Green Day’s Controversial Statement: The Fallout Explained

Green Day has always been a band known for pushing boundaries, but their recent comments landed them in hot water in Las Vegas.

During a concert in San Francisco on September 20, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong took aim at Oakland A’s owner John Fisher of the recent decision to relocate the team to Las Vegas. “We don’t take s**t from people like f**king John Fisher… I hate Las Vegas,” he told the crowd, labeling the city as “the worst s**thole in America.”

Armstrong’s remarks have prompted several Las Vegas radio stations to pull Green Day’s music from their playlists. Notably, KOMP 92.3 took to Instagram on September 25 to announce they would no longer play the band’s songs. The post read, “KOMP 92.3 has pulled any and all Green Day from our playlist. It’s not us, Billie… it’s you. #vegas4ever,” alongside an image of the band with Xs over their faces.

Another station, X107.5, joined the boycott, stating, “After Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong disrespected Las Vegas, we’re pulling the plug on ALL of their music.” They also encouraged fans to share their thoughts on Armstrong’s comments.

This isn’t Armstrong’s first critique of America; he previously renounced his citizenship in June 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Also, let’s not forget Green Day’s 2004 album, American Idiot, which critiqued the political climate in the U.S.