Josh Homme is one of rock’s guiding lights of unadulterated badassery, exuding a swagger that is only matched by few. However, it seems like Manchester Arena may not care just who or what Homme is when it comes to reprimanding those who break the rules.

Touching down in the UK to support the band’s most recent release, Villians, Homme has taken it upon himself whilst apparently ‘a little drunk’ to light up a cigarette on stage.

It’s legal to smoke on stage “where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke”, however, authorities at the arena have argued this was not the case and have complained to Queen’s management.

A spokeswoman for the arena said on Manchester Evening News, “It is very disappointing and regrettable that the artist chose to smoke on stage during their performance in Manchester, This was an individual decision taken by the artist, despite us making it very clear to their management that it is illegal to smoke in any area of the arena.”

They added: “We are extremely vigilant in ensuring our venue remains a no-smoking environment and our extensive front of house ‘no smoking’ signage is duplicated throughout our backstage area.”

Fairly enough, smoking has been illegal in ‘all enclosed workplaces’ for Brits since 2007, with fines often enforced when individuals smoke in venues. Will Mr. Homme cop a slap on the wrist and a fine for this? Surely the owners of the arena can understand that a performance of Make It Wit Chu could so be enhanced by the presence of a ciggie?

A fan managed to get a sneaky snap of the infamous cigarette and posted it to Twitter.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine