Google searches for “sell Coachella tickets” rise by 445% after first weekend

People searching Google for “sell Coachella tickets” more than quadrupled after its opening weekend, jumping by 445% in the wake of criticism of Frank Ocean’s much-maligned headline set.

It was the enigmatic singer and rapper’s first live show in nearly six years, but the slot left a number of fans disappointed after it started nearly an hour late, with confusing pacing that included a DJ set in the middle that made people think that Ocean’s set had finished. It was also cut short due to a curfew.

Variety described it as a “disappointing mess”, reporting a last-minute change to the production, which was supposed to contain an ice rink and skaters surrounding Ocean – that was scrapped.

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Festive Owl, a festival news Twitter account, claimed that they had been speaking to “sources” who backed the rumours. They wrote: “The stage production was suppose[d] to (and did) contain an ice rink that was constructed and ready to go.

“Frank decided at the last minute that he no longer wanted it at all. All of the people walking around him at the start of the performance were actually ice skaters, had been practicing for weeks, and were supposed to be skating as part of the production.

“Coachella had to deconstruct the approved stage (that had been planned and signed off on for months in advace) + melt the entire ice rink and then set it up how Frank decided today with no warning. Which is what you ended up seeing, and caused the hour long delay.”

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The analysis of the Google data was gathered by CasinoAlpha.com, with a spokesperson for the site saying: “Coachella Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the world, with celebrities and music fans heading to the desert every April to see some of the most renowned musicians take to the stage.

“The festival takes place over two weekends and after the heavy criticism that Frank Ocean’s set received, these findings suggest that many are looking to sell their ticket for the second weekend, whether this be out of disappointment or fear that Frank Ocean may pull out of performing altogether,” they continued.

Elsewhere, the festival also saw the first ever live performance from Jai Paul, who this week announced that he would be performing his first live shows in New York and London.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter