Green Day debuted at Coachella on April 12 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. However, the event was interrupted by a pyrotechnic malfunction when a misfired firework struck and ignited a palm tree near the stage.
The fire incident occurred during the punk rock legends’ headline set, prompting the activation of emergency protocols and a temporary crowd evacuation.
A firework just exploded next to me and all my friends at Coachella. I can’t hear out of my right ear, multiple people hurt. That was fucking insane, I thought it was a terrorist attack. pic.twitter.com/sCBhVuPJqu
— 2 BLICKY RICKY (@banksfucks) April 13, 2025Footage from attendees shows flames engulfing the tree as firefighters hurried to contain the blaze. While official injury reports are still pending, concertgoers have shared on social media that some experienced potential hearing damage and panic. One user claimed they “couldn’t hear out of [their] right ear” following the incident.
Despite the disruption, Green Day performed a career-spanning 90-minute set that included classics like “Basket Case” alongside tracks from their upcoming 2024 album, “Saviors.” This performance marked a significant milestone for the band and was complemented by Billie Joe Armstrong’s earlier collaboration with The Go-Go’s over the weekend.
Read: Coachella 2025: Headliners, Ticket Prices & Last-Minute Buying Guide
Coachella organizers have not commented on safety protocols, but the quick response from the fire department prevented further escalation. The festival will continue through April 21, with headliners Lady Gaga and Post Malone still scheduled to perform.
