Around the release of 2004’s career-redefining American Idiot, Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong expressed concerned about the future of America. “Everybody just sorta feels like they don’t know where their future is heading right now, ya know?” he said. History is repeating itself, because 12 years (and five Green Day albums) later, the country’s as divided and unsure as it’s been in decades, and President-elect Donald Trump isn’t even officially in office yet.
The furious songs on American Idiot were written during the heart of the George W. Bush years, when Armstrong was a young boy that had big plans in his 30s? Has his age mellowed him, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool? Not exactly.
In September, Green Day railed against Trump during a concert, with Armstrong telling the crowd, “No racism in this f*cking room! There is no white supremacy in this f*cking room right now! We are coming together tonight in New Jersey to call bullsh*t on all the f*cking politicians tonight!” He then changed the “pulverize the Eiffel Tower” line from “Holiday” to “pulverize the Trump Tower.” Last night at the American Music Awards, Green Day again expressed concern about Trump being the most powerful man in the world.
Armstrong, who previously compared Trump to Hitler, chanted, “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!” during the performance of “Bang, Bang,” the first single from the band’s most recent album, Revolution Radio. The lyrical tweak is a nod to the 1982 single “Born to Die” by political punks MDC, which goes, “No war, no KKK, no fascist USA.” (MDC stands for Millions of Dead Cops.) Anyone who knows anything about Green Day should have expected a protest of sorts, but it was still a refreshingly rare moment of “authenticity” in an awards ceremony that considers Twenty One Pilots to be “alternative.”
That is why Green Day will forever be one of the greatest bands ever. #amas
— wear a mask (@soldatbcrnes) November 21, 2016
We have new American heroes. They go by Green Day. Thank you all for that 🙏🏼 #greenday #AMAS
— Adrian P. (@OzzieK525) November 21, 2016
Can't believe that in 2016 "No Trump, no KKK, no facist USA" even has to be said, but hey, happy Green Day pissed off some conservatives!
— Stephen D 🇵🇸 (@StephenEamonn) November 21, 2016
Kudos to Green Day for remaining true to themselves and proving American Idiot wasn't a one off.
— Sarrah (@Siiel12) November 21, 2016
The people that are salty af that Green Day said "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA" have never actually heard the American Idiot album
— Julio César (@VForVillegas) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/tattedpoc/status/800542117068054528
if you told me I'd see Green Day live leading a "No Trump, No KKK" chant in the year of our lord 2016, i would've punched you in the face
— Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai) November 21, 2016
“I can’t believe Green Day would openly criticize Trump!” – People who don’t recall they made an entire anti-Bush album.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) November 21, 2016
Green Day dragging trump on live television I am here for it
— PHLEGM (@faguettte) November 21, 2016
me: green day who
green day: no trump! no kkk! no fascist USA!
me: Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1986 by vocalist/guitar— taylor (@republicanphobe) November 21, 2016
I always loved Green Day. They are now even more legendary in my mind!!!! NO Trump!!! No KKK!!! No Fascist USA!!!! #AMAs #GreenDay pic.twitter.com/HAMf9MB3Xo
— Que La Chinga, America?!! 🇵🇷 (@TerpGrad01) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/5S0SSnapchat/status/800548239720251393
https://twitter.com/musicaDr0gata/status/800538841140625408
https://twitter.com/LouMiceliJr/status/800542724264968192
Meanwhile.
Melania and I saw American Idiot on Broadway last night and it was great. An amazing theatrical experience!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2010
I wonder what Trump thinks of the 924 Gilman Street scene?
