Full Breakdown
The Strokes Debut New Song and Revive Classic at Bonnaroo 2026
6/14/2026, 1:10:05 PM
Bonnaroo Headline: First Full Performance of “Falling Out of Love”
The Strokes headlined Bonnaroo Festival on June 12, 2026, delivering the first full live rendition of “Falling Out of Love,” a track from their forthcoming seventh album. The set opened with “Killing Lies,” marking the song’s first appearance since 2022, and concluded with “Ize of the World.” Guitarist Nick Valensi was absent, with Steve Schiltz filling in.
Lead-Up: “Reality Awaits” Album and Lineup Shift
Reality Awaits, the follow-up to 2020’s The New Abnormal, is set for a July 24, 2026 release. Its lead single “Going Shopping” introduced a vocoder-treated vocal style that split fans. The band confirmed guitarist Nick Valensi’s “temporary break” from live shows, with Steve Schiltz covering guitar at Bonnaroo.
Personnel and Supporting Acts
The performance featured Julian Casablancas and Albert Hammond Jr, with Nick Valensi on a temporary break and Steve Schiltz stepping in on guitar. Bonnaroo’s bill included Thundercat, Cage the Elephant, Hamilton Leithauser, Fat White Family, Alex Cameron and ÖLÜM as supporting acts. The Strokes also announced a New York homecoming concert with Beach House and Fcukers.
Setlist, Tour Schedule, and Release Timeline
The Bonnaroo set covered about twenty tracks, mixing classics like “Hard to Explain,” “You Only Live Once,” “Reptilia,” and “Last Nite” with the new “Falling Out of Love.” Afterward, the band announced its first UK and Ireland headline run in over twenty years, with dates at London’s O2 and support from Thundercat. Additional shows were added due to demand. A 2026 world tour will hit the United Kingdom, North America, Europe and Japan, including Summer Sonic. The July 24 album release will align with these promotions.
Official Statements & Band Responses
Albert Hammond Jr praised Reality Awaits as his favorite Strokes album and described the collaboration with Rick Rubin as a highlight of his recording experience. The band announced that Nick Valensi would be taking a temporary break from live performances and that Steve Schiltz will handle guitar duties for the remainder of the tour.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans gave mixed reactions to the vocoder-enhanced vocals on the first two Reality Awaits tracks. NME’s three-star review of “Going Shopping” suggested the song lacked the boldness of earlier material and played it safe, indicating a shift from the band’s previous energy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “favourite album” The Strokes have ever done. — Albert Hammond Jr, guitarist (The Strokes)
- “one of his favourite recording experiences”. — Albert Hammond Jr, guitarist (The Strokes)
- “‘If you’re better than me you don’t have to judge me’, signs off Casablancas, with an imaginary raised eyebrow.”. — Julian Casablancas, lead vocalist (The Strokes)
- “doesn’t feel bold”. — NME reviewer (NME)
- “does avoid playing anything safe.”. — NME reviewer (NME)
- “temporary break”. — The Strokes (official statement)
Milestones and Upcoming Appearances
Milestones are the July 24 release of Reality Awaits, a UK and Ireland headline run—the first in over twenty years—and a New York homecoming show with Beach House and Fcukers. Julian Casablancas will speak at the Oxford Union, and the band will perform new material on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They have a Summer Sonic slot in 2026.
