Country singer Riley Green is recovering after being struck in the head by a phone during a recent concert in Australia. The 37-year-old “There Was This Girl” singer shared an update with fans on Instagram following the deeply unsettling moment.
Riley Green Posts ‘5 Stitches Later’ Update After Phone Incident
In a photo posted to his Instagram Story on Sunday, Green revealed the aftermath of the incident, showing his stitched-up ear.
Alongside the image, he wrote, “5 stitches later… sewed up.”
In another Story, the singer added some humor to the situation. He posted a photo of a phone tether that clips onto a belt loop and joked that the item would be useful for future shows.
“Passin’ these out at the door tonight.”
Terrifying Concert Incident Unfolded During Melbourne Performance
The incident unfolded Saturday night during Green’s performance at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.
Video shared on social media captured the moment a phone was thrown toward the stage and appeared to strike the singer in the ear while he was performing. Green immediately paused the show and walked toward the front of the stage to address what had happened.
“Can we get the house lights on real quick?” he asked the crowd.
After identifying the person responsible, Green pointed them out to security and asked that they be removed from the venue. According to Billboard, the fan who threw the phone was escorted out.
When the camera turned back toward the stage, blood could be seen running from Green’s ear down the side of his neck.
Riley Green Jokes With Fans While Being Treated
The stage crew quickly stepped in to help the singer, moving in to treat the cut as he remained on stage. Even while the team worked to wipe away the blood, Green kept engaging with the audience and tried to lighten the moment.
“Am I bleeding?” he asked before joking with the crowd, “Y’all see how tough I am?”
GettyLater, Green shared several photos and video clips from backstage on social media. One image showed him receiving treatment for the injury, while another revealed blood running down the side of his neck.
The video was set to Merle Haggard’s 1970 song, “The Fightin’ Side of Me.”
Growing Concern Over Objects Thrown at Performers
Green is far from the only performer to face dangerous behavior from fans in recent years.
People reported in 2023 that singer Bebe Rexha required stitches after a phone struck her face during a concert in New York City. The man who threw the device was later arrested and charged with assault.
That same year, both Harry Styles and Kelsea Ballerini were also hit by objects thrown from the crowd while performing.
Several artists have since spoken out about the growing problem. During a 2023 stop in Buenos Aires on her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift addressed the issue directly, telling fans that the behavior made her uneasy.
“It really freaks me out,” she said. “I love that you brought presents, and that is so nice, but just can you please not throw them on the stage. I love you so much.”
Adele, however, took a far more blunt approach during one of her Las Vegas residency shows that same year. While holding a T-shirt cannon, the singer warned the audience about tossing items toward the stage.
“I [expletive] dare you. Dare you to throw something at me, and I’ll [expletive] kill you.”
While fans deserve to show love and enthusiasm, concertgoers must also help keep everyone safe by avoiding throwing objects toward the stage.
Fans that throw things at the singers or stage and someone is hurt, should be banded from all concerts.