Strokes Conclude Coachella Set with U.S. and Israel Bombing Videos

The Strokes made a bold political statement during their performance at Coachella’s second weekend. The iconic band concluded their set with a video montage critiquing U.S. foreign policy and showcasing footage of military actions in the Middle East.

Political Montage at Coachella

As the band performed their song “Oblivius” — their first live rendition since 2016 — they portrayed a series of powerful images. These included accusations against the CIA for orchestrating regime changes and historical misdeeds by the U.S., spanning from slavery to modern conflicts.

• The video featured clips of recent bombings in Gaza and Iran.
• Notable captions included “Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran” and “Last university standing in Gaza.”

Insights from the Set

The performance surprised both live and remote audiences as it diverged significantly from the band’s previous weekend show. The Strokes, with frontman Julian Casablancas leading, posed the question in their chorus, “What side you standing on?” This questioning of morality resonated strongly as they wrapped up their set against an illuminated mosque backdrop.

The video montage also referenced significant historical events. For instance, it included a caption about the 1999 civil trial verdict declaring the U.S. government guilty in the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., despite the Justice Department’s subsequent 2000 declaration of no supporting evidence.

Reactions and Future Plans

Reactions from fans to this politically charged statement were mixed yet predominantly positive. Supportive comments flooded social media platforms, with fans expressing gratitude for highlighting issues in Gaza, Iran, and Latin America. Others, particularly pro-Israel supporters, may react more critically as clips circulate online.

• Fans applauded the Strokes for using their platform for awareness.
• Post-performance, the group announced a world tour starting in June, culminating in an August performance at the Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena.

This politically invested conclusion to their Coachella performance has raised questions about potential fallout. Some speculate it could affect future appearances at the festival. However, given the band’s upcoming engagements, it seems unlikely they will face significant repercussions.

Fans of The Strokes are likely aware of Casablancas’ prior support for Palestine, having signed a 2021 “Musicians for Palestine” letter. This context adds depth to the band’s recent statements and aligns their music with their advocacy.