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The Strokes used their second Coachella set to make a bold statement, as their background visuals appeared to be cut off after they delivered a politicially-charged performance.
The band are no stranger to commentary during their shows, and last week made a lighthearted joke to the crowd about proposed military draft registration in the US.
But as they brought the curtain down on their second show on Saturday, frontman Julian Casablancas and his bandmates incorporated chilling visuals while singing their hit song Oblivius.
The images included world leaders who are alleged to have been overthrown by the CIA, the death of Martin Luther King Jr, and images of air missile strikes in Gaza, before the screen was abruptly cut off.
As the track played, the screen behind The Strokes showed figures including Panama’s Military Leader Omar Torrijos, former President of Guatemala Jacobo Árbenz and former President of Ecuador Jaime Roldós Aguilera, whose deaths have all been allegedly linked to the CIA.
An image of Martin Luther King Jr. also appeared, alongside the on-screen statement ‘US Govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial.’
The Strokes used their second Coachella set to make a bold statement, as their background visuals appeared to be cut off after they delivered a politicially-charged performance
As they brought the curtain down on their second show on Saturday, frontman Julian Casablancas and his bandmates incorporated chilling visuals while singing their song Oblivius
The screen then cut to footage of the air missile strikes in Gaza, as well as on-screen text stating: ‘Over 30 Universities destroyed in Iran.’
However, the screen then abruptly changed to black, with the LA Times reporting that it seemed the images were cut off.
Last week, Julian used The Strokes’ performance to address topics such as the proposed military draft registration in the United States.
He told the crowd: ‘You guys excited about the draft? Oh, wait, not the NFL draft.
‘In six months, I think everyone who’s eligible for the military has to register. You guys excited?’
While last week’s set featured more The Strokes early material, their second show featured hits including Hard to Explain, You Only Live Once, The Adults Are Talking, Juicebox and Ode to the Mets.
The performance also precede the release of the band’s first new album in six years, called Reality Awaits and a 2026 world tour, which kicks off in June.
Despite the band’s political views, Julian himself has shared he refused to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election, despite previously backing Bernie Sanders as the democratic candidate over Joe Biden in 2020.
The images included world leaders who are alleged to have been overthrown by the CIA, the death of Martin Luther King Jr, and images of air missile strikes in Gaza
However, the screen then abruptly changed to black, with the LA Times reporting that it seemed the images were cut off
In a post on Instagram, he showcased an I Protested badge in contrast to the I Voted ones worn by so many who went to the polling booths, sharing how a conversation with his mother led him to the decision.
He said: ‘Like I told her, I am thinking of my children. The 2 parties are a joke… a horrible lie.
‘The military and oil companies and banks are who we are voting for – and the media is their propaganda/entertainment wing.
‘& with the way they cheated Bernie [Sanders] I see little point in choosing between these puppets… They want you to think it matters. That way nothing will change but it has to change.’
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