Strokes Slam US Foreign Meddling at Coachella
Band uses festival set to denounce CIA's alleged role in ousting foreign leaders, with visuals showing leaders whose deaths were tied to US intervention.
Strokes, the iconic American rock band, used their set at the Coachella music festival to make a powerful political statement against the United States' history of foreign intervention and war. During their performance, the band displayed a montage of world leaders whose deaths or ousting the CIA has either been proven or suspected to have been involved in.
As lead singer Julian Casablancas sang the lyrics of their 2016 song Oblivius, the LED screens behind the band showed images of these leaders, driving home the band's message against America's meddling in other countries' affairs.
The Strokes' decision to use their Coachella set to make this political statement is a bold move, as music festivals are often seen as a space for escapism and entertainment. However, the band has a history of using their platform to address social and political issues, and this latest act is a continuation of that tradition.
The montage included leaders from countries such as Iran and Palestine, highlighting the band's concern over the United States' involvement in the affairs of these nations. The choice of these specific countries is significant, as they have long been the targets of U.S. foreign policy, often with disastrous consequences for their people.
By bringing attention to these issues, the Strokes are encouraging their fans to think critically about the role of the United States in global affairs and to question the government's actions on the world stage. This type of political engagement from artists is increasingly important in a time when many people feel disconnected from the decision-making processes that shape their lives.
The band's performance at Coachella has already generated significant buzz, with fans and critics alike praising the Strokes for their willingness to use their platform to address these important issues. As the band continues to tour and perform, it will be interesting to see if they continue to use their music to make similar political statements.
Source: The Guardian
