The Strokes turn Coachella stage into political statement with hard-hitting Gaza, Iran visuals

American rock band The Strokes ended their second-weekend performance at Coachella with a politically charged visual montage that surprised both the live audience and viewers watching online.

During the final minutes of their set, visuals played on the stage screens showing a series of political claims related to alleged United States foreign interventions. The montage included references to the CIA and displayed imagery connected to conflicts in the Middle East and historical geopolitical events.

The sequence appeared during the band’s closing performance of Oblivius, a song they had not performed live since 2016. Frontman Julian Casablancas repeatedly sang the line, “What side you standing on?” as the visuals played behind them.

The stage design included an illuminated mosque backdrop, while the LED screens displayed footage referencing recent military strikes in the region, including images linked to Gaza and Iran. Some captions shown in the montage included claims such as “Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran” and “Last university standing in Gaza.”

The video sequence also referenced broader historical events, including alleged CIA involvement in political upheavals in Latin America and references to the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.. One caption reportedly read: “US govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial.”

Additional references included the 1953 overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, the 1973 removal of Chilean President Salvador Allende, and other political events across South America.

The set concluded with footage of a bomber aircraft flying as the music ended, leaving a dramatic final visual.

Reactions online were divided but largely engaged, with many praising the band for using their platform to highlight global political issues, while others questioned the tone and messaging of the presentation.

The moment also drew comparisons to previous politically themed performances at Coachella, including last year’s set by Irish group Kneecap, which similarly addressed conflict in the Middle East.