Green Day’s pregame performance at Super Bowl LX drew sharp criticism from fans after NBC muted parts of their set due to profanity.
Heightened Anticipation Amid Political Tensions
Viewers eagerly awaited Green Day’s opening act at Super Bowl LX, given the band’s history of politically charged punk rock. The punk icons have previously targeted figures like former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and MAGA supporters by tweaking lyrics in hits such as “American Idiot” and “Jesus of Suburbia.”
The NFL faced backlash over selecting Bad Bunny for the halftime show, with some labeling it “un-American” despite his U.S. citizenship and Spanish-language music. Officials from the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation defended the choice and proceeded with Green Day’s addition to the lineup.
NBC Mutes Profanity, Sparks Censorship Claims
During the performance, Green Day stuck to original lyrics, including some explicit language. NBC cut the audio when frontman Billie Joe Armstrong reached “Mind f*** America” in their set.
Fans quickly vented frustration on X. One wrote: “NBC just censored Green Day lmaoooo.” Another posted: “THEY CENSORED GREEN DAY THEY ONLY PLAYED PART OF EACH SONG.” A third questioned: “What did Green Day say when they censored them?”
Missing Verses Fuel Disappointment
Observers noted omissions in songs like “American Idiot” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” One fan remarked: “Okay so Green Day didnt do the second verse of ‘American Idiot’ Am I surprised they didn’t do it? Not really i was partially expecting it, the heads at NFL probably told them: ‘We’ll let ya’ll perform but leave out the super blunt towards the president.'”
Many speculated the band avoided political risks. A viewer on X stated: “Think if green day were told they weren’t allowed to say anything i’m even more disappointed in them. i didn’t take them as a band who would allow themselves to be censored like that.” Others targeted the band directly: “What do you mean green day went on stage and played nice?????? Billie joe blink twice if you need help!!!!!!”
Additional reactions included: “Green Day was so much tamer than I hoped. Was kinda holding out hope they’d make a statement given they’re a band that definitely might.” And: “Okay so green day played two songs that have lyrics that could have directly called out the government but omitted the verses that actually say that. Welp..”
Right-Wing Backlash and Setlist Breakdown
Even unaltered lyrics provoked conservative viewers. One commented: “I don’t know at all anymore what to make of green day playing American idiot and saying ‘f*** america’ at the super bowl while the HoF comes out. What is anyone involved going for here.” Another noted: “I do enjoy Green Day’s music, and their coffee was great, but they are still borderline sh-tlibs.”
The set opened with “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” where Armstrong held back vocals until the end. It transitioned into a medley of “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “American Idiot.”
Super Bowl LX pitted the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks on February 8.
