In a bold conclusion to their performance at Coachella 2026, The Strokes incorporated a politically charged video, igniting conversations about the implications of US foreign policy. As frontman Julian Casablancas posed the provocative question, “What side are you standing on?”, the band left a lasting impression that intertwined music with pressing global issues.
A Powerful Performance
This year’s Coachella saw The Strokes take the stage for the first time in a decade to perform their track “Oblivius.” However, it was the accompanying video montage that captivated audiences and sparked debate. On massive LED screens, the band showcased a series of clips accusing the CIA of orchestrating political violence and regime changes worldwide. The footage included images of the recent Israeli bombings in Gaza and US military actions in Iran, creating an emotional backdrop that resonated with many festival-goers.
The video went further, alleging connections between the CIA and the deaths of notable political figures, including Panama’s military leader Omar Torrijos and former Guatemalan President Jacobo Árbenz. Additionally, it alluded to the controversial theory that the US was involved in Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Accompanying these claims were stark captions highlighting the destruction of educational institutions, stating, “Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran,” and “Last university standing in Gaza.”
A Shift in Tone
As the montage unfolded, Casablancas echoed the sentiments of the visuals in the song’s chorus, repeatedly asking, “What side are you standing on?” The performance concluded abruptly, leaving the audience to ponder the weight of the message. The Strokes did not provide any comments following the concert, and speculation regarding the potential repercussions of their politically charged display remains unanswered.
In contrast to their fiery message this weekend
