The Strokes are an iconic rock band formed in New York City in 1998. Known for their signature garage rock sound, sharp songwriting, and undeniably cool vibe, the band has dominated the indie rock scene for over two decades. But behind their polished image lies a group of quirky and often hilarious stories that show the lighter side of this legendary band. Here are 25 funny facts about The Strokes that you may not know, but will definitely make you smile.
1. They Almost Named The Band “The Detectives”
Before settling on the name “The Strokes,” the band toyed with a few other options, including “The Detectives.” Thankfully, they eventually settled on a name that perfectly suited their sound, but “The Detectives” definitely would have made for an interesting, albeit more mysterious, band name.
2. Julian Casablancas Hated His Own Voice at First
Julian Casablancas, the band’s enigmatic frontman, was initially not a fan of his own voice. In fact, he didn’t even think he could sing. When they were recording their debut album, Is This It, he was hesitant about how his vocals would turn out. Fast-forward to now, and his unique voice is one of the most recognizable in rock.
3. Nick Valensi Can Play Several Instruments — But He’s Still Terrible at Guitar Hero
Nick Valensi, the band’s guitarist and backing vocalist, is known for his musical talent, but when it comes to Guitar Hero, he’s hilariously awful. Despite being an accomplished guitar player in real life, Valensi has admitted that he’s terrible at the video game, and it’s become a running joke among the band.
4. They Don’t Always Remember the Lyrics to Their Own Songs
Even after performing their songs thousands of times, members of The Strokes sometimes forget the lyrics during live shows. Casablancas has been known to mumble through parts of songs when he forgets the words, much to the amusement of fans. At this point, it’s almost a part of the band’s charm.
5. Albert Hammond Jr. Once Missed a Flight Because He Was “Too Busy Getting High”
Albert Hammond Jr., the band’s guitarist, has had his fair share of quirky moments. One infamous instance involved him missing a flight because he got too caught up in his own personal time of “getting high” to realize that he needed to board the plane. It’s safe to say he learned his lesson — or maybe not!
6. They Used to Sneak Into Each Other’s Rooms on Tour
Back in the early days of their career, The Strokes were known for sneaking into each other’s hotel rooms and getting into all sorts of mischief while on tour. Casablancas and Hammond once admitted to pulling pranks on each other, with one of their favorites being to steal each other’s snacks when no one was looking.
7. Julian Casablancas Is Obsessed with Sci-Fi Movies
Casablancas is a self-proclaimed sci-fi nerd, and his love for the genre is well-known among fans. His fascination with all things futuristic and space-related has influenced his songwriting, especially in songs like “12:51” from Room on Fire. He’s even mentioned that he’d love to score a sci-fi movie one day.
8. The Strokes Once Got Kicked Out of a Hotel for Throwing a Party
In the early 2000s, The Strokes threw a wild party at a London hotel, and things got out of hand quickly. The chaos, which included loud music and rowdy behavior, led to the band being kicked out. According to them, it was one of the most “legendary” hotel incidents in their history.
9. They Didn’t Realize How Big They Were Until Their First European Tour
Despite their success in the U.S., The Strokes didn’t fully realize how big they were until they went on their first European tour. In an interview, Casablancas admitted that the band was shocked by the massive crowds and the overwhelming reception they received in countries like the UK and France. They realized they were global superstars when they saw the sea of fans waiting for them.
10. Nick Valensi Doesn’t Like Watching Himself on Stage
While most rock stars are used to seeing themselves on screen or stage, Nick Valensi is not one of them. He’s publicly admitted that he feels “embarrassed” when watching himself perform, and he often avoids watching videos of his live performances. Maybe that’s why he looks so cool and collected — he’s too busy avoiding eye contact with the footage!
11. They Played Their First Show Without Rehearsing
The Strokes’ very first show was a chaotic and unscripted affair. They played live without rehearsing and had no real plan for what songs to perform. As a result, the show was a mix of songs they had written, improvised sections, and a lot of nervous energy. But, against all odds, they pulled it off and started their rock ‘n’ roll journey.
12. Julian Casablancas Was Almost in a Boy Band
Before he became the frontman of The Strokes, Julian Casablancas was seriously considering a career in pop music. In his early years, he was approached to join a boy band, but he declined the offer, deciding instead to focus on rock and indie music. Imagine a pop version of Julian Casablancas — the world might never have been the same.
13. They Once Played a Show in a 24-Hour Diner
In one of their more eccentric performances, The Strokes played a surprise show in a 24-hour diner in New York. Fans gathered around, and the band played for whoever was willing to listen. It was an impromptu moment that truly showcased their rebellious spirit and love for breaking the rules.
14. Their First Music Video Was Made for Just $200
The iconic music video for “Last Nite” was shot on a shoestring budget of just $200. The band was still in their early days, so money was tight. They improvised with low-cost equipment and used a single, simple set. The video went on to become one of the most memorable in the history of indie rock.
15. Julian Casablancas Is a Huge Fan of Ice Cream
Casablancas has a major sweet tooth, and his favorite indulgence is ice cream. He’s admitted to having a somewhat unhealthy obsession with the frozen treat and has even joked about having an entire freezer dedicated to different flavors. If you ever spot him at an ice cream shop, it’s safe to assume he’s going all out.
16. They Were Once Mistaken for a Group of Stunt Doubles
When the band first started out, their looks and rockstar persona led some people to believe they were just a group of stunt doubles. They were frequently mistaken for actors in a Hollywood movie rather than musicians, which added to the mystery and allure of their image.
17. The Strokes Have a Strange Collection of Souvenirs from Their Tours
Over the years, The Strokes have amassed some strange souvenirs from their tours. From weird trinkets to odd collectibles, the band has kept a quirky collection of mementos. It’s unclear whether these items have any sentimental value, but they’ve become part of the band’s history and have been passed down as fun stories among fans.
18. Albert Hammond Jr. Almost Quit Music
Before becoming the guitarist for The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr. seriously considered quitting music. He had doubts about his abilities and his future in the industry, but his love for the guitar kept him going. Luckily, he stuck with it and ended up joining one of the most successful rock bands of the 2000s.
19. Julian Casablancas is Really Into Video Games
When he’s not on stage, Julian Casablancas enjoys his downtime playing video games. He’s a big fan of classics like Super Mario Brothers and Grand Theft Auto. His love for gaming often comes up in interviews, with Casablancas mentioning that it’s his perfect way to unwind after a long day.
20. They Were Once Kicked Out of a Party for Being Too “Cool”
The Strokes have always been known for their cool factor, but one night, their “too cool” attitude got them into trouble. At a party in New York, they were kicked out for being so aloof and uninterested in socializing with other guests. The band, of course, found it hilarious.
21. They Had a Secret Show in a New York Elevator
In a true display of punk rock spirit, The Strokes once held a secret show in a New York elevator. They crammed into a small elevator with a handful of fans, and Julian Casablancas performed while the elevator ascended and descended. It was a hilarious and unexpected way to celebrate their love for New York.
22. Nick Valensi Has a Side Gig as a DJ
When he’s not rocking out with The Strokes, Nick Valensi moonlights as a DJ. His deep love for music extends beyond his role in the band, and he’s been known to play DJ sets at clubs, spinning everything from rock to electronic. His DJ persona is just as cool as his band persona.
23. Julian Casablancas Used to Have a Day Job
Before The Strokes became successful, Julian Casablancas worked as a day job at a magazine. His job was in a completely different field, but he didn’t mind — it gave him time to focus on the band and develop his music. It wasn’t long before his full-time gig was being a rockstar.
24. They Once Played a Show with Broken Instruments
In a memorable performance, The Strokes played a show with broken instruments. The band was forced to improvise as their gear malfunctioned mid-performance. The audience, however, didn’t mind, and they loved the raw energy of the show, proving that The Strokes can rock through any technical difficulty.
25. They Once Got Into a Fake Fight for Publicity
In a tongue-in-cheek publicity stunt, The Strokes once staged a fake fight during an interview to create controversy. The band members started arguing over something trivial, and the media ate it up. It was all in good fun, and they later admitted that it was a joke, but it certainly got people talking.
Conclusion
The Strokes have certainly cemented their place as one of the most influential rock bands of their generation. But behind the cool persona and chart-topping hits, there’s a group of musicians with a quirky sense of humor and a lot of funny stories. From missed flights to fake fights, these 25 facts prove that even rock stars need to let loose and have a little fun every now and then.
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