The Strokes have confirmed that lead guitarist Nick Valensi is taking a “momentary break” from the band’s current touring schedule. The news broke via the band’s Instagram stories, leaving fans speculating about the lineup just weeks before the release of their highly anticipated new album, Reality Awaits, set to drop on June 26th.
While Valensi’s absence is described as temporary, the band was quick to reassure followers: “We can’t wait for him to be back.” In the meantime, the guitar duties have been handed over to a familiar face from the band’s formative years in the New York indie scene.
A Familiar Face: Steve Schiltz Joins the Lineup
Stepping into the spotlight is Steve Schiltz, the guitarist for Longwave and a long-time associate of the band. Schiltz is no stranger to the Strokes’ inner circle, having filled in for Valensi earlier this year before Nick’s brief return for their Coachella performance in April.
The new configuration has already hit the ground running. Last night, the band appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, delivering raw, high-energy performances of their two latest singles, “Going Shopping” and “Falling Out of Love.” These tracks, which have already garnered intense critical acclaim, suggest that Reality Awaits might be the band’s most sonically adventurous work in years.