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.<\/p>\n
As the band closed their set, audiences were met with an unexpected visual montage projected across large LED screens.<\/p>\n
The video included references to alleged historical interventions by the CIA, before shifting focus to recent footage depicting airstrikes in Iran and Gaza.<\/p>\n
The visuals were accompanied by captions highlighting destruction of academic institutions and infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The protest segment was underscored by the band\u2019s track Oblivius, which had not featured in their live performances for nearly a decade.<\/p>\n
Frontman Julian Casablancas repeatedly delivered the refrain, \u201cWhat side you standing on?\u201d, reinforcing the political tone of the moment.<\/p>\n
The performance contrasted sharply with the group\u2019s set from the previous weekend, where no such messaging was included.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The band\u2019s appearance comes amid heightened global attention on geopolitical tensions, with artists increasingly using major platforms to voice political and humanitarian concerns.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s festival.<\/p>\n
The Strokes\u2019 politically charged finale has since sparked widespread discussion online, with audiences divided over the role of artists in addressing global conflicts during entertainment events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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