Rodriguez!

[Monstro]

[blackchango]

Definitely won't be missing this!

[fredbull]

This is a must see for me!

[lediable76]

Ever since I discovered him, I've been obsessing over his music for the last few weeks. Great/Sad story but undoubtably really good music. This guy is not to be missed!!

[fibes]

I just watched the documentary does he tour with that same band, blue sky or whatever? I'm hoping for an early tent...amazing...

[frozen pilgrim]

I have been pipedreaming about this since the documentary was first announced, I was like FINALLY PEOPLE WILL KNOW ABOUT RODRIGUEZ. my dad showed me his music (he's south african) when I was like 12, I've always wondered why he's not as critically acclaimed as someone like neil young and why he never broke through in the states. and OH MY SWEET MERCIFUL FUCK WE GET TO SEE HIM PLAY.

this is the best booking since leonard cohen. he's someone I'm quite sure I'll be watching both weekends. and probably cry.

edit: my DAD is south african. rodriguez's music really became adopted as protest music during the anti-apartheid movement. kind of a confusing statement without that context)

[Monstro]

The timing was simply haunting. Watched the documentary a week ago and then see him on the lineup. Amazing. For those who haven't seen the documentary, I highly recommend watching it. Rodriguez is such a noble man, I can only imagine his presence in Coachella.

[eherrera5]

Who wants to meep up and watch Rodriguez and smoke a fatty? This guy deserves a big audience!

[rage patton]

For anyone who may not know about Rodriguez or his story, here is a write up I did in another thread.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez is an incredible singer/ songwriter from the 1970’s who never made it anywhere. Until recently, that is, when his humbling and inspiring story was unearthed and shown to the world in the fantastic documentary Searching For Sugar Man

Rodriguez was discovered in Detroit in the early 1970’s and was quickly snatched up by A&M records because of his undeniable talent. I believe it was either his label rep or one of his producers that claimed back when he was signed that he was going to be “the defining voice of this generation.” However, his debut album Cold Fact failed to move any copies, despite it being an exceptional album from start to finish. No one could understand why, so they tried again and released his second album Coming From Reality, which once again failed to move copies and Rodriguez was dropped from label and he went back in obscurity.

However, unknown to Rodriguez or his record label, he became a national superstar and folk hero in South Africa of all places. Somehow Rodriguez’ music made it over to South Africa and he exploded in popularity. In fact, his popularity was compared to that of Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Folk music never really broke out in South Africa, so when they heard Rodriguez it was, to many in the nation, revolutionary. His song became anti-apartheid anthems and he became a folk hero along with it. However, no one of South Africa ever searched for Rodriguez because of the rumours of his suicide. Meanwhile, Rodriguez worked in construction and general labour in Detroit.

That is, until a long time fan and musicologist decided to search out how he died. Upon their quest, they discovered he was alive. When news broke, South Africa erupted in excitement and skepticism. It would be like if we were told Elvis had risen from the dead. Rodriguez himself was skeptical too, but eventually agreed to do a South African tour. He played 6 shows in South Africa, all to sold out crowds with roughly 10,000+ people in attendance.

A few years ago, a Swedish film maker decided to make a documentary on this incredible story and now, finally, Rodriguez, his music and his incredible story, is gaining traction around the world. His music is timeless, he spirit never broke, and he now has the attention he always deserved. While his fame is new, and his story is inspiring, it is heartbreaking to think he may only have a few years left in him, as he is getting pretty old after all. Rodriguez is not an act to be missed this Coachella.

“Sugar Man” from his 1970 album Cold Fact



“Crucify Your Mind” from David Letterman this past August.

[Nealocus]

I will not miss this once in a lifetime act.

[getbetter]

I hope he doesnt conflict in my schedule...Im not totally in love with his music.Yet i like some of his songs.

[chaz86]

Just watched this documentary and I was utterly amazed. This is going to be a must see for me. Doesn't really matter who is playing at the same time, I'll be there.

[thagorillaz]

Yup. Will this likely be the largest crowd he has played to in the U.S (depending on who shows up of course)

[ods..]

I don't see it being a large crowd.... I could be wrong, but the turn out for Seun Kuti last year makes me think something similar could happen. Obviously, he has much more hype and press going into Chella, with the movie/story etc, but I dunno. It won't be a packed house.

[ivankay]

This is the 60 Minutes story about Rodriguez:

[rage patton]

I don't see it being a large crowd.... I could be wrong, but the turn out for Seun Kuti last year makes me think something similar could happen. Obviously, he has much more hype and press going into Chella, with the movie/story etc, but I dunno. It won't be a packed house.

I think this crowd is going to be pretty damn huge. The buzz around the documentary seems to be growing every day and I am finding more and more people are becoming familiar with Rodriguez. I hope he doesn't get stuck in a tent. In my dream world, Rodriguez would get the sunset outdoor theatre slot, but I doubt that will happen.

[ThatGirl]

I'll be there for sure. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an amazing artist with an incredible story.

[fredbull]

I think this crowd is going to be pretty damn huge. The buzz around the documentary seems to be growing every day and I am finding more and more people are becoming familiar with Rodriguez. I hope he doesn't get stuck in a tent. In my dream world, Rodriguez would get the sunset outdoor theatre slot, but I doubt that will happen.

Oh man.... I just pictured Rodriguez with leonard cohen's spot on the outdoor and instantly got goosebumps.... I hope PT has the foresight to see what an incredible moment that would be....

[Bumblebee]

I'm thinking tent against RHCP to close out the festival for music nerds.

[Pee Wee Herman's Hermits]

This is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated acts. I cannot comprehend how a talent like this could be buried for so long.

He is getting a lot of attention for his incredible story and the movie but goddamn does his music stand up there with some of the greats. It's like if Donovan dropped Sunshine Superman and then quit and worked in construction for 30 years.

Thank god for South Africa.

[shotglass75]

If they could put this at Sunset on the Outdoor it would be absolutely perfect.

[Hatinisbad]

Wow! What a great story.

As a side note it's interesting how many great acts have been getting time on Letterman.

[FEELS]

so i bought Searching For Sugarman on dvd today.. can't wait to watch that shit!

[FuzzyWarbles]

I saw Rodriguez open for Dan Auerbach back in '10 and he had to be helped on and off of the stage. It was a bit underwhelming, but these TV performances I've seen lately with the string and horn sections sound amazing. This is a set I reallly want to try and catch though Sunday is stacked for me

[Pee Wee Herman's Hermits]

I saw Rodriguez open for Dan Auerbach back in '10 and he had to be helped on and off of the stage. It was a bit underwhelming, but these TV performances I've seen lately with the string and horn sections sound amazing. This is a set I reallly want to try and catch though Sunday is stacked for me

Yea I am hoping he has a full band backing him up. Can anyone confirm if he is touring with a band or just solo acoustic?

[pelon7724]

Ever since I discovered him, I've been obsessing over his music for the last few weeks. Great/Sad story but undoubtably really good music. This guy is not to be missed!!

I came across his music while sampling some of the groups on the lineup that I have never heard about. I was blown away after the first song I heard and I decided to do some research. I still need to watch the documentary. I have a feeling that this is going to be one amazing set. It will not only be a special and important experience for the fans but also for him, too.

[elliottb]

No one else thinks he'll be on the mainstage? I'm guessing he gets Santigold's spot from last year, mainstage in the afternoon

[blackchango]

This one gets me every time

[Bumblebee]

No one else thinks he'll be on the mainstage? I'm guessing he gets Santigold's spot from last year, mainstage in the afternoon

According to a Rodriguez interview prior to the lineup drop he was promised an evening slot.

[FEELS]

so i bought Searching For Sugarman on dvd today.. can't wait to watch that shit!

watched it, what a great story! goosebumps through and through.. when he stepped on the stage in South Africa, damn. This set means so much more to me now.

"You're bigger than Elvis Presley"