietly but profoundly influenced a generation. Their layered, atmospheric sound paired with intimate lyrics continues to resonate deeply, and seeing them weave together old tunes with solo explorations on a massive stage was nothing short of magical.

Will this Coachella performance be the start of a new chapter for The xx? Fans certainly hope so, and with fresh studio sessions underway, it’s only a matter of time before we hear what the trio has been crafting behind the scenes.

FAQ

• How long has it been since The xx last played Coachella?
  The xx returned to Coachella in 2026 after a nine-year absence, with their previous performance dating back to 2017.
• What songs did The xx perform at Coachella 2026?
  Their setlist included classics like Crystalised, On Hold, and Intro, alongside solo tracks such as Enjoy Your Life, GMT, and Wanna.
• Have The xx released new music recently?
  They have been working on new material since 2024, with Jamie xx confirming the band is open to exploring new sounds while staying true to their essence.
• What solo projects have the band members released?
  Romy released Mid Air in 2023, Oliver Sim released Hideous Bastard in 2022, and Jamie xx followed up with In Waves in 2024.
• Did The xx perform together at any recent festivals before Coachella?
  Yes, they reunited onstage during Jamie xx’s headline set at the LIDO Festival in 2025, signaling their return to live collaboration.

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