Green Day delivered a politically charged headlining performance at Coachella 2025, altering lyrics to reference the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
During “Jesus of Suburbia,” lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong sang, “Runnin’ away from pain like the kids from Palestine,” replacing the original line, “Runnin’ away from pain when you’ve been victimised.” The lyric change marked the latest in the band’s long-standing tradition of using their platform for political commentary.
The moment drew immediate attention online, with fans sharing clips of the revised lyrics. Last month in Australia, Armstrong made a similar change to the same song, singing, “Am I ret*rded, or am I just J.D. Vance?” in place of the 2004 original, “Am I ret*rded, or am I just overjoyed?”
The set showcased Green Day’s legacy of rebellion, opening with “American Idiot” and Armstrong declaring, “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda.” Before launching into “Holiday,” he added, “This song is anti-war.” Their hour-and-a-half show featured generational anthems like “Basket Case,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and “Minority".
The performance included fan interactions that further highlighted their accessibility. Armstrong invited audience members on stage during “Know Your Enemy” and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” turning their show into a communal experience.
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