As The Strokes wrapped up their European tour, Nick Valensi joined Duran Duran on stage in Paris
The Strokes completed their UK and European tour in Dublin without guitarist Nick Valensi, who made a surprise appearance with Duran Duran in Paris the same night. The cameo drew attention to Valensi’s ongoing absence from The Strokes’ 2026 touring line-up, although the band has described his break as temporary.
Valensi joined Duran Duran for their closing song, “Rio”, at the Accor Arena, where he encountered technical difficulties. He has not performed live with The Strokes since Coachella in April; Longwave guitarist Steve Schlitz has filled in, and no return date has been announced. The tour supported The Strokes’ seventh album, *Reality Awaits*, released in July.
In short
- The Strokes finished their European tour without Nick Valensi.
- Valensi joined Duran Duran for “Rio” in Paris.
- No date has been given for his return to The Strokes.
Explained simply
The Strokes are an American rock band formed in New York in the late 1990s. Their line-up includes guitarist Nick Valensi, and the group has released seven studio albums, including Reality Awaits in July 2026.
Duran Duran are a British pop-rock band whose best-known songs include “Rio”. The two groups belong to different generations of rock music, and guest appearances between established bands can attract attention from fans.
Valensi’s absence has left The Strokes playing live with another guitarist, Steve Schlitz. The band has called the break temporary, but has not given a date for his return.
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