The Strokes Calls Out the CIA in Detailed Coachella 2026 Performance

Nicole WeaverSun, April 19, 2026 at 3:42 PM UTC

0

The Strokes performed at Coachella on Saturday night, April 18. They performed "Oblivious" and sent a message to the audience with the screens behind them with pictures and statements about the United States and Iran international tactics.

The Strokes Ended Coach by Performing ‘Oblivious'

The American rock band's screen behind them started with a mosque outlined in lights. Singer Julian Casablancas wore a shirt with the word "Crime" over Amazon's iconic arrow. A picture of Mohammed Mossadegh, the Prime Minister of Iran, followed by "Overthrown in 1953 by the CIA & British Intelligence" replaced the mosque.

Related: ’90s ‘King of Techno’ Announces Major Move After Coachella Performance

Patrice Lumumba, the Prime Minister of the Congo, was next followed by "Overthrown in 1961 by the CIA & Belgian GOVT."

A picture of the president of Bolivia, Juan Torres, was shown then "Overthrown in 1976 during U.S. operation Condor."

Advertisement

Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington was pictured before "U.S. GOVT found guilty of his murder in civil trial." A montage of drawings of enslaved people played then pictures of Black Lives Matter protests.

President of Panama, Omar Torrijos, followed then, "plane crash, 1981 CIA suspected." The screen showed more dead leaders that the CIA is suspected to be involved with their demise. The performance ended with destruction in Iran and Gaza.

This could be a glimpse of what's to come in the band's world tour, which starts in June. Their seventh album, Reality Awaits, is expected to be released on June 26, 2026.

"Reality Awaits, a new fragrance by the subconscious longing of humanity for justice," a voice actor said over a video for a fake fragrance commercial. A man and woman hug then the camera zooms in on a statue. It looks similar to the Statue of Liberty, but there is a sword in one hand and a scale in the other.

The video promoted their album release date. "This message is approved by The Strokes," captioned the post.

Related: Justin Bieber’s Coachella Set Was More Strategic Than Fans Realized, Expert Says

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”