Just a few weeks after their respective new albums dropped on the same day, Charli xcx made a surprise appearance during The Strokes’ Saturday headlining set at Outside Lands in San Francisco. The pop star joined the legendary rock band to perform their 2001 track “Take It Or Leave It.”
“We’ve got a special little guest; a big guest. Well, a superstar,” Julian Casabl superstar,” Julian Casablancas told the crowd before welcoming Charli to the stage. Referencing the shared July 24 release date of their latest projects—Charli’s Brat and The Strokes’ related ventures—Casablancas joked about their friendly chart rivalry, adding, “We had a great battle. You defeated us.”
Charli xcx, who had headlined the festival herself on Friday night, marked her debut at the iconic San Francisco event with this high-profile collaboration. The moment served as a highlight for fans of both artists, bridging the gap between modern pop dominance and indie rock history.
Outside Lands continues in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, featuring a diverse lineup including Baby Keem, Death Cab for Cutie, Empire of the Sun, and Mariah the Scientist.