The band finished out their Coachella 2026 with a video condemning the US and Israeli bombings in Iran and Gaza. The American rock band performed their song “Oblivius" for the first time in a decade. Whilst this song was being played, they accused the CIA of enforcing regime change through political violence and showed footage of Israel bombing Gaza and the US bombing Iran.
The video that was played on the screens during The Strokes set at Coachella alleged that the CIA was involved with deaths of multiple political figures, including Panama's Military Leader Omar Torrijos, former President of Guatemala Jacobo Árbenz and former President of Ecuador Jaime Roldós Aguilera.
The video included the consipracy theory that the US was involved with the death of Martin Luther King Jr.
Lead vocalist Julian Casablancas repeated the line "what side are you standing on?" before the video abruptly ended and the band walked off the stage-some reports are suggesting that the festival may have turned their video off.
There has been no comments from the band or the festival on why the video ended abruptly.
Casablanca was open about his criticisms towards the Trump administration during Coachella weekend 1 as he said on stage, “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? Well, I hope to lead one of the Coachella units. The sexiest unit in our proud military, I’m sure."
In other news, The Strokes are set to release their first album in six years, 'Reality Waits'. Their record is due to be released on the 26th of June.
They have recently announced a world tour, where they will visit the UK, North America, Japan and Europe. This will mark the first time they have toured Ireland in 20 years. They are set to perform in the 3arena in October.
