diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 5e750bc..d246cf6 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ build-wrappers:
 	# update gh-pages with release links & travis
 
 	# add $(version)/index.html page (from template)
-	reldate=$(strip `date`)
+	reldate=$(shell date)
 	sed -e 's|%version%|$(version)|' \
 		-e 's|%date%|$(reldate)' release-index.html > $(version)/index.html