Photo Credit; Getty Images
The Strokes brought an unexpected and highly political ending to their weekend two performance at Coachella, delivering a closing moment that quickly became one of the most talked about highlights of the festival. The band concluded their set with a video montage that criticized United States foreign policy and depicted recent bombings in Iran and Gaza, leaving audiences both surprised and divided.
The final minutes of the performance marked a sharp departure from their previous weekend appearance. As the band played “Oblivius,” a song they had not performed live since 2016, frontman Julian Casablancas repeated the pointed line, “What side you standing on?” The message was reinforced visually by a sequence of clips shown on massive LED screens behind the band.
The montage included accusations about the historical role of the CIA in influencing political outcomes in various countries. It traced a narrative from earlier periods in American history to more recent military actions. The video culminated in footage showing destruction in Iran with the caption “Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran,” followed by imagery from Gaza labeled “Last university standing in Gaza.” These visuals were displayed as the band performed in front of an illuminated mosque backdrop, intensifying the emotional impact.
For many viewers, both in attendance and watching online, the ending came as a complete surprise. Unlike the previous weekend, this politically charged segment had not been previewed or hinted at. Despite its controversial nature, the festival broadcast appeared to fully capture and present the visuals without interruption, suggesting organizers were aware of the content.
The reaction from fans was immediate and varied. Some praised the band for using their platform to highlight global conflicts and historical grievances. Comments on social media described the moment as powerful and necessary, with supporters expressing appreciation for the band’s willingness to address difficult topics. One fan even suggested the move might prevent the group from returning to the festival, though that seems unlikely given their continued relationship with Goldenvoice and their upcoming appearance at another major event later in the year.
At the same time, criticism is expected to grow as more clips circulate online. The inclusion of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, in particular, adds to an already sensitive and widely debated issue. This follows a pattern seen at previous festivals, where political statements from artists have sparked strong reactions across different audiences.
Beyond the Middle East imagery, the montage also referenced historical controversies, including claims about United States involvement in political upheavals in Latin America and other regions. It even touched on disputed narratives surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., citing a civil trial verdict while omitting later findings from the Justice Department that challenged those conclusions.
Despite the controversy, the performance has reinforced The Strokes’ reputation for unpredictability and willingness to engage with political themes. With a world tour set to begin in June and extend through the fall, the band shows no sign of stepping away from the spotlight or from making bold statements on stage.
