Dua Lipa turned her “Radical Optimism” tour stops at San Francisco’s Chase Center into a love letter to the Bay Area, surprising fans with two emotional tributes — including a duet with Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong.
Wearing a leather jacket and a black “999” T-shirt, Armstrong joined Lipa midway through her set on Sunday, Oct. 12, for a rendition of Green Day’s 2004 hit “Wake Me When September Ends” in a moment caught by fan-shot footage. The crowd erupted as the pair shared the stage, blending Lipa’s smooth pop vocals with Armstrong’s raw punk stylings.
“San Francisco, how you feeling?” Lipa told the crowd before unveiling the surprise. “Every night we do a different surprise song by a local artist, and I immediately thought about San Francisco and all the incredible music that has come out of here. I thought about one band in particular… Join me in welcoming the incredible Billie Joe from Green Day!”
The duet capped Lipa’s second night at Chase Center. On Saturday, Oct. 11, she honored another Bay Area legend with a soaring cover of “Piece of My Heart” by Big Brother & the Holding Company, paying tribute to Janis Joplin.
The pop star has made these local tributes a hallmark of her tour.
At Los Angeles’ Kia Forum last week, she brought out Gwen Stefani for a rendition of No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak,” calling her “one of my personal heroes.” In New York, she welcomed Lenny Kravitz, Nile Rodgers, and Alicia Keys for surprise appearances that have become viral fan moments.
At 30, Dua Lipa has cemented herself as one of pop music’s defining voices. Born in London and raised partly in Kosovo, she began her career posting covers on YouTube before releasing her 2017 debut album, which produced the breakout hit “New Rules.” Her 2020 follow-up, “Future Nostalgia,” solidified her global stardom with its sleek disco-pop sound and multiple Grammy wins.
Her latest project, “Radical Optimism,” released in 2024, leans into psychedelic textures and Britpop influences while exploring themes of resilience and joy. Collaborating with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and producer Danny L Harle, Lipa crafted a sound she describes as “finding peace in turbulent times.” Songs like “Training Season” and “Houdini” have since become staples of her high-energy live show.
Lipa’s “Radical Optimism Tour,” supporting her acclaimed third album, continues this month with dates in Seattle, Mexico City and across South America — with fans already speculating which local legends might join her next.
Dua Lipa’s Chase Center set list – Sunday, Oct. 12