I admit it. My first big rock star crush was on Billie Joe Armstrong. So when I miraculously snatched a pair of Green Day tickets for a surprise show on Tuesday night, the butterflies, the sweating, the breaking out…all those mystifying feelings and weird hormonal reactions of being a 13-year-old girl came rushing back.
The trio (with entourage) decided, last minute, to throw a show at San Francisco's the Independent, and the venue quickly obliged, because, well, this is Green Day we're talking about. The Independent holds 374 people (said a random security guard at door), and those lucky enough to get inside got to witness their Bay Area heroes showcase songs from their upcoming May release, take requests from the audience ("F.O.D.," "J.A.R." (what's with the acronym songs, people?)), perform a fist-pumping rendition of "Shout" with a little bit of "Stand By Me" tossed in, and play songs off every album from 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours to American Idiot. And they sounded pretty damn good doing it. Catch my review of the show, including details about songs from their new album, after the jump.
Opening with "Welcome to Paradise," Green Day proceeded to give us a hefty glimpse of 21st Century Breakdown, their new concept record, which is split into three acts and produced by Butch Vig (who was at the show looking pretty proud of his boys). My prediction: this is gonna be a big one. It'll unite fans of their older material (yes, even some of you who still cry, "Sell-outs!") with those who jumped on the bandwagon with American Idiot.
First single "Know Your Enemy" is reminiscent of early '90s Green Day - short and sweet with rigid, ragged riffs and a clear Clash influence; so is "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" with Billie screaming something about "not f*cking around!" and "Massive Hysteria," which, as my notes simply say, is "infectious and rad." Then there are a few soft moments: a little slide guitar on "Last Night on Earth"; a sweet sax solo provided by the multi-talented Jason Freese, who also busted out an accordion by the end of the night. (Side note: I missed the title of this song as I was nearly beaten down by a security guard attacking a jackass taping the show behind me. Sigh.) There's also a little Fiddler on the Roof inspiration on the jovial "Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)," a spaghetti western strut on "Peacemaker" and even some Guns 'N Roses-ish balladry on the opening riffs of "Viva La Gloria!" and "Before the Lobotomy" before some serious three-chord attacks take over.
As a whole, the album sounds a little Queen-inspired in its histrionic build-ups and the Who-influenced in its characters and theatrical layout. But it's Green Day's first love of old-school punk that shines through, and it was highlight "East Jesus Nowhere" that seemed to meld all of these influences into a tidy package of rock opera meets punk revolt.
The rest of the set was devoted to some classics, "Long View," "She," "Christie Road" and closer "Minority," to name a few. They played for well over two hours, and I swear Billie Joe made eyes with me at least once. My teenage self can now rest in peace.
First single "Know Your Enemy" is reminiscent of early '90s Green Day - short and sweet with rigid, ragged riffs and a clear Clash influence; so is "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" with Billie screaming something about "not f*cking around!" and "Massive Hysteria," which, as my notes simply say, is "infectious and rad." Then there are a few soft moments: a little slide guitar on "Last Night on Earth"; a sweet sax solo provided by the multi-talented Jason Freese, who also busted out an accordion by the end of the night. (Side note: I missed the title of this song as I was nearly beaten down by a security guard attacking a jackass taping the show behind me. Sigh.) There's also a little Fiddler on the Roof inspiration on the jovial "Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)," a spaghetti western strut on "Peacemaker" and even some Guns 'N Roses-ish balladry on the opening riffs of "Viva La Gloria!" and "Before the Lobotomy" before some serious three-chord attacks take over.
As a whole, the album sounds a little Queen-inspired in its histrionic build-ups and the Who-influenced in its characters and theatrical layout. But it's Green Day's first love of old-school punk that shines through, and it was highlight "East Jesus Nowhere" that seemed to meld all of these influences into a tidy package of rock opera meets punk revolt.
The rest of the set was devoted to some classics, "Long View," "She," "Christie Road" and closer "Minority," to name a few. They played for well over two hours, and I swear Billie Joe made eyes with me at least once. My teenage self can now rest in peace.
- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
I was bummed to have opened my email this morning and saw The Independent's "Just announced! Tonight only!!!" email about yesterday's secret show. Glad you made it though. I *almost* want to look for the jackass's video footage on youtube.
I love this. I was just like you. I was in high school and Billie Joe was so frickin' cute and we always thought the line "when masturbation's lost it's fun you're fucking lazy" was SO taboo.. Fun that you got to go to this show.
my dad was in a band just like yours and he sd he met you before you became famous!!!!!!!!!!!!!