Detroit — Green Day was forced off the stage by a drone in a bizarre moment during their concert at Comerica Park Wednesday night, police said.
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“There was an individual who flew a drone into Comerica Park, which caused Green Day to be taken off the stage,” said Detroit Police Detective Dan Donakowski. “Shortly afterward, they returned to the stage to perform. DPD located this individual outside of Comerica Park. He is being held pending further investigation.”
At 8:50 p.m., about 20 minutes into the concert and during the second chorus of the hit single “Longview,” the band members dropped their instruments and were ushered off the stage. After a few minutes of silence, the message “Show paused. Please wait for further details” appeared on the video screens.
The band was absent for about 10 minutes before returning to the stage.
“How are you guys? Is everyone OK?” lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong asked the 35,000 or so fans. He asked the fans to put their phones away and be in the moment, and continued the song exactly where the band left off.
After the next song, “Welcome to Paradise,” Armstrong addressed the crowd again. “There’s no fucking motherfucker that can stop us, I can tell you that,” he said.
The band posted a message on X shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday. “Detroit! Sorry tonight’s show is taking so long,” the post said. “Stadium security instructed us to vacate the stage while they dealt with a possible security issue. DPD quickly resolved the situation and we were able to continue. Thank you for your understanding.”
Green Day’s concert marked the 30th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough album “Dookie” in 1994 and the 20th anniversary of their triumph “American Idiot” in 2004.
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The concert took place without incident and ended shortly after 11 p.m.
“A night we will all remember,” said Armstrong after the closing song “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
