“I’ve been telling my friends since I was 11 that I’m going to be the one on stage with them. It’s really a dream come true.” Two days after singing with Green Day at Osheaga, Quebec native Sandrine Touzin had not yet come down from her cloud.
“Sandrine! Sandrine! Sandrine!” In a matter of seconds, the thousands of spectators present at Osheaga on Saturday evening were chanting the name of the Quebecer who had just shared the microphone with Billie Joe Armstrong.
With surprising composure, the young woman took to the stage and sang a few lines of “Know Your Enemy” with her idol, performed dance moves, and jumped from the top of a small cube while fireworks illuminated the stage.
When Billie Joe asked for her first name, she energetically replied “Sandrine!”, to the cheers of the crowd. It didn’t take long for social media to go wild with this infectious enthusiasm.
A lifelong fan
Contacted by The newspaper, the young woman from Saint-Casimir, in Portneuf County, near Quebec, mentioned that she had dreamed of this moment since her early childhood.
She was only five years old when Green Day released “American Idiot” in 2004. “My older brother was the one who listened to that,” she says. “It was really around the age of ten that I started to really get into them. I would only talk about Billie Joe to my parents and friends. I was a huge fan.”
Last year, during the band’s performance at the Quebec Summer Festival, Sandrine Touzin tried, unsuccessfully, to attract the singer’s attention to get on stage. For many years, at each of their concerts, Green Day has invited a fan on stage to perform “Know Your Enemy.”
For the concert at Osheaga, the Quebec native didn’t take any chances and arrived at the Parc Jean-Drapeau site at noon. With three friends, she stood in front of the main stage until the Americans arrived at 8:45 p.m. When the time came to bring a spectator on stage, Sandrine did everything she could to attract Billie Joe’s attention. It worked.
“I didn’t want it to end!”
A semi-professional dancer—having danced notably for “Masked Singers” and rapper FouKi—Sandrine Touzin is no stranger to the stage. “I seemed comfortable on stage, but in my head, things were spinning fast!” she says. “When I saw the crowd, it surprised me. But it didn’t stop me.”
Quebec native Sandrine Touzin realized her dream by singing with the American group Green Day at Osheaga 2024.
Courtesy of Marie-Ève Dion
During the performance, she shared the rocker’s microphone just inches from his face. “I was looking him in the eyes, I didn’t want it to end!”
As she exited the stage, Sandra Touzin was given two guitar picks bearing the image of Green Day’s iconic album, “Dookie”… released five years before her birth!
Green Day is a renowned American rock band that has captivated fans worldwide with their energetic performances and catchy tunes. For Quebecer Sandrine Touzin, her dream of sharing the stage with her idol, Billie Joe Armstrong, became a reality at Osheaga 2024. Let’s dive into the thrilling experience that left Sandrine and the audience electrified.
### The Dream Come True Moment
Since the age of 11, Sandrine had been manifesting her destiny to perform alongside Green Day. As a devoted fan of the band, particularly of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, her passion for their music was unwavering. The opportunity to join them on stage and sing a few verses of “Know Your Enemy” was a dream fulfilled beyond her wildest imagination.
### A Fan’s Dedication
Sandrine’s journey to the Osheaga stage was not without effort. Having missed her chance at a previous Green Day concert, she was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. With strategic planning and dedication, she positioned herself in the crowd, eagerly awaiting the moment when Billie Joe would call her up to share the spotlight.
### The Unforgettable Performance
When the moment arrived, Sandrine’s confidence and stage presence shone through as she belted out the lyrics alongside Billie Joe. Despite the adrenaline and excitement coursing through her veins, she held her own and left a lasting impression on both the band and the audience. The electrifying atmosphere and the crowd’s enthusiastic response only fueled her passion for music and performing.
### Cherished Memories
As Sandrine exited the stage, she carried with her not only the memories of that unforgettable performance but also two guitar picks from Green Day’s iconic album, “Dookie.” The symbolism of receiving these mementos, released before her birth, added an extra layer of significance to an already magical experience.
### Embracing the Spotlight
As a semi-professional dancer with previous stage experience, Sandrine felt a sense of familiarity under the spotlight. However, the magnitude of the moment and the energy of the crowd took her breath away. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, she embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
### Final Thoughts
For Sandrine Touzin, the dream of sharing the stage with Green Day was not just a fantasy but a tangible reality that continues to inspire her passion for music and performing. As she reflects on that fateful night at Osheaga, it serves as a reminder of the power of dreams, dedication, and the electrifying thrill of live music performances.
In conclusion, Sandrine’s story is a testament to the magic of live music and the transformative power of chasing your dreams. As fans continue to revel in the memory of her remarkable performance with Green Day, her story serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big.
