Green Day has criticized Elon Musk and the newly-inaugurated President, Donald Trump, by altering the lyrics of one of their classic songs. The band, led by Billie Joe Armstrong, is known for their politically charged garage rock tunes. During a recent live show in Calabash, South Africa, fans noticed the band’s modified version of “American Idiot,” where they took a jab at Trump’s presidency.
Green Day, who previously performed at Wembley Stadium in London, is currently on a global tour promoting their latest album, “Saviors.” They are customizing the lyrics of their songs to reflect their opinions on Trump’s second term in office.
Fans at the South Africa gig applauded Armstrong and the band for mocking both the Trump administration and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. A social media post from @GreenDayItaly_ highlighted Armstrong’s lyric change referencing Musk, which sparked curiosity about Musk’s reaction among viewers.
Some fans praised Green Day for their bold stance, while a few Trump supporters criticized the band’s actions. Despite the mixed reactions, many online users lauded Armstrong as one of the greatest musicians, expressing admiration for the band’s boldness.
The South Africa performance marked Green Day’s debut in the country, featuring a setlist of 24 songs, including their hits like “American Idiot,” “Basket Case,” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”
The mention of Musk in Green Day’s performance coincided with controversy surrounding The Village People, known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.,” who faced backlash for agreeing to perform at the inauguration. The band defended their decision, emphasizing the unifying power of music during politically divisive times.
Fans expressed disbelief at The Village People’s choice, criticizing them for supporting Trump’s inauguration. The conflicting responses highlighted the impact of musicians’ political affiliations on their fan base.