The Strokes' recent announcement of guitarist Nick Valensi's temporary absence from their upcoming tour has sparked speculation and concern among fans. Julian Casablancas, the band's frontman, has now stepped in to reassure fans that Valensi will indeed be returning to the band. In a recent Instagram post, Casablancas addressed a fan who claimed the band had 'broke up' with Valensi, stating, 'He'll be back soon I'm sure.' This response has divided fans, with some interpreting it as a sign of no tension within the band, while others remain skeptical. The band's recent music video for the lead single 'Going Shopping' featured actor Walton Goggins, with Casablancas explaining that Valensi was not included due to scheduling conflicts. Despite the initial shock and speculation, Casablancas' reassurance seems to have calmed some fans, but others are still awaiting further clarification on Valensi's status within the band. The Strokes' highly anticipated album, 'Reality Awaits', is set to be released on July 24th, with a tour spanning the UK, North America, Europe, and Japan. The band's decision to delay the album's release was initially attributed to a vinyl release date, according to Albert Hammond Jr. The album's two singles, 'Going Shopping' and 'Falling Out Of Love', have received mixed reviews, with NME describing the former as 'not bold' but also 'not safe'. As the band prepares for their extensive tour, the focus now shifts to Valensi's return, with fans eagerly awaiting further updates from the iconic New York indie group.
