Daisy Chain Fields was a success even before the gates opened. Olivia Rodrigo’s one-day, women-led music festival, held this past sweltering Saturday in Irvine, California, raised $10 million for 10 non-profit organizations that advocate for women and girls. That figure was doubled to $20 million by Melinda French Gates during a surprise appearance, cementing Rodrigo’s status as a rock star who is actively using her platform to drive meaningful change.
The festival’s mission was clear: to bring together women in music to support and uplift one another while celebrating the power of collective experiences. The event succeeded on all fronts, with a crowd predominantly composed of women and girls, and every set introduced by representatives from the partner organizations. Even the stage design reinforced the message, featuring giant pins advocating for reproductive rights.
A Diverse and Powerful Lineup
The musical curation offered something for every listener, ranging from indie favorites like Quiet Light to the next generation of pop stars, including Eli, Rachel Chinouriri, and Devon Again. The energy was palpable as ascending punk bands like Die Spitz opened the pit, while genre-defying innovators like Santigold and legends such as Bikini Kill and The Breeders rounded out the day.
Mitski delivered a sincere, playful mid-afternoon set, while Doechii commanded the stage with a high-energy performance that kept the crowd dancing. Chappell Roan, who previously opened for Rodrigo on her major tours, provided one of the day’s highlights. Dressed in a costume inspired by The Fifth Element, Roan performed a set of instant-classic hits that resonated deeply with the mid-90s heat and the enthusiastic audience.
A Night of Iconic Collaborations
As the sun set, Olivia Rodrigo took the stage to perform tracks from her latest album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The audience, numbering 45,000, responded ecstatically to new songs like “Drop Dead” and “The Cure,” alongside established anthems like “good 4 u.”
The festival also featured surprise appearances that elevated the evening. While Karen O was unable to attend, Alanis Morissette stepped in to perform “Ironic.” Rodrigo was further joined by Sarah McLachlan for “Building a Mystery” and “Angel,” and finally, Stevie Nicks for a powerful closing performance of “Landslide.” At only 23, Rodrigo has proven she can bridge generational divides and successfully curate a festival that addresses the gender imbalances and social issues currently facing the music industry. Daisy Chain Fields is truly the festival we need.
