Entertainment · Music · 1 hr ago
Nick Valensi Joins Duran Duran on Stage in Paris
The Strokes guitarist Nick Valensi joined Duran Duran in Paris on Wednesday while his own band played its final European tour show in Dublin.
Valensi came on during Duran Duran’s closing song, “Rio,” at the Accor Arena.
His guitar had technical problems, briefly interrupting the performance.
Valensi has been on a temporary break from The Strokes’ tour since the band announced it in May, without giving a reason.
Steve Schlitz of Longwave has filled in, and Valensi’s last performance with The Strokes was at Coachella in April.
The reason for his absence remains unclear, and frontman Julian Casablancas has said Valensi would return, but no date has been announced.
There is no new return date, so it is not known when he will rejoin the band on tour.
Nick Valensi joined Duran Duran on stage in Paris for the band’s closing song, “Rio.”
The appearance came as his band, The Strokes, played the final show of its UK and European tour in Dublin without him.
Valensi has been on a “temporary break” from The Strokes’ 2026 tour since May, and the band has not announced a return date.
He last performed live with The Strokes at Coachella in April, with Longwave guitarist Steve Schlitz filling in during the tour.
Technical problems with Valensi’s guitar interrupted Duran Duran’s performance of “Rio.”
- Who
- Nick Valensi joined Duran Duran on stage.
- What
- He played guitar during the band’s performance of “Rio,” which was interrupted by technical problems.
- When
- Wednesday night, October 28, 2026.
- Where
- Accor Arena in Paris.
- Why
- Not stated. Valensi’s reason for taking a temporary break from The Strokes’ tour is also not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Valensi last performed live with The Strokes at Coachella.
The Strokes said Valensi would take a temporary break from their scheduled tour.
The Strokes played their final UK and European tour show in Dublin while Valensi joined Duran Duran in Paris.
- Venue
- Accor Arena, Paris
- Song
- Rio
- Tour
- The Strokes’ 2026 world tour
- Replacement guitarist
- Steve Schlitz of Longwave
- Last Strokes performance with Valensi
- Coachella, April 2026
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What people are saying
You might recognize him from the Strokes but tonight he’s here with us, the amazing guitarist, Nick Valensi
I don’t know how to fix shit like this
Nick will be taking a temporary break from the scheduled tour, but we look forward to his return