New York City’s quintessential rock icons, The Strokes, have officially entered their next era with the release of their latest single, “Falling out of Love.” Unveiled today, May 13, 2026, the track serves as the second glimpse into their highly anticipated upcoming album, Reality Awaits, which is slated for release this summer. To celebrate the launch, the band is set to deliver a premiere television performance of the song tomorrow night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—a poignant appearance marking one of the final musical segments before the long-running show concludes next week.
Reality Awaits represents the band’s first full-length offering since 2020’s Grammy-winning The New Abnormal. The new record boasts a global pedigree, having been recorded in Costa Rica under the guidance of legendary producer Rick Rubin before being polished in studios around the world. The new single follows the previously released "Going Shopping," further establishing a fresh sonic direction for a band that has defined the alternative rock sound for over two decades.
The album’s visual identity is as striking as its music, featuring cover art titled Untitled (Cowboy) 1989 by acclaimed artist Richard Prince, while the single’s artwork is licensed courtesy of Glenn Pruyn.
Coinciding with the new music, The Strokes are preparing for a massive global tour that kicks off this June. The itinerary is an ambitious trek across North America, the U.K., Europe, South America, and Japan. Fans have already shown overwhelming demand, with sold-out dates across major venues including Chicago’s United Center, London’s The O2, and a two-night residency at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The tour will feature a diverse array of supporting acts, including Thundercat, Cage the Elephant, and Fat White Family. In addition to their headlining dates, the band is set to anchor several major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and the Summer Sonic festivals in Tokyo and Osaka. As Reality Awaits prepares to drop, the New York quintet remains a formidable force, proving once again that their influence on the global music landscape remains as potent as ever.
