The Strokes invited Regina Spektor on-stage for a rare rendition of their 2004 collaboration “Modern Girls and Old Fashion Men” at Queens, New York’s Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday.
The reunion was not only notable for its meeting of two cherished hometown acts, but also the live revival of the duet that first appeared as a b-side on the 2004 “Reptilia” single. The Strokes and Spektor last performed the song in-concert at New York’s The Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2003.
“It only took 20 years but look who showed up,” The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas teased as Spektor stepped up to the mic. “They love you, kid.”
Spektor answered the crowd’s uproarious approval by shouting, “My favorite band in my favorite city!” Then, gauging their palpable anticipation, Casablancas added, “Y’all know the song” before diving in. Watch the homecoming performance of “Modern Girls and Old Fashion Men” below.
The Strokes reintroduced the rarity to their live repertoire at their New Year’s Eve 2019 headlining show in Brooklyn, with opener Mac Demarco taking on Spektor’s vocal parts. In August, Weyes Blood joined the band for the track’s second recent rendition during a stop at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Elsewhere during the show, The Strokes treated fans to the live debut of “Why Are Sundays So Depressing” from 2020’s The New Abnormal as well the first live run-through of “15 Minutes” from First Impressions of Earth since 2006. Earlier in the tour, they played the latter album’s “Fear of Sleep” for the first time ever.
The Strokes still have a handful of international festival dates ahead in 2023, with tickets available here. Meanwhile, Regina Spektor is in the midst of a summer North American tour, with her own headlining New York show coming up on August 24th. Find seats and deals to her upcoming dates here.
