Circle Jerks Ignite Coachella with Fiery Set and Controversial Call for ‘Army of Luigis’

During a fiery and politically laden performance at Coachella, legendary California punk band Circle Jerks stunned the audience with both their explosive music and charged commentary. Taking the Sonora Stage by storm on Sunday evening, the band ripped through a blistering version of their 1980s anthem “Coup D’Etat,” but it was frontman Keith Morris’ post-song remarks that sparked widespread attention.

The song’s final line — “kill all” — prompted Morris to immediately clarify its intent to the moshing crowd. “That’s a pretty f—king ugly statement,” he said bluntly. “In ugly times. Do not think that we encourage that.” He emphasized that despite the track’s provocative lyrics referencing kidnapping government leaders and instigating violent rebellion, the band does not condone such actions.

After making that distinction, Morris took an unexpected turn. “What we do encourage — what would be totally f—king happening — would be an army of Luigis,” he declared, referencing Luigi Mangione, a man currently facing federal and state charges for the alleged murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024. Mangione, a polarizing figure in current headlines, is at the center of a high-profile legal case that has drawn national attention, especially following the Trump administration’s call for prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

The statement left many in the audience stunned, with its juxtaposition of punk defiance and the endorsement of a figure implicated in a violent act. Morris did not elaborate on what an “army of Luigis” would entail, leaving the comment open to interpretation — and criticism.

True to the band’s roots in the Southern California hardcore punk scene, Circle Jerks did not shy away from confrontation throughout their set. Morris also used the platform to express personal political frustrations, referencing a rift with his sister over her support for former President Donald Trump. “She voted for that guy,” he said, adding that he could no longer visit her due to what he described as her alignment with “white Christian nationalism.”

Despite the intense rhetoric, Morris demonstrated empathy mid-set, halting the performance to check on a distressed fan in the audience. Calling for a medic, he ensured the individual received attention, reminding the crowd of the human connection that underlies punk’s raw energy.

While other acts at Coachella — including Irish political rap group Kneecap — have reported that some of their most politically charged statements were omitted from festival livestreams, Morris’ comments about Mangione remained intact and are still viewable on the official Sonora livestream.

Circle Jerks’ Coachella appearance reasserted their legacy not only as punk pioneers but also as provocateurs unafraid to spark difficult conversations — even at the risk of controversy.