Julian Casablancas. Lead singer of one of my favorite bands of all time. Nothing I could say about the man would do him justice. His lyrics. His leather jackets. His ability to incorporate the word “fuck” into any sentence without sounding like a complete tool. I just love the guy.

And the other night, I got the chance to see him perform solo at the 9:30 Club in D.C. The set list was ridiculously short, but other than that, he did not disappoint.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I wondered what kind of performance he would give without the rest of the Strokes to back him up. Well, Julian Casablancas (or J.C., as one guy from the opening band, Tanlines, called him) can hold his own. Yes, he did have a pretty large band accompanying him (5 guys and a girl), but the point is: here is a prime example of a guy from a band who can leave his band and still make awesome music.

To top it off, he came onstage dressed completely in black leather from head-to-toe. Boots, pants, jacket, everything.

I haven’t listened to the album, Phrazes for the Young, enough times to say what my favorite/least favorite songs are, but I really like this song, Glass. (I didn’t personally take this video, but its from the same show.)

video courtesy of SSLYBY123 on Youtube

Here is the song he opened with at the concert, and sadly, the only video I got before my camera died:

Note to self: Always charge camera before attending concerts.