Billie Joe Armstrong’s recent outburst against Las Vegas became a focal point of Green Day’s concert in San Francisco on Friday night. Performing at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, he wasn’t just playing to any crowd; he was addressing an audience that deeply resonated with his sentiments. Armstrong, along with drummer Tré Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt, was met with a wave of rapturous applause, easily claiming the title of hometown heroes in a city yearning for new icons.
Armstrong’s connection to the Oakland A’s baseball team runs deep. A lifelong fan, he shares the outrage of many following billionaire owner John Fisher’s controversial decision. Fisher plans to relocate the team from their long-standing East Bay home to a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, disregarding the franchise’s 56-year history. “We don’t take shit from people like fucking John Fisher,” Armstrong declared to an exuberant crowd of 42,000. “I hate Las Vegas! It’s the worst shithole in America!”
In the era of social media, Armstrong’s fiery remarks quickly transcended San Francisco’s borders. Amidst the band’s “Saviors” tour, conspicuously absent is a Las Vegas stop—a wise decision given Armstrong’s recent tirade.
Green Day’s history with Las Vegas has been tumultuous. Notably, on September 21, 2012, during the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Armstrong infamously halted their hit “Basket Case” in a dramatic fashion. He smashed his guitar and stormed off stage, incensed by a sign indicating their set time was nearly over. “Fuck this shit!” Armstrong screamed. “I’ve been around since 19-fucking-88. And you’re gonna give me one fucking minute? I’m not fucking Justin Bieber, you motherfuckers. You gotta be fuckin’ joking!” The ensuing fallout saw the band issue an apology and Armstrong enter rehab shortly after.
Yet, that incident aside, Green Day has experienced better moments in Las Vegas. Their last visit for the When We Were Young Festival on October 22, 2023, included a highly praised surprise show at the Fremont Country Club just days before.
If Armstrong’s disdain for Las Vegas stems solely from the baseball upheaval, his vitriol might be premature. The Oakland A’s are currently committed to remain in Sacramento, California, through the 2027 season. Speculation grows that this might become a permanent arrangement, as Fisher has shown little progress in financing the proposed $1.5 billion Las Vegas stadium. His hesitance to invest his own money further fuels doubts about the relocation. Until there’s certainty, Armstrong’s contempt for Las Vegas may need recalibrating.
