Green Day opened Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium with a high-energy medley that sparked widespread debate.

Performance Overview

The band, led by Billie Joe Armstrong, kicked off the event with an instrumental "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" as former Super Bowl MVPs like Tom Brady and Jerry Rice took the field to celebrate the NFL's 60th anniversary. They transitioned into "Holiday," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," and "American Idiot" from their iconic 2004 album—hits known for anti- establishment vibes. This Northern California punk trio, hailing from nearby Rodeo, called it an honor to perform "right in our backyard."

The Controversy

Fans and critics noted the set felt tamer than expected. In recent shows—like a Spotify event days earlier—Armstrong had swapped lyrics in "American Idiot" to bash "MAGA," urging border agents to quit. Here, they skipped those lines entirely, jumping to an instrumental break after the first chorus. Outlets like CNN called it a shift from the "1994 Billie Joe" edge, while Forbes questioned if NBC censored them. No official confirmation emerged, but the omission fueled headlines amid a politically charged year under President Trump's second term.

Fan Reactions

Social media and forums exploded with mixed takes:

  • Disappointment : Reddit's r/punk asked, "WTF happened with the F'n Green Day Opening?"—echoing gripes they "behaved" for corporate TV.
  • Appreciation : YouTube reactors praised the "explosive" energy and live vocals, saying it set a big tone despite no politics.
  • Contextual praise : Vice dubbed it an "explosive and censored rock show," fitting the Super Bowl's family-friendly slot before Bad Bunny's halftime.

Viewpoint| Key Quote/Reaction| Source [cite]
---|---|---
Critical| "Missing were the most political lyrics... less impactful." 1| CNN
Neutral| "Rocking opener... does Green Day still hit?" 2| YouTube
Positive| "Perfect for politically charged times." 7| YouTube
Speculative| "Was Green Day censored by NBC?" 8| Forbes

Trending Context

Just weeks ago (Jan 18), the NFL hyped Green Day as the opener, not halftime headliners. Post-show clips racked up views, trending alongside Bad Bunny rumors and Charlie Puth's anthem. As the band nears 40 years (next year), this marked a mainstream pivot—less rebellion, more nostalgia.

TL;DR : Green Day rocked a hits medley to open Super Bowl 60 but ditched anti-Trump lyrics they used recently, leading to "censored?" buzz and divided fans.

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