Josh Homme decided to break the rules during Queens of the Stone Age’s set at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday (Aug. 6th). Objecting to the venue’s no-smoking policy, the frontman decided to light up a cigarette anyway.
Ford Field prohibits any kind of smoking throughout the stadium, with violators being subjected to a $10,000 fine.
According to the Metro Times, Homme first took issue with the smoke-free venue’s rules prior to the show. After being warned that the band could face a $10,000 fine for smoking on the premises, Homme and his bandmates reportedly wandered around the stadium looking for a place to light up, as there was no designated smoking area.
By the end of QOTSA’s set, Homme was so frustrated that he decided to vent to the audience and openly defy the venue’s smoking ban.
Before launching into the final song of the night, “A Song for the Dead,” Homme took aim at corporations and the control they exert over people.
“Don’t let these f*ckin’ corporate assholes tell you what to do, do whatever the f*ck you want. Let me show you what I mean,” the frontman said before lighting up a cigarette.
“Nobody f*cking tells me what to do. F*ck that sh*t. You paid for parking, you’re paying for overpriced drinks, and these f*cking scalpers. F*ck having some corporation tell you what the f*ck to do. You guys do what you want! This is your f*cking night, your f*cking life. And f*ck Flock cameras too. Live free or die, motherf*ckers… Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em,” he added.
As of writing, it is not clear if the band received a $10,000 fine.
