The Strokes

The Strokes Artistfacts

  • 1999-
    Julian CasablancasVocals
    Albert Hammond, Jr.Guitar
    Nick ValensiGuitar
    Nikolai FraitureBass
    Fabrizio MorettiDrums
  • Fraiture and Casablancas first met when they were six at a French school called Le Lycee. Coincidentally, that's French for "school." They didn't become really good friends until fifth grade.
  • When Casablancas started going to Manhattan's Dwight School, he met Valensi and Moretti. The four of them used to practice together every day after school at Moretti's house.
  • All of them were born to affluent families, which many of their critics use against them, accusing them of slumming it in the dives where they made their name.
  • Casablancas' father, John, founded the Elite Modeling Agency.
  • It was at 15 that Casablancas started writing his first songs, basing them on Nirvana riffs he figured out.
  • Hammond met Casablancas at a Swiss boarding school, La Rosee. After graduation, Hammond came to New York. He had intended to attend the New York University film school, but just fell in with the Strokes.
  • Ryan Gentles booked the band at the Mercury Lounge in New York. After they garnered a huge positive response, he quit his job to become their manager.
  • All the band members were smokers - Moretti managed to quit.
  • The members are all very affectionate with each other, even kissing each other on the lips. They see it as a test of their manhood.
  • Their first United States national tours were first with the Doves, and then with Guided By Voices.
  • Their debut album, Is This It, received several accolades from critics and appeared on several year-end best-of lists.
  • The moment when Hammond fell in love with music was when he went to England and saw a show on the life of Buddy Holly.
  • Hammond, Jr., is the son of songwriter Albert Hammond. He had a hit in 1972 with "It Never Rains In Southern California." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    chase - st. louis, MO
  • In February 2005, Casablancas married Juliet Joslin, The Strokes' assistant manager. He announced the engagement at several shows including one in Central Park, where prior to playing their song "Hard To Explain," he said, "I'm getting married and it's hard to explain!"
  • Moretti went out with actress Drew Barrymore. Their relationship ended in January 2007. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2
  • Julian Casablancas filed for a patent in September 2015 for a folding electrical bicycle, which is powered by rechargeable batteries and doesn't have any pedals. Strokes tour manager Richard Priest and video director Warren Fu are also listed among the inventors.
  • Nick Valensi formed a rock band called CRX in 2013, giving him the opportunity to step up front for lead vocals. They released their first album, New Skin, in 2016.

Comments: 10

  • Kayla from Winnipeg, MbThe Strokes are amazing! Julian Casablancas is one of the sexiest guys I've ever seen! He's yummy! ;)
  • Anna from Atlanta, GaOMg the Strokes are so influencial and different sounding to me!!! i love them soooo much and listen like all the time now ever since my awesome friend Megan got me into them=) and aaahhh so hot they kiss each other!?!? ahh! yum!
    hehe yeah I DO LOVE THE STROKES SO INCREDIBLY MUCH
    `anna
  • Steve from Long Beach , CaDAMN The Strokes are awesome i like all there songs Fab is a bad ass drummer too Yaaa i wonder when they gonna come back to the lbcc to play
  • Chelsea from Wagga Wagga, AustraliaNikolai is the sexiest name ever!!!!! and i love the strokes!!!! they rock!
  • Austen from Anchorage, AkThe Strokes are a very sick group, perhaps my favoriate band...But i really wish they didnt kiss eachother. That's yuck
  • Chase from St. Louis, Mo^yeah, albert hammond, jr. is the son of albert hammond...
  • Katie from Your Mom, CanadaLe Lycee isn't french for school its french for college. i love the strokes. they're off the heezie fo sheezie...sorry bout that...they really rock and there are sooo many rip offs of them but nothing can even begin to compare to their greatness.
  • Legacy User from Legacy LocationI absolutely love the strokes...
    AND I adore their Bassist..Nikaloai...wowhe is totally cool.
    I love you guys...
    Toni
  • Nicoletta from Bronx, Nyyup..."affluent family"
  • David from Lubbock, TxCould it be that Albert Hammond, jr is the son of Albert Hammond, who had the monster hit "It never rains in Southern California"?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.