Watch the Strokes Play “Lonely in the Future” and “Going Shopping” on SNL

Last night, The Strokes made their fifth appearance on Saturday Night Live, delivering live renditions of "Lonely in the Future" and "Going Shopping," both tracks from their most recent album, Reality Awaits. This performance was notable as the band appeared without longtime guitarist Nick Valensi, continuing to adapt their lineup for live appearances.

Hosted by Druski in his SNL debut, the episode featured The Strokes in a set that highlighted their evolving sound and ongoing creative momentum. The performance of "Going Shopping" included a unique addition: actor Walton Goggins, who starred in the song's official music video, joined the band on stage playing bongos, adding a distinctive rhythmic layer to the live arrangement.

Shortly after their appearance, The Strokes released the official music video for "Lonely in the Future," directed by Warren Fu. The clip stands out for its inventive use of puppetry, with figures designed by the creative team behind the British satirical program Spitting Image. The visuals feature caricatures of a diverse set of personalities, ranging from legendary musicians like Lou Reed and Johann Sebastian Bach to high-profile tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Intriguingly, the video weaves a narrative involving a romantic subplot between Bezos and Musk, adding a layer of satirical storytelling.

The band members themselves also appear as puppets within the video, which they have described as an homage to the iconic 1986 Genesis video for "Land of Confusion." This creative choice aligns with The Strokes' penchant for blending music with provocative visual art, continuing their tradition of thoughtful multimedia presentation.

This SNL performance arrives in the wake of The Strokes' recent North American and European tour legs supporting Reality Awaits. The band is now set to extend their live presence to additional international markets, including Mexico, South America, and Australia, signaling a broadening of their tour scope in support of their latest work.

The tour has featured a diverse array of opening acts, such as Thundercat, Hamilton Leithauser of The Walkmen, and Cage the Elephant, illustrating The Strokes' commitment to engaging a wide musical community around their shows.

Their last visit to SNL occurred six years ago, coinciding with the release cycle of their 2020 album The New Abnormal. Since then, The Strokes have continued to evolve their sound and artistic vision, with Reality Awaits marking their latest milestone.

While details on the full impact of this new phase remain unfolding, the band's continued relevance on major platforms like SNL underscores their sustained influence within the rock and indie music landscapes. Critical responses to Reality Awaits, including reviews such as Eric Harvey’s, provide further insight into the band's trajectory and reception.

Overall, The Strokes' recent activities—from their live television return to inventive video releases and expansive touring plans—reflect a band actively shaping their legacy with fresh material and innovative artistic expression.