Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day was not having a great time for a moment at Hurricane Festival last weekend. During a performance of the punk band’s famed song “Jesus Of Suburbia”, an ambitious fan in the audience continuously targeted Armstrong with a squirt gun. According to fan-recorded footage of the event, it looks like the culprit was in the front row and was aiming directly for Armstrong’s face.
Videos by American Songwriter
Armstrong has never been one to let things like this slide. In fact, he famously stopped Green Day’s iHeartRadio Festival set back in 2012. He went into an on-stage rant, straight into the microphone, airing all of his grievances about his set being cut short.
After that age-old incident, Armstrong admitted he was struggling with substance use and sought out help, and has since recovered. However, a true punk is a punk at heart, and won’t let disrespect slide, even when completely sober.
Billie Joe Armstrong Let a Rude Fan Know That He Wasn’t Happy During Hurricane Festival
Armstrong paused Green Day’s recent headlining set at Hurricane Festival in Germany to confront the fan. Honestly, I don’t blame him. Who knows what was in that squirt gun? Hopefully, it was just water.
Armstrong removed his guitar and dropped his mic before stepping closer to the crowd. He began to point at one individual and talked to them in a stern manner. The audio of what Armstrong said as he pointed to the fan and called them out can’t be heard, but it looks as if he said, “I will beat you a**, you understand me?” I’m no expert lip-reader, but whatever he said clearly wasn’t positive.
Shortly after the brief confrontation, Armstrong tossed his guitar back on and launched into the song as if nothing had happened. What a pro.
Rock concerts have famously produced some infamous bad behavior, from bras being thrown on stage to full-on riots, leading to the destruction of venue property. However, the really bad incidents have historically been few and far between. Nowadays, it seems like concert etiquette is getting worse. Armstrong’s on-stage confrontation with a squirt gun-wielding fan is just one example among many. Some blame it on the 2020 pandemic, while others predict the age of live music is simply dying out. Who knows? Either way, good on Armstrong for standing up for himself.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.