AceShowbiz - The Strokes have announced that guitarist Nick Valensi will be taking a temporary break from their upcoming Reality Awaits Tour this summer. The band confirmed his absence following a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where Valensi was notably missing during the performance of the track "Falling Out of Love."

Shortly after the show, the band addressed fans on social media, explaining that Valensi will step away from the scheduled tour for the time being but is expected to return. To fill in during his absence, the band has enlisted their longtime friend and early New York City collaborator, Steve Schiltz. Known for his work as singer and guitarist with the Y2K-era NYC band Longwave, Schiltz will join the group on stage for the summer dates.

The Reality Awaits Tour officially kicks off in June, starting with a performance at the Bonnaroo festival on June 12. Alongside their own tour stops, the Strokes are also lined up for several major festivals including Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, California; Shaky Knees in Atlanta; and Sea.Hear.Now in Asbury Park, New Jersey. After the U.S. leg, the band plans to tour Europe beginning in October.

At this time, the exact duration of Valensi's break remains unspecified, leaving fans to anticipate his eventual return to the lineup. Meanwhile, the band continues to press forward with their live schedule, supported by Schiltz’s contributions on guitar as they promote their recent work and connect with audiences worldwide.