A Politically Charged Finale at Coachella
The Strokes delivered a memorable and politically charged conclusion to their Coachella Weekend 2 set. Performing on the festival’s main stage just before headliner Justin Bieber, the band opted for a powerful visual statement to close out their performance. They chose to end their set with “Oblivius,” a track from 2016 that had not been featured in their live repertoire for years.
As the band played, the large screens behind them displayed a stark video montage. The footage focused on the history of US foreign intervention, specifically accusing the CIA of orchestrating the overthrow of various foreign regimes over the past several decades. The montage explicitly referenced historical figures such as Mohammed Mossadegh of Iran and Patrice Lumumba of the Congo.
Visual Commentary on Modern Conflict
The presentation did not stop at historical critique. The montage transitioned into contemporary imagery, featuring footage of US military actions in Iran and Israeli military operations in Gaza. The video specifically highlighted the destruction of universities, drawing a direct line between historical geopolitical maneuvering and current humanitarian crises.
This visual display marked a significant departure from the band’s Weekend 1 performance. While the setlist remained consistent, the political messaging was notably absent during their first weekend. However, frontman Julian Casablancas had previously hinted at his political concerns during the first weekend, when he provocatively asked the crowd, “You guys excited about the draft? Oh, wait, not the NFL draft.”
Looking Ahead: Reality Awaits
Beyond the festival stage, The Strokes are preparing for a busy summer. The band recently announced their upcoming studio album, Reality Awaits, which is slated for release this June. The project was introduced earlier this month with the lead single “Going Shopping,” signaling a new chapter for the group as they continue to balance their musical output with their outspoken social commentary.
