The Strokes in London proving they still have the goods
The lights that beam onto The Strokes might look like an industrial-sized jukebox, but the band isn’t there to simply play music. It’s a performance rooted in pure, chaotic energy, a masterclass in playful defiance, and a reminder that some artists know exactly how to command a room.
This dynamic was on full display during their recent show at London’s The O2, where frontman Julian Casablancas delivered a performance dripping with wit and interaction. When a fan shouted out a song title early in the set, Casablancas responded not with a simple response, but with a theatrical challenge, embodying the restless spirit of the band: “If you want us to never play a song, request it.”
The energy tonight was electric, built on an easy rapport between the performers and the audience. Casablancas used the stage not just to perform songs, but to engage in a sort of musical wrestling match. He ad-libbed lines, twisted lyrics, and brought a distinctly playful, almost mischievous tone to classic tracks, demonstrating a comfortable, self-aware relationship with their legacy.
Throughout the evening, the band continued to push boundaries. During their set, Casablancas showed off a delightful flirtation with the material, subtly mocking the music video aesthetic with a reference to a “Walton Goggins imitation” during ‘Going Shopping’. He balanced this with genuine musical curiosity, turning to the drummer, Fab Moretti, and asking if he liked the old-time rock’n’roll, creating a moment of genuine, off-stage connection.
Beyond the playful banter, the setlist itself was a masterstroke. The band navigated effortlessly between timeless classics, delivering hard-hitting tracks like ‘Reptilia’ and ‘Take It Or Leave It’, while simultaneously injecting freshness with newer material such as ‘Dine N’Dash’ and ‘Tyrants Of The Mellow Moon’. Even a surprising cover of Blonde Redhead’s ‘This Is Not’ added an intriguing layer to the evening.
While the performance was undeniably brilliant, the night also offered a glimpse into the realities of touring. Adjusting to the absence of guitarist Nick Valensi, who is currently on a “temporary break”, required a shift in dynamic, with Longwave’s Steve Schiltz stepping up admirably. It was also a curious spectacle to watch the crowd, a sea of phone flashlights, lending the arena treatment to songs like ‘Call It Fate, Call It Karma’.
Despite these small adjustments, the core message remained: The Strokes are firmly on a high. In the 25 years since their first UK show, the band has experienced their share of ups and downs, but tonight proved they are still operating at peak vitality. They are doing things their way, sounding as vital as ever, and reminding everyone why their music still resonates so deeply.
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