What Happened to The Strokes?

The Strokes emerged from New York City in 1998, quickly becoming synonymous with the early 2000s garage rock and post-punk revival. Their debut EP, 'The Modern Age' (2001), and subsequent album, 'Is This It' (2001), garnered widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing them as a defining band of their generation. This initial success was followed by 'Room on Fire' (2003) and 'First Impressions of Earth' (2006), which further solidified their sound and fanbase, though critical reception varied slightly from their debut's immediate impact.

Following a period of individual projects and a five-year hiatus, the band released 'Angles' (2011) and 'Comedown Machine' (2013), which saw them experiment with their sound to mixed but generally positive reviews. A significant turning point came with the 2016 'Future Present Past' EP, released through Julian Casablancas's Cult Records, signaling a renewed, albeit intermittent, activity. The band's full return to prominence was marked by their 2020 album, 'The New Abnormal,' produced by Rick Rubin. This album was hailed as a return to form, receiving highly positive reviews and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, re-establishing their critical and commercial relevance.

In 2025, The Strokes continued their live presence, headlining major festivals such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas and the Harvest Rock Music Festival in Australia, their first show in Adelaide since 2006. These performances showcased their enduring appeal and ability to draw large crowds. The momentum has carried into 2026 with significant new developments. On April 6, 2026, the band officially announced their seventh studio album, 'Reality Awaits,' produced by Rick Rubin and set for release on June 26, 2026. The announcement was preceded by the release of the lead single 'Going Shopping' on April 7, 2026, distributed initially via cassette tapes to fans and then to streaming platforms.

Most recently, on May 13, 2026, The Strokes released the second single from the upcoming album, 'Falling Out of Love,' a six-minute ballad featuring heavy autotune on Julian Casablancas's vocals, which premiered on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.' To support 'Reality Awaits,' the band has scheduled an extensive global tour throughout 2026, with dates spanning North America, Japan, the UK, Europe, and South America, commencing on June 12 at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. This robust schedule, including headlining major festivals and arena shows, confirms The Strokes' current status as an active and highly anticipated touring and recording act, continuing to evolve their sound while maintaining their iconic status.