The Strokes Receive Star-Studded Political Boost from Bernie Sanders and AOC at Queens Homecoming Show

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a surprise political appearance to introduce indie rock heavyweights The Strokes at a massive hometown show in New York City last night (October 2).

The iconic New York band headlined a major one-off concert at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, joined by an impressive lineup featuring Beach House, TV On The Radio, and Fcukers.

Just before The Strokes took the stage, Ocasio-Cortez addressed the enthusiastic crowd, declaring, “the greatest city in the world is now welcoming the greatest rock band of our generation,” before bringing out Senator Sanders.

The Vermont senator took the microphone to praise the band for “standing up for economic justice, fighting racism, understanding that healthcare is a human right.”

Sanders also used the massive platform to urge civic engagement, telling the tens of thousands in attendance, “we have all got to get out to vote,” while speaking out against authoritarianism.

Watch footage of the historic introduction below.

Senator Sanders and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez introducing the Strokes with 40,000 friends pic.twitter.com/ocdSLl85jO

— Jeremy Slevin (@jeremyslevin) October 3, 2026

The Strokes brought out AOC and Bernie Sanders tonight in NYC pic.twitter.com/Ha3KGw57Ah

— Mike Tee (@ItsMikeTee) October 3, 2026

The surprise political introduction highlights a long-standing alliance between the band and progressive figures. In 2020, The Strokes headlined a high-profile ‘Get Out The Vote’ rally for Sanders’ presidential campaign in Durham, New Hampshire.

At that event, frontman Julian Casablancas described Sanders as a “dedicated, diligent, & trustworthy patriot – and fellow native New Yorker,” expressing pride in the band’s support for challenging corporate political influence.

Ocasio-Cortez was also a key presence at the 2020 rally and later joined forces with John Mulaney for a Strokes-hosted fundraiser in 2021 supporting New York mayoral candidate Maya Wiley.

The monumental Queens concert was first announced in June, coinciding with the postponement of The Strokes’ seventh studio album, *Reality Awaits*.

The highly anticipated record eventually arrived in July. NME’s four-star review highlighted the band’s enduring vitality: “Whether unleashing disses or getting deep into the weird and wonderful, a quarter of a century on from their debut, The Strokes sound more alive and locked in than they have in years.

“While *Reality Awaits* does have its more dud moments – the opening one-two of ‘Psycho Shit’ and Dine N’Dash’ are a little meandering, while closer ‘Tyrants On The Mellow Moon’ similarly lacks the desired impact – it’s proof that letting bands go in unexpected directions can pay off big time.”

Looking ahead, The Strokes are set to take their ‘Reality Awaits’ tour to the UK later this month, including two major nights at London’s O2 Arena as part of their first full UK tour in 20 years.

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