The Strokes turn Coachella set into political critique of US foreign policy
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The Strokes, an American rock band formed in New York in 1998 and known for songs such as “Last Nite” and “Someday,” closed their Coachella 2026 performance in California with a politically charged video targeting US foreign policy.
During their set on Saturday, April 18, frontman Julian Casablancas repeatedly asked, “What side are you standing on?” as a large video montage played across the festival’s LED screens.
The visuals included references to historical US-led interventions and CIA-backed regime change operations, alongside more recent footage linked to wars in the Middle East.
The video also featured captions referencing destruction in Iran and Gaza, including footage of universities being targeted.
The performance included a rare live rendition of the track “Oblivius,” performed for the first time in years, before the set shifted into the political segment.
The moment quickly sparked debate online, with many praising the band for using the platform to raise political questions, while some criticised the message.
Coachella organisers have not issued a comment regarding the performance.
