The Strokes Bring Out Charli xcx at Outside Lands for “Take It or Leave It”: Watch

At the recent Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, an unexpected collaboration between British pop artist Charli XCX and iconic New York rock band The Strokes captured the audience’s attention. Charli XCX made a surprise appearance during The Strokes’ set to perform “Take It or Leave It,” a track originally from the band’s acclaimed 2001 debut album, "Is This It." The live rendition featured a vocal exchange between Charli and frontman Julian Casablancas, culminating in a shared chorus that electrified the festival crowd.

This onstage partnership was underscored by a playful rivalry rooted in timing: both artists released new albums on the same day in July 2026. Charli xcx’s album "Music, Fashion, Film" and The Strokes’ "Reality Awaits" dropped simultaneously, sparking friendly banter during the show. Casablancas acknowledged Charli’s commercial success with humor, commending her as a standout performer and declaring her the evening’s “queen of everything” to the enthusiastic crowd.

Critical reception for both albums has been notably positive. According to consequence.net, Charli XCX’s latest record is being hailed as one of her strongest artistic statements to date, while The Strokes’ release continues to engage listeners with its consistent, compelling sound. Both works earned spots on Consequence’s Best Albums of July 2026 list, reinforcing their significance in this year’s musical landscape.

Charli XCX had headlined the opening night of Outside Lands just prior to her guest spot with The Strokes, showcasing her dynamic stage presence and solidifying her status as a major pop figure. Following their duet, Casablancas reaffirmed the success of Charli’s album release, openly acknowledging the disparity in sales figures while celebrating her prominence within the pop genre.

Outside Lands 2026 remains ongoing, with streaming options available for fans unable to attend in person. The Strokes continue their North American tour through the late summer months, with scheduled dates extending into September. Their itinerary includes performances across the United States, Canada, and upcoming international shows in Japan and Europe.

Similarly, Charli XCX is preparing to embark on her "Music, Fashion, Film Tour" this fall, bringing her new material to venues throughout North America and Europe. Her tour schedule features performances at prominent festivals and arenas, including Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK and several stops across major U.S. cities.

The Outside Lands setlist for The Strokes showcased a blend of classic hits and newer tracks, demonstrating the band’s evolving sound while paying homage to their influential debut. The inclusion of Charli XCX on “Take It or Leave It” added a fresh dimension to the performance, highlighting the intersection of indie rock and contemporary pop.

This unexpected live collaboration not only celebrated the simultaneous release of two much-anticipated albums but also underscored the mutual respect and camaraderie between artists from distinct musical realms. With both The Strokes and Charli XCX actively touring and engaging diverse audiences, their Outside Lands moment stands as a notable highlight of the 2026 festival season.

For fans and music enthusiasts, this partnership offers a glimpse into the innovative possibilities that arise when artists cross genre boundaries, enriching live shows with surprise elements and shared histories. As both acts continue their respective tours, anticipation builds for further creative intersections and dynamic performances throughout the year.