Even after 22 years, Green Day proves their rock ‘n’ roll talent and wisdom on their latest world tour installment, 21st Century Breakdown. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s crude humor and energetic stage presence – not to mention his insane guitar riffs and smooth vocals – makes for an entertaining, jam-packed show of great music and impromptu acts of rebellion. Just be sure to get front row seats if one hopes to truly experience the glamour of a 21st century Green Day performance.
Armstrong and drummer Tre Cool heavily rely on the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm when it comes their elaborate stage acts, marked by timed pyrotechnics and confetti storms. At the beginning of their set at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, the sold-out crowd was lacking in this much needed audience participation. As the night grew on, however, Green Day did what they do best – pump up the crowd and make for one unbelievable live music experience. Good thing that the band not only has strong onstage charisma, but also pure talent when it comes to the music. Billie Joe seemed to cater primarily to the first few rows of the audience, pulling kids onstage to sing along and to take pictures with the band. Although it was fun to watch a rowdy preteen get kicked in the behind by Armstrong while attempting a stage dive, having the show interrupted by constant audience participation eventually got somewhat frustrating, especially for those sitting in the lawn section with no chance of getting close to the stage. However, Armstrong’s exceptional vocals, especially on songs including “21 Guns” and “Good Riddance,” along with solos by veterans Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt, provided a unique performance experience for both front row and nosebleed-seated individuals alike.
The members of Green Day live and breathe rock and punk music, and they focus all their energies onstage towards the crowd, drawing from it and making sure everyone gets what they pay for. They are seasoned performers when it comes to playing as a band, and every rhythm and beat is hit on time with precision and strength. Armstrong, Cool, and Dirnt sometimes make it look too easy, given their amazing camaraderie and passion. It would almost be satisfying for the band to go back to their hardcore punk roots of the 90s, with more rawness, edge and grunge. Armstrong still enjoys showing his true colors, however, as he proved by pulling down his pants and mooning the crowd on more than one occasion throughout the night.
A highlight of the night included Green Day’s rendition of The Isley’s Brother’s “Shout,” with Tre Cool jumping from his drum set and stealing the microphone from Armstrong, dressed in a bright red bra and a large lady’s hat. Armstrong finished off the song with a combination of chorus lines from other classic rock bands, including Guns N Roses, ACDC, and The Rolling Stones. Even with a strong performance marked by all the band’s hits both old and new, Green Day is sure to throw in one stunner to really keep the crowd on their feet.
Check out Green Day as they continue touring with opening band AFI on the 21st Century Breakdown Tour. Also check out Green Day music on Broadway in the show “American Idiot,” which includes all songs from 2004’s American Idiot along with many others from the album 21st Century Breakdown.
Armstrong and drummer Tre Cool heavily rely on the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm when it comes their elaborate stage acts, marked by timed pyrotechnics and confetti storms. At the beginning of their set at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, the sold-out crowd was lacking in this much needed audience participation. As the night grew on, however, Green Day did what they do best – pump up the crowd and make for one unbelievable live music experience. Good thing that the band not only has strong onstage charisma, but also pure talent when it comes to the music. Billie Joe seemed to cater primarily to the first few rows of the audience, pulling kids onstage to sing along and to take pictures with the band. Although it was fun to watch a rowdy preteen get kicked in the behind by Armstrong while attempting a stage dive, having the show interrupted by constant audience participation eventually got somewhat frustrating, especially for those sitting in the lawn section with no chance of getting close to the stage. However, Armstrong’s exceptional vocals, especially on songs including “21 Guns” and “Good Riddance,” along with solos by veterans Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt, provided a unique performance experience for both front row and nosebleed-seated individuals alike.
The members of Green Day live and breathe rock and punk music, and they focus all their energies onstage towards the crowd, drawing from it and making sure everyone gets what they pay for. They are seasoned performers when it comes to playing as a band, and every rhythm and beat is hit on time with precision and strength. Armstrong, Cool, and Dirnt sometimes make it look too easy, given their amazing camaraderie and passion. It would almost be satisfying for the band to go back to their hardcore punk roots of the 90s, with more rawness, edge and grunge. Armstrong still enjoys showing his true colors, however, as he proved by pulling down his pants and mooning the crowd on more than one occasion throughout the night.
A highlight of the night included Green Day’s rendition of The Isley’s Brother’s “Shout,” with Tre Cool jumping from his drum set and stealing the microphone from Armstrong, dressed in a bright red bra and a large lady’s hat. Armstrong finished off the song with a combination of chorus lines from other classic rock bands, including Guns N Roses, ACDC, and The Rolling Stones. Even with a strong performance marked by all the band’s hits both old and new, Green Day is sure to throw in one stunner to really keep the crowd on their feet.
Check out Green Day as they continue touring with opening band AFI on the 21st Century Breakdown Tour. Also check out Green Day music on Broadway in the show “American Idiot,” which includes all songs from 2004’s American Idiot along with many others from the album 21st Century Breakdown.
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