The Strokes made their Coachella return after 15 years, delivering a set packed with classics and their new single 'Going Shopping'. Frontman Julian Casablancas wore a t-shirt altering the Amazon logo to read 'crime', taking a subtle shot at Jeff Bezos. He also commented on a proposed US military draft registration.
The Strokes took the main stage at Coachella on Saturday night, April 11, ahead of headliner Justin Bieber. This marked their first appearance at the California festival since topping the bill in 2011. Casablancas quipped to the crowd that he was 'here for Bieber too,' adding that organizers had not paid him but offered a spot offstage to watch the headliner instead. Footage captured fans' excitement during tracks like 'Reptilia' and 'Last Nite' as shared on social media the following day. Casablancas sported a t-shirt mimicking the Amazon logo with 'crime' substituted for the company name, drawing attention to Bezos. He also addressed reports of the US government planning automatic military draft registration for men aged 18-25. 'You guys excited about the draft?' he asked. '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?!' He joked, 'Well, I hope to lead one of the Coachella units, the sexiest unit in our proud military, I’m sure. What in the 2026 is going on.' The band debuted 'Going Shopping', the lead single from their upcoming Rick Rubin-produced album 'Reality Awaits', set for June release. Their setlist included 'Hard To Explain', 'Juicebox', 'You Only Live Once', 'New York City Cops' and more from their catalog. The Strokes have additional festival dates lined up at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Japan's Summer Sonic.
