The Strokes mark ‘global comeback’ with 2019 show announcement

The Strokes have confirmed they will headline one of Europe's biggest festivals next summer

The Strokes will begin a "global comeback" by headlining at Bilbao BBK Live in Bilbao, Spain, it has been confirmed. The event also boasts Thom Yorke, Weezer, Princess Nokia, Vince Staples, Nils Frahm and Hot Chip among other acts and marks the first time in two years the group played together live on stage. During their time apart, the New York band focused on their solo projects. Lead singer Julian Casablancas put out a new album, Virtue, with his band The Voidz earlier this year and guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. released his fourth solo album. Casablancas will take to the stage twice during the Spanish festival – also performing with The Voidz in addition to The Strokes. The rock group first teased their next album in 2016 when guitarist Nick Valensi said “we are working on music and we want to hopefully put music out next year.” However, Hammond Jr. crushed rumours over new music in 2017 when he said — in a now-deleted Twitter post — the band was “not in the studio recording.” The band hasn’t released a full-length studio album since Comedown Machine in 2013. However, they have played a number of high-profile gigs in the last few years including Lollapalooza festivals in Brazil, Chile and Argentina in 2017. Besides, Bilbao BBK Live, they have been rumoured to headline Glastonbury Festival for 2019. Bilbao BBK Live takes place 11th-13th July. Tickets are now on sale.