The Strokes have announced a significant update regarding their highly anticipated seventh studio album, Reality Awaits. The band has confirmed that the record, which serves as the follow-up to 2020’s The New Abnormal, will now be released on July 24, moving from its original June 26 date.
While the band has not provided a specific reason for the delay, they have offered fans a major consolation: a massive homecoming show in New York City. The concert is scheduled for October 2 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This event marks the band's first headline performance in their home city since 2023 and will feature a stellar supporting lineup, including Beach House, TV on the Radio, and Fcukers.
Tickets for the homecoming show go on sale next Thursday, June 18, at 10am ET, with pre-sale options becoming available on Wednesday, June 17. In a gesture to the local community, residents of specific Queens zip codes (11368, 11355, 11375, and 11367) will be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on general admission tickets.
The upcoming album has already been teased with the release of the lead single, 'Going Shopping', and the track 'Falling Out Of Love'. Despite some mixed reactions from fans regarding the production choices—specifically the use of a vocoder on Julian Casablancas’ vocals—guitarist Albert Hammond Jr has defended the new material, describing Reality Awaits as his favorite album the band has ever produced.
The band remains in the midst of a busy touring schedule for 2026, with appearances at major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Summer Sonic. Additionally, they have announced an extensive tour across the UK, North America, Europe, and Japan. Notably, these performances will proceed without guitarist Nick Valensi, who is currently taking a temporary break from live touring.