The Strokes Close Coachella With Provocative Montage on U.S. and Israel Bombings
The Strokes Close Coachella With Provocative Montage on U.S. and Israel Bombings
The Strokes cap Coachella Weekend 2 with a politically charged video linking CIA actions to regime changes, ending with footage of Gaza and Iran bombings.
The Strokes closed their Coachella Weekend 2 set with a stark, politically charged montage that accused the CIA of orchestrating regime changes abroad over the decades, before finishing with footage of Israel bombing Gaza and the United States bombing Iran. The image-heavy sequence appeared as they wrapped the performance of Oblivius, a song they hadn't played since 2016. The montage carried a blunt, topical message that took aim at Western foreign-policy actions.
Backed by a night of sun and crowds, the moment added a layer to the festival's final moments, just ahead of headliner Justin Bieber's appearance. The montage included archival clips of foreign interventions and tagged captions linking those actions to universities and other targets, drawing a line between a rock show and ongoing global debates.
Audiences reacted online and in-person with a mix of surprise and praise for the bold stance, while others questioned whether politics should ride alongside a weekend of live performances. Regardless of reaction, the moment underscored how artists are increasingly using stages to prompt conversations about policy, war, and accountability. The Strokes' choice to end with this message has already become a talking point in discussions about Coachella's cultural footprint this year.
For fans, the performance offered more than a sonic finale; it was a reminder that music can still serve as a platform for protest and reflection in a festival setting. As Coachella continues to blend music with social commentary, moments like this highlight the tension — and potential — of art as a catalyst for dialogue.
