Green Day Abruptly Exits Stage at Detroit Tour Stop Due to Unauthorized Flying Drone Overhead, Operator Detained

Mar. 15, 2025

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs in Milan in June 2024.Photo:Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty

Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty

Keep your drones away fromGreen Dayuntil September ends — or forever.

During the rock band’s Saviors Tour stop at Detroit’s Comerica Park on Sept. 4, membersBillie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool abruptly exited the stage as an unauthorized drone flew overhead — and the incident could result in a large fine for the device’s operator.

According toThe Detroit Newsandfan-filmed footageon social media, the drone was spotted while the trio performed 1994’s “Longview,” about 20 minutes into the concert. Armstrong appeared to get a message from someone on the production crew before swiftly running backstage.

Green Day in New York City in July 2024.Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

“How you guys doing? Everybody OK?” Armstrong, 52, asked the audience upon returning to the stage and resuming theDookiealbum track. “There ain’t no motherf—er that’s gonna stop us, I’ll tell you that.”

The Detroit Police Department tells PEOPLE in a statement, “There was an individual that flew a drone into Comerica Park, Wednesday evening, during the Green Day concert and because of that, Green Day was taken off the stage.”

Green Day performs in Milwaukee in July 2023.Daniel Boczarski/Getty for Harley-Davidson

Daniel Boczarski/Getty for Harley-Davidson

The statement continued, “DPD did locate the individual. He was detained pending further investigation. Green Day went back on stage a short time lately and continued their performance.”

Local officials given information about the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration, PEOPLE can confirm.

The organization could fine the drone operator a potential $30,000 and suspend/revoke their license, according toFox 2 Detroit.

Green Day.Jesse Grant/Getty

Jesse Grant/Getty

A rep for Green Day did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The “American Idiot” band’s North American Saviors Tour leg continues through Sept. 28. The trio will then play international shows throughout Mexico, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

Last year, Green Day released their 14th album,Saviors. “We’ve never been more excited to unleash new music than withSaviors, a record that’s meant to be rocked live, together,” they said in a statement upon the tour announcement in November. “So let’s thrash.”

source: people.com