Julian Casablancas has never been one to keep his politics off the stage. During The Strokes' long-awaited return to Coachella on 11 April — their first appearance at the California festival in 15 years — the frontman used his platform to take direct aim at two of the most talked-about subjects in America right now: the looming military draft and Jeff Bezos.
Addressing the crowd mid-set, Casablancas quipped, 'Are you excited for the draft? Oh, wait, not the NFL draft.' He then told festival-goers, 'In six months, I think everyone who's eligible for the military has to register. You guys excited?' He followed that up with a sardonic aside: '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 remarks drew both laughs and knowing reactions from the crowd.
