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On September 5, Detroit authorities interrogated a man for operating a drone during a Green Day concert at Comerica Park the previous night, which disrupted the event and prompted the band to briefly leave the stage. The incident occurred as the group was performing to an audience of around 30,000 attendees.
According to Detroit Police Department spokesman Cpl. Dan Donakowski, the individual responsible for flying the drone was detained for further investigation.
During the concert, the appearance of the drone led to a temporary halt of the show, with messages on stage screens indicating a “SHOW PAUSE” and asking the crowd to “PLEASE, STANDBY FOR DETAILS.” Green Day resumed their performance approximately ten minutes later after being alerted to the drone by their crew.
Green Day addressed the incident on their X account, thanking fans for their understanding and highlighting the quick response by stadium security and the Detroit Police Department which allowed the concert to continue.
The case has since been referred to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by Detroit Police Sgt.
Daren Zhou. Although criminal charges are not within the FAA’s jurisdiction, the agency does have the authority to impose fines of up to $30,000 and revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates if they are found to have jeopardized public safety.
The incident at the concert is part of Green Day’s ongoing “Savior” album tour, which also commemorates the 30th anniversary of their “Dookie” album and features music from their “American Idiot” album. The tour lineup includes performances alongside bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas. This tour celebrates “Savior,” their first new album release in four years.
A similar event happened in 2015 when singer Enrique Iglesias was injured after grabbing a camera drone during a concert in Tijuana, Mexico.