Billie Joe during AI in Peru

[Lushotology]

I enjoy how people are saying this is being blown out of proportion. We're just talking about it. It's not as if there's some campaign for people here to start burning Green Day CD's and boycott Green Day.

Well, I thought you had already lit the fire and started looking for your CDs.

[Trotsky]

And how do you know that he doesn't mean it? How do you know I didn't mean it when I called the guy a French fucking asshole? Does that still make either of them right? And are you saying that he just said everything he said about technology, Steve Jobs, and Barack Obama and he doesn't mean any of it? Then why did he say it in the first place?

No, I don't think that he meant to pointedly wish Jobs dead, just like I don't think all French people are assholes. Sometimes, metaphors go deadly wrong, lol. And again, some things are just best left unsaid. I could have easily just called the guy an asshole instead of a French one and Billie could have just as easily made some other pointed comment about Jobs and his technology instead of wishing death on him after recently doing AN ANTI-CANCER BENEFIT, lol.

Maybe that specific French guy was an asshole.

99.9% of black people don't deserve to be called "nigger" but the .1% who are obnoxious assholes might. Or if I say "Sarah Palin is a cunt", does that make me a misogynist? No.

[Lauren]

And how do you know that he doesn't mean it? How do you know I didn't mean it when I called the guy a French fucking asshole? Does that still make either of them right? And are you saying that he just said everything he said about technology, Steve Jobs, and Barack Obama and he doesn't mean any of it? Then why did he say it in the first place?

No, I don't think that he meant to pointedly wish Jobs dead, just like I don't think all French people are assholes. Sometimes, metaphors go deadly wrong, lol. And again, some things are just best left unsaid. I could have easily just called the guy an asshole instead of a French one and Billie could have just as easily made some other pointed comment about Jobs and his technology instead of wishing death on him after recently doing AN ANTI-CANCER BENEFIT, lol.

Again, not cool. Just not cool to say. That's just me. And I love Mr. Billie Joe Armstrong to death.

I'm just saying people need to decide. If you think it's not cool, I completely understand why. but then... don't think their insulting songs are okay, either. Just because he doesn't tell you who it's about doesn't mean it's still not bad to say you hope someone dies.

[GDM]

Maybe that specific French guy was an asshole.

99.9% of black people don't deserve to be called "nigger" but the .1% who are obnoxious assholes might. Or if I say "Sarah Palin is a cunt", does that make me a misogynist? No.

But... that still doesn't make it right to say. Does my point make it sound like Billie Joe is pro death by cancer? No. I am saying that the man just did a benefit for cancer and probably should not have chosen those specific words about Steve Jobs.

When Billie Joe called a dude a cunt at the talkback backs, I was shocked by it, too, but he was right, the guy was a cunt. Jobs can potentially die of cancer, and you know, it's just not cool to say.

And really, I am not crazed about this comment or the rant, unlike Andres, I actually think he's right about the technology stuff. I am just kinda surprised that people are defending what clearly is a dicky thing to say, specifically, about the dying of cancer part.

[dawn71]

I for one am not going to judge Billie for what he said about Steve. Though some of us think we may have an idea of

why Billie is mad at him but in all reality we don't. How do you know that Steve didn't say something nasty about Billie?

Also that doesn't really matter anyway because I am pretty sure that all of us have said something terrible about another

person because we were so pissed at the time. What's that saying, "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones"

Besides we do not have the whole story behind it anyway. Actually we are lucky Billie didn't pull his pants down and

take a huge shit on the stage for all to see, or should I say for all to take a video/picture of. That is just how Billie is

& if you haven't learned that about him over the past 2 decades then you need to pull your head out of your ass and

join the real world. I am the same age as Billie Joe & I can totally see where he is coming from when he talks about

technology. When I was in high school we actually interacted with on another & called each other on a land line phone.

There was none of this internet chatting and texting. We actually had the balls to go up to the person and say what was

on our mind. Now a days it's like the world has lost the personal concept of life. If we don't like someone we just delete them

Also Green Day concerts have changed due to the technology. The band didn't change the audience did. When I was at their

earlier concerts people danced jumped around enjoyed the music and didn't have a care in the world when the band played.

Now it's all cell phones and video cameras & worried about getting a shot of certain songs. It's much more fun to let loose

& not have to worry or bother with anything else except for having fun and focusing your attention to the band. the music,

& having a blast. I myself stayed away from computers for a long time until 2 years ago when I had no choice but to learn.

I was forced into it because of banking, car insurance and other things you have to have a computer for. Technology has

even started affecting our health. Just look at the obesity problem in this country compared to just 10 or 15 years ago. It's

climbing at an alarming rate. Because we are playing video games and we're glued to our computer screens instead of going

outside and enjoying life. We as a nation have become so dependent on technology in almost every aspect of our life.

Where would we all be if it ceased to exist? We hide behind these computer screens like a shield I'm not saying all technology

is bad I'm just saying it is when it has consumed almost every aspect of our life. So, I very much understand what Billie means

when he talks about technology is fucking this world up.I grew up in the same time he did and I can see what it has done to

society as a whole. Back in the 90's when Billie used to look out into the sea of fans he would see his fans dancing & rocking out

like they didn't have a care in the world. Now he looks out and sees a sea of video recorders and phones. You can see the sea

of electronic devices when you watch any you tube video.But this is all just my opinion of this situation, as a person who grew up

in the same era of time as Billie did. Also back when I was a teenager MTV was about the bands and their videos. Now it's a bunch

of wanna be reality TV stars. If you want to see a music video on MTV you might catch a glimpse between commercials or you have to stay

awake until 3 or 4am to see one. MTV is no longer the music television it used to be.

[Lauren]

I don't think any people are actually defending what he said. It was a really dumb thing to say, without a doubt.

I just don't think it's worth this much debate though. Okay, we get it. He did something shitty, but we move on.

I think it's dumb if he actually meant it.

Remember John Lennon's "bigger than Jesus"? He wasn't freaking trying to insult every Christian. He was saying that he feels as if the Beatles are more popular. but everyone took him the wrong way, and burned Beatles albums and had riots and crap.

Billie is simply saying he feels that we shouldn't let technology and politics get the best of us.

He used their names because they're well known.

Think about it, if you're talking shit about pop music, you'd say "Fuck Justin Bieber! That little motherfucker should die!". You wouldn't use some random person no one's heard of.

[Trotsky]

Most GDCers defense of Billie: He didn't mean it!

My defense of Billie: It was funny.

That's the difference.

Think about it, if you're talking shit about pop music, you'd say "Fuck Justin Bieber! That little motherfucker should die!". You wouldn't use some random person no one's heard of.

And actually 4Chan took it a step further by hacking into Youtube on July 4th and telling people Justin Bieber did die.

[Lauren]

That is just how Billie is & if you haven't learned that about him over the past 2 decades then you need to pull your head out of your ass and

join the real world.

I'm loving you more and more each day. Someone who makes sense! That's my whole point! People can think what they want, but they shouldn't be shocked!

[GDM]

I'm just saying people need to decide. If you think it's not cool, I completely understand why. but then... don't think their insulting songs are okay, either. Just because he doesn't tell you who it's about doesn't mean it's still not bad to say you hope someone dies.

You have a point. But I am not doing anti-cancer benefits and wishing people would die just because they made a computer. Maybe if they killed my cat or my mother. But a computer? Nope.

Way. Over. Top.

[Alan86]

he may not have had a good sex the previous night. or might be drunk as always.

Always a possability. He had his little tantrum about it now I just hope they have a great final show

[Lauren]

And actually 4Chan took it a step further by hacking into Youtube on July 4th and telling people Justin Bieber did die.

and I'm sure non-Justin fans thought it was hilarious, while Justin fans wanted to kill everyone.

Just as I'm sure if Billie said these two things about Hitler, everyone would agree. You guys just don't like it because it's people you don't necessarily dislike. I mean everyone hates Bush which is why everyone didn't mind him insulting the crap out of him.

[Foxboro Holiday]

I was a little shocked but then I thought Billie most likely doesn't hate Steve Jobs but what he has done. It's not like it's personal if he doesn't know the guy. Also, I think all that touring has gone to his head and he prob regrets it now. They need a break from touring- a long one.

[GDM]

And to people who are saying that we should know this band by now, sure, yes, we all do. But do you all really think that BJ, Mike and Tre want us to agree with them all the time?

[Lauren]

You have a point. But I am not doing anti-cancer benefits and wishing people would die just because they made a computer. Maybe if they killed my cat or my mother. But a computer? Nope.

Way. Over. Top.

It's not that he made a computer. Do you know apple? Do you know how they're ridiculously overpriced, yet people still buy stuff from them?

It's because their marketing is GREAT! They show off their products like crazy. They make you feel like you NEED them.

Billie is trying to say to stay away from that stuff. Using it is fine. It's great. but don't let it take over your life.

And to people who are saying that we should know this band by now, sure, yes, we all do. But do you all really think that BJ, Mike and Tre want us to agree with them all the time?

She was saying that it shouldn't be a shock to us, and if we're saying this stuff NOW, we should have already been disagreeing with them from the start.

[Velocity]

I think it's dumb if he actually meant it.

Remember John Lennon's "bigger than Jesus"? He wasn't freaking trying to insult every Christian. He was saying that he feels as if the Beatles are more popular. but everyone took him the wrong way, and burned Beatles albums and had riots and crap.

Billie is simply saying he feels that we shouldn't let technology and politics get the best of us.

He used their names because they're well known.

Think about it, if you're talking shit about pop music, you'd say "Fuck Justin Bieber! That little motherfucker should die!". You wouldn't use some random person no one's heard of.

Oh, I know. I think the only really dumb thing about it though is the fact that he did the SU2C thing just last month and then he says this.

But I'm not like "OMG THIS IS TERRIBLE I'VE LOST ALL RESPECT FOR HIM ;SDKFGJN" because I know Billie didn't really mean that.

He's said other stuff in the past that I don't always agree with anyway. So I'm not getting worked up over this.

[GDM]

and I'm sure non-Justin fans thought it was hilarious, while Justin fans wanted to kill everyone.

Just as I'm sure if Billie said these two things about Hitler, everyone would agree. You guys just don't like it because it's people you don't necessarily dislike. I mean everyone hates Bush which is why everyone didn't mind him insulting the crap out of him.

Nope. completely missing the point. That's ok. Sigh.

[Supermodel*Robot]

and I'm sure non-Justin fans thought it was hilarious, while Justin fans wanted to kill everyone.

Just as I'm sure if Billie said these two things about Hitler, everyone would agree. You guys just don't like it because it's people you don't necessarily dislike. I mean everyone hates Bush which is why everyone didn't mind him insulting the crap out of him.

It's just wrong what he said. It doesn't fit the values that he tries to portray. Yes, we all know him as someone that insults other people. Fine, no shock there. But when you put yourself out as a public figure who "stands against cancer", then you are conveying certain values that are not reflected in things like "Steve Jobs should die of Cancer." Okay, maybe Nimrod was saying the same thing. But the context was different. Billie hadn't attached himself to any anti-cancer campaigns at that time. It's a bad comment in general, but its worse than the Platypus lyrics in the sense that he's contradicting his values.

[Trotsky]

I suppose the now dead person deprived of a liver transplant cause of Jobs' bribe wouldn't be as offended. I suppose the Chinese worker who was kidnapped and tortured by Apple Thugs for losing an Iphone prototype wouldn't be offended, nor would a few other Chinese workers for Apple who committed suicide under oppressive labor conditions.

[Jasmine Hopkins]

He's made several past statements about how he feels about phones, camera phones, recording at GD concerts. He wants kids to put their cameras away and enjoy the fucking show. I can understand that. I don't know how all these people can just stand there and record songs on video and still enjoy the show. Why watch the concert through your phone screen, or digital camera screen, when you can watch it live! watch it there! right as its happening! no pixels! just your plain old eyes.

This is because the best moments in life we always complain about not having a "remote" to rewind it with, so we can catch it and watch it over and over again! Just what I THINK, but I agree with you at the same time! It's all about reliving those moments is what makes it special

[Lauren]

Oh, I know. I think the only really dumb thing about it though is the fact that he did the SU2C thing just last month and then he says this.

But I'm not like "OMG THIS IS TERRIBLE I'VE LOST ALL RESPECT FOR HIM ;SDKFGJN" because I know Billie didn't really mean that.

He's said other stuff in the past that I don't always agree with anyway. So I'm not getting worked up over this.

even so, people are saying he shouldn't have said CANCER specifically 'cause his dad and the SU2C.

Even if he did, let's say, REALLY want him to die of cancer, him doing SU2C shouldn't even matter. He did that to raise money to help the innocent people and the people he loves.

If he wants someone to die, he wants them to die. It's not going to matter what he did.

[Trotsky]

Also, may I say I am impressed as fuck this thread made it all the way to page 15 before reaching its Godwin.

[Lauren]

It's just wrong what he said. It doesn't fit the values that he tries to portray. Yes, we all know him as someone that insults other people. Fine, no shock there. But when you put yourself out as a public figure who "stands against cancer", then you are conveying certain values that are not reflected in things like "Steve Jobs should die of Cancer." Okay, maybe Nimrod was saying the same thing. But the context was different. Billie hadn't attached himself to any anti-cancer campaigns at that time. It's a bad comment in general, but its worse than the Platypus lyrics in the sense that he's contradicting his values.

I don't see how it's contradicting his values. First of all, he didn't mean it. but if he did, it still wouldnt be contradicting his values. When Billie hates someone, he hates someone. HE JUMPED INTO A CAR AND STARTED BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF SOMEONE WHO SAID GREEN DAY SUCKS.

[GDM]

It's not that he made a computer. Do you know apple? Do you know how they're ridiculously overpriced, yet people still buy stuff from them?

It's because their marketing is GREAT! They show off their products like crazy. They make you feel like you NEED them.

Billie is trying to say to stay away from that stuff. Using it is fine. It's great. but don't let it take over your life.

Lauren, I am 46 years old and have had Macs for about 20 years now. Please don't condescend to me like that, lol. I even said that I agreed with his take on computers, and disagreed with what Andres said about computers. So yes, I know.

Didn't someone invent the Windows-based machine, too? Should I wish death on them from cancer, too? You don't have to interpret for me what Billie said. I have two Master degrees, and have written two thesis, I get it. Still doesn't make it right from the viewpoint of wishing that he'd die of the cancer that he's just overcome. Because so far, Jobs hasn't killed a bunch of people from his invention yet.

Again, all I'm saying is that the rant is justified, just not the way he said it in that specific context to Jobs, particularly after just DOING AN ANTI-CANCER BENEFIT, lol. I'm sorry that you can't see that, but I just have a different opinion.

[StevieT]

Also, may I say I am impressed as fuck this thread made it all the way to page 15 before reaching its Godwin.

Whats a godwin lol (yes im dumb)

[Supermodel*Robot]

I don't see how it's contradicting his values. First of all, he didn't mean it. but if he did, it still wouldnt be contradicting his values. When Billie hates someone, he hates someone. HE JUMPED INTO A CAR AND STARTED BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF SOMEONE WHO SAID GREEN DAY SUCKS.

First of all, that was a pretty dumbass thing of him to do.

Second of all, it's not his value of whether its okay to hate someone or not, that he's contradicting. He's contradicting his value that he wants cancer not to exist or to be treateable.

Third of all, even if he doesn't mean it, you don't think some people are going to take it that way? Everything you say is left up to perception.

Am I offended? No. Do I think it was stupid and insensitive? Yes. The thing that really shocks me is that people think its okay for anyone (not just Billie) to stay stuff like this.