Green Day's Armstrong Arrested By Chicago Police
Billy Joe Armstrong, lead singer of rock band Green Day, was arrested by Chicago police officers following the band's performance Saturday night at Lollapalooza. Police said Armstrong was charged with violating a city ordinance that permits a maximum of 40 references by a performer to "Chicago" as a cheap way to generate noise from the audience.
"We were going to go back and review the tape but once we started counting there was no need," said the arresting officer. "He blew by 40 before he hit the encores and now he'll have to pay for it."
Armstrong was released on his own recognisance after promising to return to the city for his court date.
...and the next day...
Judge Gives Green Day's Armstrong Reprieve
Billy Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day who was charged with shouting out "Chicago" more than 40 times during the band's Lollapalooza set last Saturday, was given a reprieve by the judge who heard the case.
"He obviously got a little over energized," said the judge in releasing Armstrong. "Plus, he sang Chicago -- and not just the chorus. He knew the whole song and that should be worth something. I mean, how many performers even know there's a second verse?"
A relieved Armstrong thanked the judge and promised to be more careful on the band's next visit. "I apologize to Chicago and Chicagoans and everyone throughout the Chicago area," Armstrong said. "I didn't even know Chicago had a law against too many 'Chicagos' on stage but, hey, I guess that's Chicago. I've been to Chicago a whole bunch of times and Chicago has always been an exciting place, and that was probably my most exciting Chicago night."
In a related story the Downers Grove City Council approved a resolution declaring every August 7 Green Day Day in the suburb. "We're just glad anyone even knows we're out here," said the sponsoring council member. "There are 364 other days every year so if any other bands want to mention us we'll give them their own day too."
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