Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Green Day’s lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, took a bold stand. During a concert in London, he shocked the crowd by announcing he was planning to renounce his U.S. citizenship. The news about the court’s ruling came to him in the middle of the show, and he couldn’t stay silent.
Armstrong spoke directly to the audience, sharing his frustration and anger over the decision, which he saw as a huge step backward for women’s rights in the U.S.
With passion in his voice, Armstrong didn’t hold back. He criticized what was happening in the world, calling it “stupid,” and had harsh words for the U.S., which he described as a “miserable” place. His disappointment was clear as he hinted that he might not return to the U.S. after Green Day’s European tour. Despite his anger towards his home country, the London audience cheered for him, showing their support.
As the applause filled the stadium, Armstrong let it sink in before making it clear that he wasn’t joking. “I’m serious,” he said, his voice steady and determined. “I’m done with America.” He then dropped another surprise, suggesting that he might even move to the U.K., saying to the crowd, “You’re going to see a lot more of me in the coming days.”
The next day, Armstrong was back on stage in London and didn’t hold back his feelings once again. “F*** the Supreme Court and America!” he yelled. The crowd roared in response. Green Day then performed their hit song “American Idiot,” a rebellious anthem that seemed to fit the moment perfectly.
Armstrong wasn’t the only big name in music to speak out against the Supreme Court’s ruling, which put women’s reproductive rights in the hands of individual states. Many states were already working to make abortion harder to access, taking away crucial healthcare options for women.
Billie Eilish, another major music star, shared her outrage as well. During a performance in July 2022, she called it a “really, really dark day for women in the U.S.” Visibly upset, she said she couldn’t think about it any longer without breaking down. Eilish then dedicated her song “Your Power” to the Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, saying, “This song is about power and the importance of not abusing it.”
What do you think about Billie Joe Armstrong’s decision to renounce his American citizenship? Let us know in the comments!
