Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong returned to his hometown of Rodeo on Saturday, September 26, for a free concert at the town’s first Music and Art Market.
Armstrong performed with his side project, the Coverups, at Lefty Gomez Field as part of the day-long festival, which combined live music, local art, food and family activities.
The event ran from 11am to 5pm, with the Coverups taking to the stage in the afternoon. Other performers included Whateverglades, the Black Excellence Band and DJ Cavity Rock.
The concert also featured a surprise appearance by C.J. Ramone, former bassist of the Ramones. He joined Armstrong and the Coverups for songs including I Wanna Be Sedated, Rockaway Beach and Bobby Freeman’s Do You Wanna Dance?
Armstrong, who grew up in Rodeo and formed Green Day with childhood friend Mike Dirnt, told the crowd: “I’ve never seen so many people in Rodeo at one time in my life.”
The festival was co-organised by Armstrong’s sister, Anna. His mother, Ollie Armstrong, and other members of his family were also present as the musician performed in front of fans at the field where he played baseball as a child.
Near the end of the set, Armstrong suggested he would like to return for further shows, saying: “I wanna do this all the time here. Rodeo’s a perfect spot.”
