Strokes Announce Return to the Stage

When we recently talked to Strokes leader Julian Casablancas about the future of his band, he sounded apprehensive. "I'm done with the predictions," he said. "We're supposed to get back together in January but don't hold me to that."
Well, it looks like things have shored up a bit since then. The group has just announced their first live gig since October 2006, headlining this summer's Isle of Wight fest off England's southern coast, according to the event's official site. Jay-Z, Blondie, and Orbital are some of the other early names attached to the mega gig, set to go down June 11-13.
In other Strokes news, bassist Nikolai Fraiture recently offered fans some more hope of a new album in 2010 via a Twitter post. "While the guys are in LA, I went to scout some studios in NYC with [manager] Ryan [Gentles] today for what looks like Jan recording!!! mood = f***ing excited!" (Via NME.) Seems promising.

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