The first Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was held on October 9-10, 1999. It was a two-day event featuring performances by artists such as Beck, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, Morrissey, and The Chemical Brothers. The festival took place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Despite a star-studded lineup and critical acclaim, the inaugural event faced challenges such as extreme heat and lower-than-expected ticket sales, resulting in a financial loss. The festival took a hiatus in 2000 before returning in 2001 and eventually growing into the major annual event it is today.