The Strokes closed out their second weekend Coachella set with a provocative political message, using their platform to remind the world of the continued devastation in Gaza.
The iconic band, who recently announced a world tour in support of their first album in six years, Reality Awaits, opened their 14-song set with ‘Hard to Explain’ and ‘You Only Live Once’, before barrelling through tracks such as the classic hit ‘The Adults Are Talking’ as well as their new single, ‘Going Shopping’.
For their final song, the band chose a fan favourite, the 2016 track ‘Oblivius’, which they haven’t played live since the year it was released. The heavier soundscape provided the perfect atmosphere for the visuals they chose to pair the song with.
As per the Tribune, the slideshow behind the band turned serious, as it included political figures like Omar Torrijos, Jacobo Árbenz and Jaime Roldós Aguilera, all described as leaders allegedly overthrown by the CIA.
The band also included an image of Martin Luther King Jr, along with the statement, “US Govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial.” Footage online depicted the use of signage that read, “Black Lives Matter. “
After delving into the troubled history of their homeland, The Strokes used the final moments to provide a shockingly realistic recreation of air missile strikes in Gaza.
“Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran. Last University standing in Gaza,” the gigantic screen behind them read, before it was engulfed in digital flames in a creative reimagining of the destruction that continues to persist in Palestine.
On April 11th, frontman Julian Casablancas made it clear that he wasn’t shying away from the dreary political climate in America, as he shared with the audience, “You guys excited about the draft? Oh, wait, not the NFL draft,” in a nod to the Iran War.
He then added, “In six months, I think everyone who’s eligible for the military has to register. You guys excited?”
The Strokes have made their grand live return following the announcement of Reality Awaits, which follows six years on from the release of The New Abnormal in 2020. The album news was first revealed on the band’s social media page with a photo of a car with the tagline, ‘In The Flesh, It’s Even Sexier’.
Watch footage of their Coachella encore below.
the strokes encore for coachella 2026 weekend 2 pic.twitter.com/xfCD8fwH5d
— ًً (@MASOCHlSTlC) April 19, 2026
