The High Cost of Rock 'n' Roll Burnout Nick Valensi, guitarist with the Strokes, has dropped out of an unspecified portion of the band's upcoming tour. Initially, this seems like a routine hiatus for a tired musician.
However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Valensi's departure is more than just a break from touring. Valensi's absence from recent shows has been well documented.
He was missing from several Strokes performances in 2026, only returning for their Coachella sets.