Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Brings Generations of Women in Music Together

Olivia Rodrigo’s first Daisy Chain Fields festival transformed Irvine, California, into a gathering place for generations of women in music. Inspired in part by the legacy of Lilith Fair, the inaugural event brought together major artists from across pop, rock, alternative, and hip-hop for a day centered on community, collaboration, and advocacy.

Rodrigo headlined the festival and used her set to welcome several major surprise guests. The most anticipated appearance came from Stevie Nicks, who joined Rodrigo for a performance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” The pairing connected two artists from different generations and gave the festival one of its defining moments.

Following their performance, Nicks praised Rodrigo and spoke about the similarities she saw between them. “She reminds me of me when I was her age a hundred years ago,” Nicks told the crowd. She also expressed admiration for the younger singer’s ability to organize such an ambitious event.

“And I’m somewhat awestruck that she could do all this,” Nicks continued. “Because it’s so hard, you have no idea, putting this together with all of these people. And she’s done it with this grace.”

Nicks’ appearance was one of several major collaborations throughout Rodrigo’s headline set. Alanis Morissette also joined the singer for a performance of “Ironic,” marking a reunion between the two artists. Morissette appeared in place of Karen O, who had originally been expected to participate but was unable to attend because of a family emergency.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs vocalist explained that she could not make the festival because of the situation affecting her family. Her absence led to a last-minute change, but Morissette’s performance gave Rodrigo the chance to revisit one of the defining songs of 1990s alternative rock.

Rodrigo also welcomed Sarah McLachlan to the stage. Together, they performed “Building a Mystery” and “Angel,” two of McLachlan’s best-known songs. The latter was dedicated to the late Dolly Parton, adding an emotional note to the set and connecting the festival’s celebration of women in music with a tribute to one of country and popular music’s most influential figures.

The collaborations reflected Daisy Chain Fields’ wider purpose. Rather than focusing solely on one genre or age group, the festival assembled artists whose work has shaped different eras of popular music. The lineup included Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, Doechii, Mitski, the Breeders, Santigold, Quiet Light, Eli, and others.

The range of performers was central to the event’s identity. Bikini Kill represented the history of feminist punk and riot grrrl, while the Breeders brought their alternative-rock legacy to a new audience. Mitski and Santigold added distinctive perspectives from independent and genre-blurring music, while Doechii and Chappell Roan represented two of the most exciting contemporary voices in pop and hip-hop.

The festival’s name and concept suggested both connection and continuity. “Daisy Chain” evokes a link between individuals, while “Fields” places that connection within a shared physical space. At Daisy Chain Fields, the idea extended beyond the performances themselves. The event was designed to bring artists and fans together around causes affecting women and girls.

Net proceeds from ticket sales were donated to nonprofit organizations working to advance and advocate for women and girls. Beneficiaries included the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood, and Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health.

The festival raised 20 million in total. Ticket sales generated 20 million in total. Ticket sales generated 10 million, while philanthropist Melinda Gates provided an additional $10 million through a donation match. The figure made the inaugural event not only a major cultural occasion but also a significant fundraising effort.

Rodrigo’s decision to create a festival with a charitable mission recalls the spirit of Lilith Fair, the touring festival founded by McLachlan, Nettwerk Music Group executive Dan Fraser, and Terry McBride in the late 1990s. Lilith Fair challenged the male-dominated structures of the music industry by placing women artists at the center of a large-scale touring event. Daisy Chain Fields appears to draw from that precedent while presenting the concept for a new generation.

The presence of Nicks, Morissette, and McLachlan underscored the importance of that connection between musical eras. Their appearances allowed Rodrigo to acknowledge the artists who influenced the cultural landscape before her while also demonstrating that today’s performers can create new spaces for collaboration.

Rodrigo also teased the possibility of bringing Daisy Chain Fields back next year. Although details about a potential second edition have not yet been announced, the festival’s success and fundraising total make a return appear likely. If it continues, the event could become an annual platform for live music, activism, and intergenerational exchange.

The inaugural Daisy Chain Fields ultimately offered more than a traditional concert lineup. It was a statement about the power of women artists working together and the importance of using a large public platform to support social causes. With surprise performances, emotional tributes, and a lineup spanning decades of music history, Rodrigo’s festival made a memorable debut and suggested that its story may only be beginning.