The Strokes' Coachella performance of 'Oblivius' was a powerful statement against decades of U.S. imperialism and war. The band's video montage, a potent blend of historical and contemporary imagery, highlighted the CIA's alleged involvement in the overthrow and assassination of foreign leaders, including Iran's Mohammed Mossadegh and Congo's Patrice Lumumba. The montage also featured a slide dedicated to the 1999 civil trial that found a U.S. government conspiracy to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr., despite the Department of Justice's repeated rejection of this claim.
The performance's climax featured footage of rubble in Iran and Gaza, with a slide stating that over 30 universities have been destroyed by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes this year. Julian Casablancas, the band's frontman, howled the final refrain of 'Oblivius', 'What side are you standing on?'.
This politically-charged performance is consistent with the band's stance. Casablancas signed a 2021 petition calling for a free Palestine and hosted a video interview series discussing American imperialism, Marxism, and wealth inequality. The band is set to release their new album, 'Reality Awaits', on June 26, and will embark on a North American tour that same month.
The Strokes' performance at Coachella was a bold statement, using their platform to shed light on the darker aspects of U.S. foreign policy. It's a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social commentary, and that artists have a responsibility to use their influence to address important issues. As Casablancas himself might say, 'What side are you standing on?'
This performance also raises a deeper question about the role of art in challenging power structures. How can artists effectively use their platforms to address complex global issues? What responsibility do they have to speak out against injustice? These are questions that The Strokes, and other artists, are forcing us to consider.
