Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court revealed its ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer of Green Day, made a bold statement during a concert in London, announcing his plan to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
Upon hearing the court’s decision while on stage, Armstrong spoke to the audience in London, voicing his anger regarding the U.S.’s inability to safeguard women’s reproductive rights and his choice to give up his citizenship.
In his fervent address, Armstrong expressed his discontent with the current global situation, labeling the world as ‘foolish’ and specifically denouncing the U.S. as a ‘dismal’ location. He also conveyed his hesitance to return to the U.S. after the band’s tour in Europe. Nevertheless, Green Day has made its way back to the U.S. for planned performances in Chicago and San Francisco, with intentions to tour South America, including concerts in Brazil and Argentina in September.
Although Armstrong criticized the United States, the audience in London responded with enthusiastic applause. He permitted the applause to resonate before affirming to the crowd his genuine intention to renounce his U.S. citizenship. Armstrong also suggested his desire to move to the United Kingdom, informing the London audience, ‘You will be seeing much more of me in the days ahead.’
The next day, Armstrong took to the stage in London once more, expressing his dissent regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling by stating, ‘I have strong objections to the Supreme Court and the United States.’ Subsequently, Green Day delivered a performance of their popular track ‘American Idiot.’
Armstrong is among several music celebrities responding to the Supreme Court’s conservative ruling, which transfers the duty of safeguarding women’s reproductive rights from the federal government to individual states. Numerous conservative states are currently taking steps to limit access to abortions, thereby restricting women’s access to vital healthcare services.
During a performance in July 2022, singer Billie Eilish voiced her indignation regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Today marks an exceptionally somber day for women in the United States. I must express this sentiment, as I find it difficult to contemplate further at this time,” Eilish remarked. She subsequently dedicated her song “Your Power” to the conservative Supreme Court justices who played a role in overturning Roe v. Wade. “The piece we are about to present is, in my opinion, one of our favorites, and it addresses the theme of power and the importance of not misusing it.”
What is your opinion regarding Billie Joe Armstrong’s choice to relinquish his American citizenship?
