The Strokes Deliver Surprise-Filled Coachella Setlist

The Strokes Deliver Surprise-Filled Coachella Setlist...

The Strokes electrified Coachella's opening night with a career-spanning setlist that included rare deep cuts and fan favorites. Performing on April 11, 2026 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, the New York rockers mixed classic hits like "Last Nite" with unexpected choices from their catalog.

Social media lit up as the band opened with "The Modern Age" instead of their usual opener "Is This It." Midway through the set, Julian Casablancas brought out special guest Regina Spektor for a duet on "Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men," marking their first live performance of the track since 2004.

The setlist's viral moment came when The Strokes debuted a new, untitled song described by fans as "their heaviest material in years." This surprise drop comes amid rumors of a new album, though the band hasn't confirmed any details.

Coachella attendees praised the production value, particularly the retro-futuristic light show synced to "Hard to Explain." The performance trended nationwide as livestream viewers noted the tight musicianship, a contrast to some of the band's earlier festival appearances.

Music critics highlight how the 22-song set balanced nostalgia with forward momentum. The inclusion of three songs from 2020's "The New Abnormal" alongside 2001's "Take It or Leave It" showed the band's evolving legacy. Fans can expect an identical setlist when The Strokes return for Weekend 2 on April 18.