Indo-Canadian Punjabi rapper AP Dhillon has responded to backlash generated by his decision to smash a guitar onstage during Coachella. The artist also pulled out of his scheduled second slot at the festival’s upcoming second weekend, citing a “scheduling conflict.”
While instrument smashing is a time-honored act of onstage rebellion and catharsis here in the US, Dhillon’s guitar smash was received poorly in India, where the rapper was born. Indian culture historically demonstrates a deep reverence for musical instruments, prompting the guitar smash to be read less as a moment of catharsis and more as a moment of disrespect.
Dhillon’s performance took place against a backdrop that read “Justice for Sidhu Moosewala,” referring to a Punjabi rapper who was killed by unidentified assailants in 2022. The artist took to Instagram following his Coachella set to share video of the moment multiple times throughout the week, then followed up with a post reading, “The media is controlled and I’m out of control.”
Many of the comments on Dhillon’s posts now describe the move as “cringe,” while one commenter shared, “The guitar that has provided you with life, love, peace, success, and respect — you end up breaking it! Not cool at all.” “Respect the things which brought you to this stage,” replied another.
Despite the response, Dhillon doubled down, posting additional videos and photos of the moment throughout the week.
Coachella’s second weekend kicks off tomorrow, April 19th. Revisit our gallery from weekend one.