Austin City Limits 2024: Tattooed Icons and Epic Performances – Copy 1

The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival returned in 2024 with its signature blend of eclectic sounds, creative freedom, and edgy vibes—making it a perfect fit for the Inked community. As a haven for self-expression, ACL has long attracted artists and fans who embrace individuality, and this year’s lineup showcased plenty of musicians sporting ink that speaks to their unique journeys.

Here’s our roundup of the tattooed artists who left their mark on ACL 2024.

Teddy Swims: Soul Meets Ink

Teddy Swims captivated the crowd with his powerful voice and equally striking tattoos. Known for his unique mix of soul, pop, and R&B, Swims’ ink is as much a part of his image as his genre-blending sound. His sleeves are full of personal tributes and symbols representing his journey through the music industry. Performing his hits, Swims brought a raw, emotional vibe to ACL that connected with fans on a personal level—his inked arms adding to the emotion and intensity of his set.

Orville Peck: Mysterious Inked Cowboy

Orville Peck, the masked country star known for blending Americana with outlaw country, stole the show with his haunting melodies and unmistakable look. His tattoos add to his mystique, peeking out from under his fringed outfits and cowboy hats. Each piece of ink seems to nod to his rugged, otherworldly persona, embodying his music’s dark, wild aesthetic. Peck’s ACL set delivered a mix of twang and theatricality, his tattoos enhancing the allure of his enigmatic stage presence.

Dom Dolla: Inked Beats in the Heart of EDM

Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla brought the energy to ACL with his electrifying house beats, lighting up the festival’s dance scene. His tattoos—clean, geometric designs that often mirror his sharp aesthetic—are as bold as his music. Dolla’s set had fans dancing from start to finish, and his ink added a layer of edge to his look. As an artist who bridges underground club vibes with mainstream appeal, his inked style complemented his dynamic, crowd-moving beats.

Kehlani: Empowerment Through Ink

Kehlani lit up the ACL stage with her R&B-infused pop and tattooed artistry. Her tattoos, known for their powerful symbols and detailed script, reflect her journey through love, resilience, and self-empowerment. Pieces like her “Perdida y Encontrada” (Lost and Found) tattoo show her commitment to growth and personal evolution, which resonates deeply with her fanbase. Kehlani’s set was equal parts vibrant and vulnerable, her tattoos visible reminders of her resilience and the personal battles woven into her music.

Blink-182: Punk Legends Still Making a Mark

Blink-182 brought a dose of nostalgic punk energy to ACL, reminding fans of the rebellious spirit it has championed for decades. Known for their energetic sound and humor-laden lyrics, the band’s members are also known for their iconic ink. Travis Barker, with his head-to-toe tattoos, has long been a tattoo culture icon, his ink symbolizing both personal milestones and his journey as a rock star. The band’s performance was a nod to the golden era of pop-punk, with tattoos as essential to their identity as the music itself.

Dua Lipa: Pop Icon with Subtle, Meaningful Ink

Dua Lipa’s ACL debut brought high-energy pop hits and an effortlessly cool aesthetic that had fans singing along from start to finish. Known for her sleek and understated tattoo collection, Dua’s ink reflects her personal milestones and growth as an artist. From delicate script on her hands to small symbols representing love and friendship, her tattoos are subtle yet meaningful. Much like her music, the pop star’s tattoos showcase her evolving identity and confidence, adding an intimate layer to her polished pop persona. Her ACL performance was a dynamic blend of style and substance, proving that, for Lipa, every detail—including her ink—tells a story.

Chappell Roan: Fearless Expression Vocalized

Chappell Roan brought her vibrant energy and unapologetic style to ACL 2024, captivating the crowd with her genre-bending pop anthems and theatrical stage presence. Known for her expressive, edgy aesthetic, Roan’s tattoos are an extension of her bold personality and fearless approach to music. Her ink is a mix of playful designs and personal symbols that add to her quirky charm, each piece reflecting her journey of self-discovery and creative freedom. With her colorful outfits and powerful voice, Roan’s ACL set was a tribute to individuality, proving her as an artist who’s not afraid to make a statement—in both music and ink.

This year’s ACL was more than just a festival—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and individuality. From rising stars to seasoned icons, the performances and energy reminded us that music brings people together, inspiring all who come to share in the experience.