"So Sorry, Malaysia" — Rock Band The Strokes Express Hope To Perform In Malaysia Soon
After speaking to fans at KLIA, the lead guitarist of the band, Nick Valensi, apologised for not getting to perform live for them.
Following the cancellation of Good Vibes Festival 2023, many international and local acts were left unable to perform for their fans.
Among these artistes included American rock band, The Strokes.
The Strokes was scheduled to perform at Good Vibes Festival 2023 on Sunday, 23 July, the final day of the event.
With the rock band set to headline that day, the cancellation of the festival on Saturday, 22 July, came as a big disappointment to fans, who were eager to watch the group take the stage at Sepang International Circuit.
Unfortunately for the members of The Strokes, the group had landed in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 22 July, the day of the cancellation, in preparation for their performance the following day.
Despite their cancelled performance, lead guitarist of the band, Nick Valensi, spoke to a Malaysian fan after they arrived at the airport, sharing his hopes for performing in Malaysia at some point
Sharing the moment on TikTok, one Malaysian fan of The Strokes, who goes by Tera, posted a clip of Valensi's response when asked what his expectations were moving forward.
"My aspiration is that I hope to make it back. I'm happy to be here today, and I hope to come back," said Valensi, before saying that he loves his fans.
In a subsequent TikTok by Tera, fellow lead guitarist of The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr, waved to fans as the members left the airport, saying "Sorry, guys" as they walked out.
(Left) Valensi speaking to fans and (right) Hammond leaving KLIA while waving and apologising to fans.
Image via @terabbble (TikTok)
Heartbroken by the cancellation, many Malaysians expressed their thoughts under both TikTok clips
A number of TikTok users wrote how bad they felt for the band, stating that they shouldn't be the ones apologising for the festival being cancelled.
"They're not the ones who are supposed to be apologising. I'm heartbroken," wrote one user.
Image via TikTok
Image via TikTok
Image via TikTok
One fan even reflected on his long-time love for the band and their music, calling them legends.
"They are among the bands that made my school life so colourful," he stated.
Image via TikTok
Image via TikTok
Nevertheless, a number of users shared their hope for The Strokes to perform in Malaysia down the line.
"I hope they can do a solo concert soon," penned one fan.
Image via TikTok
In a brief conversation with SAYS, Tera revealed that the TikTok was taken just moments after the band had arrived from Jakarta, Indonesia
According to The Strokes' Instagram page, the rock band had performed in Jakarta for We The Fest, an annual festival that celebrates music, the arts, fashion, and food in Indonesia, just a day before on Friday, 21 July.
However, following the cancellation of Good Vibes Festival 2023, lead vocalist of The Strokes, Julian Casablancas, shared a post to his personal Instagram page describing how the band is trying to schedule a performance in Malaysia.
"So sorry, Malaysia. Just heard the festival was cancelled, I know you've been waiting 20 years for The Strokes to come play. Currently trying to figure something out, hang on. One way or another, will let you know soon," wrote Casablancas in the caption of his post.
At the time of writing, there has been no official update.
Check out the full Instagram post below:
Here's to keeping our fingers crossed that The Strokes will be making their way to Malaysia soon.
Watch the TikTok clips below:
After arriving to Malaysia on the Friday before Good Vibes Festival 2023 was cancelled, American singer Sabrina Carpenter shared a sweet moment with a fan at KLIA:
Peach Tree Rascals, who also didn't get to perform at Good Vibes Festival 2023, sang for some fans over dinner when they arrived in Malaysia:
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