Before the Neutral Milk Hotel reunion show took the stage at. The 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, on the Outdoor Theatre for the coveted sunset set, an announcement was made that the band has asked that no photos or videos be taken during the performance, including cell phones.
Since leader Jeff Mangum had the same policy during his solo set a couple of years ago, it wasn’t unexpected.
When he came onto the stage he reiterated the photo policy, asking people to put cameras and cell phones away.
“Let’s just be together right now,” he said.
Even the Jumbotrons flanking the stage didn’t show the band, only the Ferris wheel in the sunset.
So, as a dedicated journalist and a terrible artist, I proudly present my rendering of what Neutral Milk Hotel looked like on stage at Coachella weekend one Sunday night.
Neutral Milk Hotel didn’t allow photos at their set, so I improvised. (Vanessa Franko/Terrible Staff Artist)