06 September 2024
The FAA is investigating a rogue drone flight at Comerica Park, Detroit, on September 4 that caused security to rush the members of Green Day offstage during the band's performance of "Longview." The concert was paused for ten minutes, and the pilot was identified and detained by the Detroit Police Department.
It was a dramatic scene as Green Day crew members ran onstage at approximately 8:50 pm (ET). Video of the moment shows Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt being physically hustled into the wings. A few seconds later, vocalist/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong looks toward the backstage area and runs offstage as additional crew herds the rest of the band to safety.
Confused and concerned concert goers—estimated at 30,000 strong—were alerted to a message on the stage video screens stating, "Show Pause. Please Stand By for Details."
While it's not unusual for drones to appear overhead at concert events, they are typically approved and hired by the artists, band management, or venue administration to document performances. At press time, it was not revealed who identified the green-lighted drone as an unauthorized UAV and ordered Green Day be removed from the stage.
However, Green Day's X account did post: "Stadium security had us clear the stage while they dealt with a potential safety issue. DPD quickly resolved the situation, and we were able to continue. Thanks for understanding."
Green Day is currently on its Saviors Tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dookie, as well as the 20th anniversary of American Idiot.
The FAA bans unauthorized drones from flying within a radius of three miles around stadiums, starting one hour before an event begins until one hour after the scheduled end time. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 increased the fine for pilots conducting "unsafe or unauthorized operations" to $75,000 per violation.
Fan Video of Drone Moment
Detroit Free Press Report
