The Strokes blew up Hammerstein Ballroom. It's gone. Nothing left. Enjoying the virtuous life of rock-stardom without as much of rock-star habits, a slim & sober Julian Casablancas and the rest of The Strokes starting five have come to play. I have seen this band six times across the span of their various tours, and this is far and away the best they have ever looked and sounded. Although I'm not a fan of the venue, Hammerstein was an absolute circus last night, with no one being able to contain themselves amongst the songs that have become the anthems of modern rock's rebirth [check out the party people in the photos below].
Friday's performance struck me as the true indication of what the Strokes themselves always thought they could be. Julian's question of why The Killers sound so much "bigger" on their record is now moot. The Strokes are back for the first time...to claim, or re-claim their place atop the list of rock 'n roll's most exciting bands.
