Two Las Vegas radio stations ban Green Day following comments by Billie Joe Armstrong
Green Day have faced repercussions from two radio stations in Las Vegas following frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s remarks labeling the city as “the worst shithole in America”.
Armstrong made the comment during a performance in San Francisco, California on 20 September, as reported by US media.
“We don’t take no shit from people like John f***ing Fisher who sold out the Oakland A’s to Las f***ing Vegas,” Armstrong was quoted as saying by People. “I hate Las Vegas. It’s the worst shithole in America.”
Armstrong, a native of Oakland, was referring to John Fisher, the current owner of the Oakland A’s, a team that has been based in California for over 100 years.
In April 2023, it was announced that the team would relocate to the New Las Vegas Stadium in Nevada by 2028, sparking controversy among fans.
Oakland Athletics fans held signs at the team’s final game in the city at the weekend. Pic: AP/Lindsey Wasson
‘We’re pulling the plug’
Two Las Vegas radio stations, KOMP 92.3 and X107.5, have announced that they will no longer feature Green Day’s music on their playlists.
“KOMP 92.3 has pulled any and all Green Day from our playlist. It’s not us, Billie…it’s you,” stated rock station KOMP 92.3 on Instagram.
X107.5, alongside a photo of the band labeled “BANNED”, declared “BYE BYE, BILLIE” and announced the discontinuation of Green Day’s music on their station.
In response to Armstrong’s remarks about Las Vegas, X107.5 stated, “After Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong disrespected Las Vegas, we’re pulling the plug on ALL of their music. No more Green Day on X107.5.”
The post encouraged followers to share their opinions.
Despite the decision taken by the radio stations, many fans disagreed with the ban.
One fan expressed, “He expresses how he feels about that, and your response is to ban their music. He wasn’t wrong. If you want to lean into newer music, that’s fine. Just don’t blame it on the politics of the artists, or you’ll quickly run out of artists to play.”
Another fan commented, “A punk musician expressing himself over sports teams moving and you’re sensitive about it. Yeah. Ok.”
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The Oakland A’s played their final game in the city at the weekend before relocating to Sacramento for three seasons, with an option for a fourth, and eventually moving to Las Vegas, as reported by the Associated Press news agency.
Following the farewell game in Oakland, Fisher expressed regret over leaving and stated that efforts were made to find a new home in the area, but were unsuccessful.
“I can tell you this from the heart: we tried,” he said. “Staying in Oakland was our goal… and we failed to achieve it. And for that I am genuinely sorry.”
