Fans in Mexico City are clearly counting their lucky stars, having witnessed The Saboteurs cover a classic from The Strokes with Julian Casablancas.

Over the last 20-plus years, fans have had a perfect opportunity to learn that Jack White is the sort of musician who does things his own way. Between his intense live shows, critically-acclaimed music, and beloved record label, White wants to ensure fans get an experience they’ll always remember.

While The Saboteurs (or, The Raconteurs as they’re known outside of Australia) made their first visit to our shores earlier this year, they’re still out on the road, touring in celebration of their latest album, Help Us Stranger.

On Monday night though, the group found themselves in Mexico City, where they performed a typically-exceptional set at El Plaza Condesa to a group of adoring fans. However, once the main set concluded and the encore kicked off, The Saboteurs went about things by dropping in an unexpected cover.

Performing The Strokes’ ‘The Modern Age’, fans were already surprised by the uncharacteristic addition to the set, but were even more shocked when Julian Casablancas emerged as an announced guest, performing lead vocals on the song he made famous almost 20 years ago.

Thankfully, one fan managed to capture the action, with Casablancas’ inimitable swagger on full display, showing him saunter around the stage, and even climbing a speaker before realising his microphone was no longer worked as expected.

In related news, The Strokes have not released new music since 2016’s Past, Present, Future EP, though guitarist Nick Valensi recently confirmed the band had finished recording their new album.

Love Classic Rock?

Get the latest Classic Rock news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

While there’s no word when it will be released, we’re hoping it might arrive before the end of the year, so as to further align with the band’s plan of a “global comeback” in 2019.

Check out Julian Casablancas performing with The Saboteurs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCTibcBkVww

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine