So when their long-awaited album ‘Angels’ was finally released last week (their first in five years) fans breathed a sigh of relief. But now, the band has sensationally revealed why it took so long to release, and why it almost didn’t happen at all.
In an interview with Spin Magazine, Albert Hammond Jr. opened up about his debilitating ‘hardcore’ drug habit that saw the guitarist land in rehab midway through recording in 2009. "People can't believe I did that," 31-year-old said of returning to the studio just a month after finishing treatment.
"I wasn't on any chemicals. It was hard – you have two good years of post-acute withdrawal. I was nervous and couldn't remember things. It's like having a stroke, no pun intended. You always do the crazy rock star thing, of course, but I'd rather be left with music from someone I admire than their funny stories of all the f**ked-up sh*t they did."
And it wasn’t just Albert that was finding it tough - his band mates also admitted recording with the guitarist had its challenges.
Guitarist Nick Valensi said: "We all saw something was broken – certain people getting into drugs. There was a lot of nodding off and passing out in the studio, like, 'Jesus, you're not awake to record your part, we have to wait four hours so you can nap'."
But with positive reviews from critics already pouring in, it looks like The Strokes are making a welcome return to form! Welcome back boys…
What do you think of The Strokes' new album 'Angels'? Let us know by commenting below!
Copyright : MTV Australia
