Image via Bernie Sanders Facebook Page
Fresh off the largest stop on his Fighting Oligarchy Tour, Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance at Coachella this weekend – this time, not as a politician, but as an unexpected opening act for none other than Clairo. After speaking alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a packed rally in Los Angeles – featuring performances by Neil Young, Maggie Rogers, Joan Baez, Jeff Rosenstock, David Longstreth, Indigo De Souza, and last-minute addition Dirty Projectors – the Vermont senator headed to Indio, where he took the stage to introduce Clairo’s highly anticipated set.
Welcomed by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, Sanders delivered a brief but passionate message to the crowd: “We need you to stand up, to fight for justice. For economic justice, social justice, and racial justice… for women’s rights, for climate action, for an economy that works for all—not just the 1%.” He closed by thanking Clairo not only for her music but for using her platform to advocate for women’s rights and to speak out against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “I want to thank Clairo,” he said, “not only for being in a great band, but for the great work she is doing.”
Clairo’s set was a moment of both sonic beauty and subtle activism. In a rare treat for longtime fans, she reunited with Claud for a surprise Shelly performance, revisiting their 2020 viral track ‘Steeeam’. The moment added another layer to an already historic night – one that seamlessly wove together pop, politics, and purpose under the desert sky.
Watch the speech here:
