Charli XCX joins Strokes at Outside Lands

Charli XCX joined The Strokes on stage at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Saturday night to perform their 2001 hit “Take It or Leave It.” The surprise guest appeared as the band played their Saturday headlining set, just hours after Julian Casablancas joked about their recent album sales victory during Friday’s set.

The appearance marks a rare collaboration between the two acts, both pillars of the 2000s indie revival. Charli XCX, known for her hyperpop influence and genre-blurring hits, has increasingly embraced nostalgic rock and disco, while The Strokes—long revered for their guitar-driven sound—have kept a lower public profile in recent years. Their paths crossed earlier this year when Charli XCX sampled “Reptilia” on her track “Von dutch,” sparking online speculation about a possible live meeting. The Strokes, who headlined Outside Lands following a viral moment where Casablancas playfully downplayed their chart performance compared to newer acts, seemed primed for a high-energy show. Charli XCX, fresh off her own tour and the release of her album “Brat,” was already scheduled to play the festival later in the weekend.

Fans at the festival captured the moment as Charli XCX took the mic, dressed in a shimmering silver outfit, and sang her heart out. The Strokes, visibly energized, leaned into the collaboration, with Casablancas grinning as the pair traded lines. Social media erupted, with clips of the performance going viral within minutes. The surprise set added to Outside Lands’ growing reputation for unpredictable, high-impact guest appearances—last year featured Kendrick Lamar joining Blink-182 and Phoebe Bridgers duetting with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The collaboration hints at a potential shift in both artists’ creative directions, blending indie rock with modern pop energy. Charli XCX is set to headline her own stage later this week, while The Strokes have no announced tour plans following their festival run. Whether this marks the start of a full partnership or just a one-off moment remains to be seen—but for now, it’s a night fans won’t forget.