The Strokes closed their second Coachella performance with a politically charged display that appeared to be abruptly cut off. As they performed Oblivius, background visuals showed images of world leaders whose deaths have allegedly been linked to the Central Intelligence Agency, along with footage referencing global conflicts and political unrest.

Among the images were Panama’s Omar Torrijos, Guatemala’s Jacobo Arbenz, and Ecuador’s Jaime Roldos Aguilera, as well as Martin Luther King Jr., accompanied by on-screen text claiming the United States government was found liable in a civil trial related to his assassination. Footage of missile strikes in Gaza and text about universities destroyed in Iran also appeared before the screen suddenly went black, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that the visuals seemed to have been cut.

Frontman Julian Casablancas has previously used the stage to voice political opinions, including remarks about military draft registration in the United States. The performance comes ahead of the band’s upcoming album Reality Awaits and a 2026 world tour, continuing their tradition of blending music with pointed social commentary.