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Strokes Release “Reality Awaits” June 26; Tour Begins, Mixed Reviews

5/20/2026

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Summary

Strokes Release

The Strokes' album “Reality Awaits,” produced by Rick Rubin, is slated for release on June 26, 2026, amid mixed early reviews.
Albert Hammond Jr. praised the record as a favorite on Instagram, while fans condemned Julian Casablancas for vocoder use on the singles “Going Shopping” and “Falling Out Of Love.”
The Strokes will start their first full UK/Ireland headline tour in two decades, with Nick Valensi taking a temporary break.

Summary

Strokes Debut

The Strokes debuted new songs at Coachella 2026 and condemned the CIA and U.S. government.
The 2026 tour visits the UK, Ireland, North America, Japan, and features support acts Thundercat and Cage the Elephant, with London’s O2 and a second O2 show on 7 October.
They will play Bonnaroo and Summer Sonic in Tokyo and Osaka, and performed new material on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote Reality Awaits.

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Strokes Release

The Strokes' album “Reality Awaits,” produced by Rick Rubin, is slated for release on June 26, 2026, amid mixed early reviews.
Albert Hammond Jr. praised the record as a favorite on Instagram, while fans condemned Julian Casablancas for vocoder use on the singles “Going Shopping” and “Falling Out Of Love.”
The Strokes will start their first full UK/Ireland headline tour in two decades, with Nick Valensi taking a temporary break.

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