The Strokes are set to make their return to the stage at Governors Ball Music Festival in New York on June 7. However, guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. said the band wouldn't tour again until they've put out a new album, which he hopes will come out next year (2015).
In an interview with Gigwise, Hammond Jr. said that frontman Julian Casablancas was recording new Strokes material and explained how the band's Governors Ball gig came about.
"I know that when The Strokes tour again, it will be because we put something out — even though we didn't tour the last one," he said. "Doing a few festivals before you put something out is kind of gearing up the big machine, it just kind of helps everyone get ready, mentally, financially and it brings you back to your audience," he said about the Governors Ball slot. "You can see the audience's reaction to your music and you just 'feel' again."
One thing holding the band back from moving forward is Casablancas' busy schedule as a solo artist.
"I think it was just that Julian was trying to figure out his solo thing and I don't know when he's doing it, but we got this offer and we all agreed on it — but more importantly he agreed on it," he said. "He's the leader of the band, and we usually say yes to playing shows. I imagine that'll start something, it always does but it's just too soon. He's swamped with his solo stuff and I can't even begin to stress him out with, like, 'What are doing?' I know he's singing a song that we recorded and he's in the studio trying to do something, so we'll see."
Albert Hammond Jr. is currently touring in the UK and has been playing some Strokes material during his set. His tour continues through May.
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