Josh Homme defies Ford Field smoking policy during performance

Josh Homme, frontman of Queens of the Stone Age, criticized the smoking policy and surveillance at Ford Field during a performance on August 6. While opening for the Foo Fighters at the Detroit stadium, Homme addressed the crowd regarding a potential $10,000 penalty the band faced for smoking backstage.

Homme expressed frustration that the band had to search through the facility to find permitted smoking areas. During his set, he delivered a speech encouraging the audience to resist corporate control, stating, “Don’t let these fuckin’ corporate assholes tell you what to do, do whatever the fuck you want!”

In addition to criticizing the venue's policies, Homme voiced opposition to “Flock cameras,” which are automated license plate readers utilizing artificial intelligence. He concluded his remarks by lighting a cigarette onstage during the song “A Song for the Dead.” It remains unconfirmed whether the band will be issued the threatened fine.