Nick Valensi, one of the original guitarists in the Strokes, is dropping out for an unspecified portion of the band’s upcoming performances. “Nick will be taking a temporary break from the scheduled tour, but we look forward to his return,” reads a message posted to the Strokes’ Instagram story and viewed by Pitchfork. Valensi will be replaced by Longwave frontman Steve Schiltz, “who many of you will remember from our early NY days.” Pitchfork has reached out to the Strokes’ representatives for further comment.
Valensi had already been absent for some of this year’s Strokes shows, though he returned for their sets at Coachella 2026. He was not in attendance when Julian Casablancas & co. played The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, May 15, giving their new single “Falling Out of Love” its live debut. The episode marked one of The Late Show’s last before it officially shutters next Thursday; David Letterman was the evening’s only other guest. You can watch that performance and Letterman’s interview below.
Reality Awaits, the Strokes’ first album in six years, is due out June 26. It’s been led by “Falling Out of Love” and lead single “Going Shopping.” On top of their imminent tour, which spans North America, Europe, and Japan, the Strokes will play headlining sets at this year’s Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. It’s currently unclear whether Valensi will join for those.
