The Strokeshave sparked widespread online debate after closing their Coachella weekend two set with a politically charged video montage that included the repeated phrase 'What side are you standing on?'
The performance, streamed live to a global audience, has since become a focal point of discussion across social media platforms. While the band has not issued any official statement, the moment has raised questions about whether the Coachella performance could lead to further controversy in the days ahead.
The Strokes performed at Coachella's second weekend on Saturday night, delivering a set that included the live return ofOblivius, which had not been played in roughly a decade. According toThe Independent, the performance closed with a video montage featuring allegations about intelligence agencies, political figures, and footage of conflict zones.
During the closing segment, the band displayed a large-scale video montage across the festival's LED screens.
The visuals reportedly included references to alleged historical links involving intelligence agencies and political figures, alongside footage of recent conflicts in the Middle East. The presentation also included captions referencing destroyed universities and ongoing violence in affected regions.
As the montage played, frontman Julian Casablancas repeatedly sang the line 'What side are you standing on?' before the band exited the stage.
The Strokes used their Coachella set to show CIA coups and Gaza footage. They'll probably never be invited back, and they knew it.pic.twitter.com/wjXwg2MXQo
The Coachella performance was streamed as part of the festival's official broadcast, significantly widening its audience beyond those present at the venue. Following the set, clips circulated widely online, prompting immediate discussion over the intent and interpretation of the visual material.
Reactions have been divided. Some viewers described the segment as a form of political expression within a live music setting, while others criticised the inclusion of sensitive geopolitical imagery at a major entertainment festival.
On social media platforms, the phrase 'What side are you standing on?' became a central point of debate, with users interpreting it in different ways depending on their perspective of the performance.
Source: International Business Times UK
