Michael Bibi had “mixed emotions” playing Coachella as first show since cancer diagnosis

17 April, 2024

Michael Bibi. Credit PRESS

Michael Bibi has said he experienced “mixed emotions” at Coachella 2024, with the festival marking his first show since receiving cancer treatment.

The London DJ and producer played a set at the Indio, California event last Saturday (April 13), marking his first performance of the year.

Prior to the appearance, Bibi wrote on X/Twitter: “One year ago I was given a 30% chance of survival, today I’m packing to perform at Coachella… Never give up on your hopes or dreams.”

The artist last year underwent treatment for CNS Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer which forms in the lymph tissue of the brain or spinal cord. His diagnosis was confirmed in June 2023, with the update stating that he would not be performing for the “foreseeable future”.

Bibi then played a surprise set in Ibiza last October, and said he was in remission in December.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat after his Coachella 2024 show, Bibi explained: “It was emotional, it was intense – there was happiness, there was some sadness. And there was just a huge range of emotions coming through.”

The DJ went on to say that the gig marked the longest distance he had travelled since having treatment. “That was a big step in itself, just getting on a plane and coming to the US,” he said.

“And then adding on top of that, doing my first show and coming to a festival, it was a lot. But it actually gives you a sense of purpose again, moving and coming back out into reality and seeing people.”

Bibi said he had to “isolate” because of the treatment, adding: “So getting back out into the world and connecting with human beings is a good feeling.”

The artist, who took his mother to Coachella for her first festival, explained that he was “physically well” currently, and taking things “day by day”.

“It’s just a kind of a mental processing,” Bibi said, “just kind of mentally catching up on everything that I’ve been through. Because I think when you get into a really intense situation, you kind of go into fight or flight mode.”

He continued: “And you just have to get through that moment and period of time and you’re not really processing everything that’s happening to you.”

Sharing a clip from his set on social media, Bibi wrote: “One life, live it.”

On April 1, he wrote on X/Twitter: “Fresh out hospital coming to rock @coachella next week🇺🇸👹. I still don’t have hair, body hurts & immune systems wacked…but it’s not gonna stop my groove.”

Bibi won’t be returning for Coachella 2024’s second edition this week, as he is on doctor’s orders to rest.

In July, however, he’ll bring his huge ‘One Life’ gig to Finsbury Park in London. The upcoming event is billed as the biggest electronic show to take place in the capital.

Read NME’s overall review of Coachella 2024 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. 

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