Watch The Strokes hit out at Elon Musk and billionaire class in ‘Spitting Image’ puppet-filled ‘Lonely in the Future’ video

The Strokes have unveiled a provocative new music video for their track "Lonely in the Future," employing satirical puppetry to deliver a sharp critique of the billionaire elite, including figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Drawing creative inspiration from Genesis’s iconic "Land of Confusion" video, the band reimagines themselves and other public figures as puppets, highlighting contemporary social and political tensions.

Directed by Warren Fu, a longtime collaborator with The Strokes, the video blends the band’s visual history with striking caricatures of prominent personalities. The production enlisted the talents behind the well-known satirical show Spitting Image, whose distinctive puppet designs amplify the video’s biting commentary. Alongside the band’s puppet personas, the video features exaggerated renditions of tech magnates Musk, Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as media mogul Rupert Murdoch and climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The visual narrative portrays Musk and Bezos in a satirical alliance, symbolically uniting in apocalyptic celebration, while Mark Zuckerberg is humorously repelled with a taser. Murdoch is depicted manipulating media headlines to propagate his viewpoints, and Thunberg’s character faces imprisonment—an allegory for the suppression of environmental activism. This blend of dark satire and social critique underscores themes of power, influence, and accountability.

The video also nods to a recent public dispute involving the band’s frontman, Julian Casablancas, and music critic Anthony Fantano. A scene featuring Fantano dismissing classical composer Bach and filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s "2001: A Space Odyssey" humorously references criticism Fantano has directed at Casablancas’ side project, The Voidz, and The Strokes’ latest album, "Reality Awaits."

Additional cultural figures make appearances, including the late Lou Reed, a cited inspiration for the band, and producer Rick Rubin, who contributed to their recent recordings. The Strokes’ puppet forms include subtle tributes to their early career and iconic moments, referencing music videos like "Last Nite," "You Only Live Once," and "Reptilia," as well as their celebrated 2002 MTV2 live performance.

This video release coincides with The Strokes’ recent live appearances, notably their performances on Saturday Night Live, where they debuted "Lonely in the Future" and "Going Shopping." Actor Walton Goggins featured in both the video and the live performance of "Going Shopping," which creatively echoes Paul Simon’s "You Can Call Me Al" video, with Goggins stepping into the role originally made famous by Chevy Chase.

The band’s current momentum is underscored by the conclusion of their first full headline tour across the UK and Ireland in over twenty years. This run included major venues such as London’s O2 Arena, Manchester, Newcastle, and Dublin. Reviews of their London shows have been notably enthusiastic, with critics acknowledging a rejuvenated and cohesive sound that recalls the band’s earlier vitality.

Notably absent from the tour has been guitarist Nick Valensi, who took a temporary leave earlier this year. Longwave’s Steve Schiltz has stepped in during Valensi’s absence. However, recent reports suggest Valensi is expected to rejoin The Strokes on stage soon, following a surprise guest spot with Duran Duran in Paris.

The release of "Lonely in the Future" and its accompanying video represents The Strokes’ continued willingness to experiment artistically while engaging with contemporary issues. Their collaboration with Warren Fu and Spitting Image reflects a sophisticated blend of humor and social commentary, framing their music within a broader cultural critique of power dynamics and media influence. As the band’s UK tour wraps up, their renewed creative energy appears to position them strongly in the current indie rock landscape.

Details about future projects or further collaborations remain limited at this time, but The Strokes’ recent activities signal an active phase in their career, marked by both artistic boldness and critical engagement.