Hey..............All4-1 here.
When lead singer/guitarist/rock preacher Billie Joe Armstrong told me backstage that their new shows were like revivals, I really wasn't sure I knew what the hell he meant. But as soon as they hit the stage, it became clear that Green Day has taken a cue from The Boss when it comes to playing arenas.
With Armstrong speaking about saving people - and placing his hand on a young boy's noggin onstage to drive that home during East Jesus Nowhere - the band's huge two-hour gig had plenty of Springsteeen-esque, revival-like moments.
But I doubt Springsteen and the E Street Band would let fans play guitar or take over lead vocals, something Armstrong, drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt (as well as three supporting musicians) were only too eager to do.
Touring behind 21st Century Breakdown, a big, beefy and challenging follow-up to 2004's equally pleasing American Idiot, Green Day opened the show with the title track off the new album, getting fans up and clapping. Following the strong, winding, Who-tinged opener, the band went into Know Your Enemy as Armstrong took a youngster from the crowd or "god's children" as he dubbed the concert goers.
After blowing a kiss to the audience loudly singing, Armstrong and crew delved into Holiday and the tight, polished new track The Static Age which shone. "It's been like half a f------ decade," Armstrong said of the band's break between albums and tours.
Yet the break has only resulted in Green Day's new material being a far stylistic cry over angst-riddled earlier numbers such as The Grouch. The gear-changing Before The Lobotomy was perfect example of this with its various twists and turns.
That's not to say that the group ignored the early stuff, basically breaking the show into sections of American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown efforts along with a run of nuggets off 1994's Dookie such as She and Basket Case. But the fan participation onstage and off was consistent, with a girl singing a portion of Are We The Waiting and two fans getting their chance during Longview.
The constant interaction between Armstrong and fans was over-the-top a few times, including him signing an autograph during Hitchin' A Ride as he belted parts of the tune from his knees.
With that special arena rock feel apparent, Green Day opted for a medley of sorts during the quirky King For A Day with snippets of Earth Angel and Shout as Armstrong got a bit cheeky in showing his ass. It came off okay despite saxophonist Jason Freese delivering a good solo dressed in a vintage Michael Jackson circa Beat It ensemble with the appropriate dance steps.
Green Day returned in the encore with American Idiot and Jesus Of Suburbia, the latter a difficult tune with lots of guitar work. Armstrong let a fan in the crowd do the work for him which he nailed quite well.
And while that could've capped off the night perfectly - a night where When I Come Around and Wake Me Up When September Ends were not even considered -- Green Day played one last track before bidding the audience good riddance, most of whom left having the time of their lives.
This is my second BPD show; you guys are just so for real. $150 to be backstage is really a gimme. Thanks again.
And to think that August and September haven't even arrived yet. It's not too late: join BackstagePassDirect today.
