Steve Schlitz to Play Guitar for The Strokes as Nick Valensi Sits Out Upcoming Tour

Nick Valensi will miss a portion of The Strokes’ upcoming tour dates, the band has announced.

According to a post to Instagram, “Nick will be taking a temporary break from the scheduled tour, but we look forward to his return. Holding down the guitar in the meantime is our old friend Steve Schlitz, who many of you will remember from our early NY days. We’re lucky to have him.” Valensi was previously absent from the band’s early 2026 shows, but was back for their sets at Coachella.

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The Strokes are set to release their new album, Reality Awaits , on June 26th, and will embark on supporting headlining tour .

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_Originally reported by [Consequence](https://consequence.net/2026/05/nick-valensi-to-miss-the-strokes-upcoming-tour-dates/)._