Green Day Takes a Jab at Elon Musk with Revised ‘American Idiot’ Lyrics

Green Day took a political stand during their January 19 concert at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, their first show in South Africa. During the performance, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong changed a famous lyric from their 2004 hit “American Idiot.” Instead of singing “I’m not a part of the redneck agenda,” he sang “I’m not a part of the Elon agenda.” This change was aimed directly at billionaire Elon Musk, who is originally from Pretoria.

This concert was part of the Calabash 2025 festival, where Green Day headlined alongside The Offspring and local punk band Fokofpolisiekar.

Green Day vs. Musk: A History of Tension

The jab at Musk came amid recent controversy surrounding him. At Trump’s second inauguration, Musk made a hand gesture that many people online compared to a N**i salute. Critics attacked him for this, but Musk shrugged off the criticism, calling it a “tired” attack. The Anti-Defamation League said the gesture was just an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” not something done in malice. However, the incident added to Musk’s already controversial image.

This wasn’t the first time Green Day targeted Musk. After their 2023 New Year’s Rockin’ Eve performance, they changed the lyrics of “American Idiot” to “I’m not a part of the MAGA agenda.” Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Green Day goes from raging against the machine to milquetoastedly raging for it.”

In reply, bassist Mike Dirnt said, “Elon Musk actually is the machine. I can’t take anything else from that. He’s not shy about saying stupid s**t on the internet. Whatever. The song’s twenty years old, and we’re Green Day. What did you expect?” Musk has not responded to their latest comment.

Watch the video below:

Green Day and Political Activism

Green Day has a history of challenging political figures through their music. They famously chanted “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA” during their performance at the 2016 American Music Awards. In 2023, they released the “Ultimate Nimrod” t-shirt featuring Trump’s mugshot styled after their Nimrod album cover. The proceeds from the shirt supported Maui wildfire relief efforts.

“Good Riddance. The ultimate Nimrod shirt is available for 72 hours only,” Green Day posted at the time. “Limited edition shirt proceeds will be donated to…[Greater Good Music], a charity which is bringing food to those affected by the Maui wildfires.”

Armstrong has also encouraged fans to vote for progressive candidates. He recently endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

As Green Day continues their tradition of mixing music and activism, they remain one of the most influential punk bands. Their Grammy-winning album American Idiot debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2004 and has sold over seven million copies in the U.S. alone. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” one of the band’s biggest hits, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for record of the year. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” reached No. 6. Their follow-up album, 21st Century Breakdown, also debuted at No. 1 in 2009, continuing their record of chart dominance.