The Counting Crows’ Stagecoach 2026 set proved, again, that rock music works at a country music festival.
It’s not a new concept, but it’s one that Stagecoach organizers seem to be leaning into extra this year, especially with the addition of the Mustang Stage.
Playing on said stage as the sun set on the first day of the festival Friday, April 24, the popular ‘90s-era band that was formed in Berkeley, California, drew a crowd of more than 10,000. The crowd was a mix of middle-aged fans, teens and 20-somethings who also knew the words to the hits.
The set ran for 50 minutes and included nine songs.
Following appearances by the Goo Goo Dolls and Creed last year, as well as Bryan Adams and ZZ Top in 2023, Stagecoach went big with rock and alternative rock bands in the past few years, but especially this year. Bush, Journey and Little Big Town are set to perform Saturday, and the Wallflowers, Third Eye Blind and Hootie and the Blowfish are scheduled to play Sunday.
The Counting Crows opened Friday’s set with their new single, “Spaceman in Tulsa,” which was released in February. “Mr. Jones” and “Omaha” were among the hits played, with frontman Adam Duritz eventually sitting down at a piano as the band played extended, emotionally charged versions of “Round Here” and “A Long December.”
The band also played “Accidentally in Love” and finished with “Rain King” just as the sun dropped behind the Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance.
It was the Counting Crows’ 88th show since the start of April 2025. The band has been touring almost nonstop, with a short break at the end of last year. This was their first performance since coming off a leg of their tour in New Zealand and Australia.
While the set wasn’t clearly the best we’ve seen at Empire Polo Club this year, it was a welcome addition to the festival as it re-introduces more rock into the lineup.
Andrew John is covering Stagecoach for The Desert Sun and USA TODAY. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Counting Crows set highlights an expanded rock influence at Stagecoach
Reporting by Andrew John, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
