The Strokes Promote Hamas and Iranian Propaganda at Coachella

The band closed their festival set with a politically charged video montage attacking the U.S. government.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:07am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring jagged, angular black silhouettes against a stark, high-contrast background, conceptually representing the clash between artistic expression and political activism at music festivals.The Strokes' politically charged Coachella set exposes the ongoing debate over the role of music festivals in promoting social and political agendas.Coachella Today

The Strokes closed out their weekend appearances at the Coachella music festival with a politically charged video montage that promoted propaganda in support of the oppressive Iranian Mullahs and terror organization Hamas. The video featured images critical of the U.S. government and its actions, including claims of overthrowing leaders and destroying universities.

Why it matters

The Strokes' decision to use their high-profile Coachella set to push controversial political messages, including support for authoritarian regimes and terrorist groups, has sparked backlash and raised questions about the role of politics in major music festivals.

The details

During their set, the band launched into a politically charged finale, riffing off their 2016 song 'Oblivius.' The screen behind them flashed images of leaders they claim were overthrown by the CIA, followed by a photo of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. captioned 'US Govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial.' The band also attacked the U.S. for supposedly destroying universities in Iran and Gaza.

  • The Strokes closed out their weekend appearances at Coachella on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The band is set to release their new album 'Reality Awaits' in June 2026.

The players

The Strokes

An American indie rock band formed in New York City in 1998, known for their influential albums and high-profile festival appearances.

Julian Casablancas

The lead singer of The Strokes, who has a history of making political statements from the stage.

Hamas

A Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organization and political party that has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and international organizations.

Iranian Mullahs

The religious and political leaders of Iran, who have been accused of human rights abuses and supporting terrorist groups.

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What they’re saying

“You guys excited about the draft? Oh wait no, not the NFL draft, I'm talking about in six months, I think everyone's going to have to register who's eligible for the military. You guys excited?”

— Julian Casablancas, Lead Singer of The Strokes

What’s next

The Strokes' controversial Coachella set is likely to spark further debate about the role of politics in major music festivals, and whether artists should use their platforms to promote specific ideological agendas.

The takeaway

The Strokes' decision to use their Coachella set to promote propaganda supporting authoritarian regimes and terrorist groups has drawn significant backlash, highlighting the ongoing tension between artistic expression and political activism at major music events.