California (US), April 20, 2026, BNN Web Staff: American rock band The Strokes stirred controversy during their second-weekend performance at Coachella, using their stage to deliver a strong political message condemning recent US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East.
As the band closed their set, audiences were met with an unexpected visual montage projected across large LED screens.
The video included references to alleged historical interventions by the CIA, before shifting focus to recent footage depicting airstrikes in Iran and Gaza.
The visuals were accompanied by captions highlighting destruction of academic institutions and infrastructure.
The protest segment was underscored by the band’s track Oblivius, which had not featured in their live performances for nearly a decade.
Frontman Julian Casablancas repeatedly delivered the refrain, “What side you standing on?”, reinforcing the political tone of the moment.
The performance contrasted sharply with the group’s set from the previous weekend, where no such messaging was included.
The addition of a mosque-themed stage backdrop and politically charged visuals appeared to be a deliberate shift in tone, catching both live attendees and online viewers off guard.
The band’s appearance comes amid heightened global attention on geopolitical tensions, with artists increasingly using major platforms to voice political and humanitarian concerns.
Following their first weekend performance, The Strokes also announced an upcoming global tour scheduled to begin in June, extending through the fall. The tour includes a major appearance at the Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena, California.
Meanwhile, Justin Bieber also drew attention at Coachella 2026 with a high-profile performance featuring guest appearances from Billie Eilish, SZA, Sexyy Red, and Big Sean, adding to the star power of this year’s festival.
The Strokes’ politically charged finale has since sparked widespread discussion online, with audiences divided over the role of artists in addressing global conflicts during entertainment events.
