Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Green Day's Coachella Debut Delivers Iconic Hits, Political Messages, and Pyrotechnic Mishap

The band headlined the festival with a career-spanning set, bold political lyric changes, and a firework accident that raised safety concerns.

Image
Image
Billie Joe Armstrong performs with Green Day on Saturday, April 12, a set whose pyrotechnics sparked a fire that burned a tree backstage.
 

Overview

  • Green Day headlined Coachella 2025 for the first time, performing a 90-minute set featuring hits from 'Dookie' and 'American Idiot' alongside songs from their latest album, 'Saviors'.
  • Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong altered lyrics in 'American Idiot' and 'Jesus of Suburbia' to include political commentary, referencing the MAGA agenda and the plight of Palestinian children.
  • The band engaged fans by inviting audience members onstage to sing and play guitar during tracks like 'Know Your Enemy' and 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)'.
  • A pyrotechnic mishap during their performance caused a palm tree near the artist compound to catch fire, though the flames were quickly extinguished without serious injuries.
  • While the performance was widely praised for its energy and political statements, some attendees criticized the use of fireworks given recent wildfire concerns in California.