The Strokes didn’t simply rock Coachella — they lit a political firestorm in the midst of the desert had the gang doing a double take.
The NYC rockers had been cruising via their efficiency on Saturday like some other large act when issues abruptly took a pointy left flip. Frontman Julian Casablancas and co. rolled out a heavy video montage calling out U.S. international intervention … and yeah, it bought severe quick.
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The visuals included a rundown of governments allegedly overthrown by the CIA through the years, blended with footage of more moderen conflicts — together with Israel bombing Gaza and U.S. strikes on Iran — all enjoying whereas the band ripped via “Oblivius,” a monitor they haven’t carried out dwell since 2016.
Not precisely your typical Coachella vibe of flower crowns and influencer selfies!
And it didn’t cease there. As Casablancas delivered the refrain of “What side you standing on?” the imagery bought even heavier … flashing messages like “over 30 universities destroyed in Iran” earlier than displaying what was described because the “last university standing in Gaza” being blown up in a managed explosion.
The montage additionally pulled in imagery from U.S. historical past, together with the slave commerce and segregation, and even referenced controversial claims in regards to the deaths of main political figures — together with Martin Luther King Jr. — together with leaders from Panama and Ecuador.
The gang response was far and wide. Some followers had been clearly into it, hyping the band for talking out on a large stage … whereas others seemed caught fully off guard, like they got here for indie rock and bought a crash course in geopolitics as an alternative.
Nonetheless, it’s not completely out of character for The Strokes — they’ve all the time flirted with edgy commentary. However this was subsequent degree, particularly for Coachella.
The Strokes didn’t simply shut out a set … they hijacked one of many largest competition phases on the earth to make a loud, controversial assertion.
