Green Day Makes a Powerful Coachella Debut
Green Day delivered a triumphant headlining set at the Coachella festival in Indio, California last night, marking the band’s debut at the iconic music event. This performance was particularly notable as frontman Billie Joe Armstrong had previously made a memorable cameo with the Replacements in 2014.
A Setlist for the Ages
Wasting little time in establishing their place in Coachella lore, Green Day presented an electrifying setlist filled with decades of hits. The political punks kicked off their performance with “American Idiot,” the title track from their Grammy-winning 2004 album. Originally written as a critique of George W. Bush’s Iraq War policies, Armstrong cleverly adapted the lyrics for a contemporary audience, declaring, “I’m not a part of a MAGA agenda,” in reference to Donald Trump.
Political Messages and Contemporary Relevance
Throughout their set, Green Day interwove political commentary with their music. Notably, during “Jesus of Suburbia,” Armstrong included the poignant line, “Running away from pain like the kids from Palestine,” drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in that region. Despite these significant references, the band ensured that the performance maintained an upbeat atmosphere without becoming overly bogged down in politics.
A Nostalgic Mix of Classics
The setlist showcased a blend of fan-favorites from throughout Green Day’s career, including “Holiday,” “Longview,” “Welcome to Paradise,” “Basket Case,” and their latest single, “One Eyed Bastard.” In a nod to rock legends, the band included tributes to both Black Sabbath and Tom Petty; they infused Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” riffs into “Hitchin’ a Ride” and played the intro of “Free Fallin’” before launching into “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”
Upcoming Festival Appearances
This performance at Coachella is just the beginning for Green Day, as they are set to headline several major festivals this year. Upcoming appearances include Welcome to Rockville, BottleRock, Minnesota Yacht Club, and Oceans Calling.
Coachella Set List – April 12, 2025
- “American Idiot”
- “Holiday”
- “Know Your Enemy”
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
- “One Eyed Bastard”
- “Longview”
- “Welcome to Paradise”
- “Hitchin’ a Ride”
- “Brain Stew”
- “St. Jimmy”
- “21 Guns”
- “Minority”
- “Basket Case”
- “When I Come Around”
- “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
- “Jesus of Suburbia”
- “Bobby Sox”
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
Conclusion
Green Day’s performance at Coachella not only highlighted their enduring legacy in the rock genre but also showcased their ability to blend music with meaningful political commentary. As they prepare for a busy festival season, fans can expect more unforgettable moments from this iconic band.
FAQs
Is this Green Day’s first performance at Coachella?
Yes, this performance marked Green Day’s debut at the Coachella festival.
What political messages were included in the performance?
Billie Joe Armstrong referenced Donald Trump during “American Idiot” and highlighted the plight of children in Palestine during “Jesus of Suburbia.”
What songs were included in their setlist?
The setlist featured hits such as “American Idiot,” “Basket Case,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and many more from their extensive catalog.
What other festivals will Green Day be headlining this year?
Green Day is scheduled to perform at Welcome to Rockville, BottleRock, Minnesota Yacht Club, and Oceans Calling among others.
