British punk duo Lambrini Girls have been forced to withdraw from the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival after lead vocalist Phoebe Lunny sustained a severe acute brain injury and fractured her neck. The band has also rescheduled their entire North American headline tour following medical advice that prohibits Lunny from flying or performing for at least six weeks.
Injury Details and Misdiagnosis in Australia
Phoebe Lunny revealed the shocking news to fans in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, explaining that the injuries occurred while she was visiting Australia. In her statement, Lunny disclosed that her condition was initially misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment. She shared a poignant photo from the hospital, wearing a gown and looking over her shoulder, accompanied by broken heart emojis to convey her distress.
Medical Orders and Tour Impact
Doctors have strictly instructed Lunny to avoid all air travel and live performances for a minimum of six weeks to facilitate recovery. Consequently, the band's scheduled performance at Coachella on Saturday at 3 p.m. has been cancelled. Former White Stripes frontman Jack White will now fill their slot in the Mojave tent. While the North American tour is postponed, the duo's UK and European shows from June onwards are still expected to proceed as planned.
Lunny expressed profound disappointment, stating that she and bassist Lilly Macieira are gutted to miss the festival. She referenced Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl's 2015 performance with a broken leg, noting that if her injury were less severe, she would have performed similarly. However, given the critical nature of neck and brain injuries, she emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly.
Band's Message to Fans and Core Values
In her post, Lunny also addressed American ticket holders, acknowledging the challenging times and reaffirming the band's commitment to subversion and resistance. She described the joy of seeing diverse audiences come together at their shows to mosh, chant, and express emotions collectively. Despite the setback, Lunny remains optimistic about a speedy recovery, expressing gratitude for her overall luck in the situation.
Band Background and Critical Acclaim
Lambrini Girls, formed in Brighton in 2021, have quickly risen to prominence in the punk scene. Their debut album, Who Let the Dogs Out, released in 2025, features tracks like Company Culture, Big D*** Energy, and Love. The album received widespread critical praise and peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums chart, solidifying their reputation as a dynamic and influential new act.
The band's withdrawal from Coachella marks a significant moment in their career, highlighting the physical demands of touring and the unpredictability of live music. Fans and the music community are now rallying in support, hoping for Lunny's full recovery and the duo's swift return to the stage.
