AOC and Bernie Sanders Introduce The Strokes at Queens Event
Senator Sanders praised The Strokes at their Queens concert for championing economic justice, opposing racism, and recognizing healthcare as a fundamental human right.
An Honor
See AOC, Bernie Sanders Introduce the Strokes at Queens Concert
Vermont senator praises band for "standing up for economic justice, fighting racism, and understanding that healthcare is a human right"
By Daniel Kreps
Daniel Kreps
Contact Daniel Kreps on X
Contact Daniel Kreps by Email
- See AOC, Bernie Sanders Introduce the Strokes at Queens Concert - Kennedy Center Honors Moving to Washington, D.C. Arena Amid Venue’s Closure - See AC/DC Bring Out Dave Grohl for ‘Highway to Hell’ at Power Up Tour’s Final Show
View all posts by Daniel Kreps
October 3, 2026
Add us as a Google Preferred Source
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders made a surprise onstage appearance Friday to introduce the Strokes prior to the band’s concert at Queens, New York’s Flushing Meadows.
With a crucial Election Day just over a month away, both New York-born politicians praised the Strokes’ stance on issues before reminding the 40,000 or so fans in the crowd to vote.
“The greatest city in the world is now welcoming the greatest rock band of our generation who have always been committed to a better future for all of us as we fight fascism and genocide, raise wages, and guarantee healthcare to everyone,” AOC told the crowd before bringing out the Vermont senator.
“Well, I’m gonna sing a few songs. No, you wouldn’t want to hear that,” Sanders joked as he took the stage. “Look, I’m here tonight to thank the Strokes for not only being one of the great bands in the world, but — for years and years and coast to coast — for standing up for economic justice, fighting racism, understanding that healthcare is a human right, and understanding that we have all got to get out to vote to stand up to authoritarianism, and to win in November. And with that, it’s my honor to introduce the Strokes.”
Julian Casablancas then quipped upon taking the stage, “Fab, would you quit making out with Bernie Sanders? We got a show.” The group then launched into “Lonely in the Future.”
Trending Stories
Zach Bryan Wears 'Free Palestine' Shirt at Gillette After Owner Robert Kraft Banned Macklemore
_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/aoc-bernie-sanders-introduce-the-strokes-queens-concert-1235636485/)._
Comments
Loading comments…