Bernie Sanders Takes the Stage with Clairo at Coachella
Bernie Sanders Opens for Clairo at Coachella: A Surreal Blend of Politics and Pop
Coachella Valley, CA – April 13, 2025
In a moment that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable spirit of the Coachella Music Festival, Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage at the Outdoor Theatre to open for rising indie pop star Clairo this Saturday night. The 83-year-old politician delivered a passionate speech that resonated with the thousands of festivalgoers, framing the occasion as not just a concert, but a call to action.
“Anything can happen at Coachella,” Sanders began, as a sea of eager fans raised their phones, capturing the surreal moment when politics met pop. He implored the crowd to confront injustice head-on, declaring: “You can turn away and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril.”
Sanders was introduced by Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress at just 25 years old, who managed to steal a few moments of spotlight while gracefully guiding the audience’s energy toward his esteemed guest. The California congressman carried the air of a young revolutionary, and his presence set the stage for a sermon from a man often seen as the voice of progressive America.
The senator’s speech echoed the themes from his recent “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies as he discussed urgent issues, from women’s rights to climate change, the economy to the ongoing crises in Gaza. “This country faces some very difficult challenges,” he declared, making a direct appeal to the younger generation. “The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation… We need you to stand up and fight for justice.”
It was a particularly poignant moment as Sanders criticized restrictive abortion laws currently enacted in states like Florida, asserting, “Politicians are trying to take away a woman’s right to control her own body. We need you to stand up and fight for women’s rights.” Since Florida’s stringent six-week abortion ban took effect in May 2024, the senator’s words felt like an urgent rallying cry, reverberating under the stars of the iconic festival.
After expounding on economic inequality—framing the current economy as one that serves the billionaire class rather than working families—Sanders made the much-anticipated introduction of Clairo, acknowledging her contributions to social justice causes. “I’m here because Clairo has used her prominence to fight for women’s rights, to try to end the terrible brutal war in Gaza,” he said, with genuine admiration.
As Sanders stepped down from the stage, Clairo took the helm, treating fans to a 13-track set that included standout songs from her critically lauded album Charm. She delivered fan favorites like “Juna,” “Add Up My Love,” and “Sexy to Someone” with the passion and vocal prowess that have quickly established her place in the indie pop pantheon. Clairo’s set was unapologetically intimate, a stark contrast to the electrifying speeches that preceded it, but what was abundantly clear was that her connection to the political messages embedded in her own music soared.
In a world where the lines between art and activism often blur, Coachella 2025 showcased a convergence that perhaps nobody expected, merging the passionate spirit of a grassroots political movement with the pulsating heartbeat of contemporary indie pop.
As Sanders tweeted later that night, "These are tough times. The younger generation has to help lead in the fight to combat climate change, protect women’s rights, and build an economy that works for all, not just the few." The surreal moment of Sanders opening for Clairo at Coachella will likely go down as both a wild testament to the power of youth activism and an unforgettable pocket of musical history that resonated far beyond the festival grounds.
For those looking to catch Clairo on her upcoming festival dates, tickets remain available as she prepares to take on Primavera Sound, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza this summer. Meanwhile, the echoes of Sanders’ impassioned words will likely linger long after the music fades, energizing a generation of young activists ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Stay tuned for more Coachella coverage, and for those unable to attend, livestream options are available via YouTube and the Coachella app.
