The Band:
Punk-rockers Green Day made one of the first stops on their “21st Century Breakdown” tour in Vancouver, at GM Place on Saturday, July 4.
The Fans:
All ages, from the single-digits to well into their double-digits, were out in full-force. Every one of them with a little inner-rocker, although for some it wasn’t blatantly obvious until the music came on and they started acting the part.
Red, White and Boom:
Lead singer of the Berkley band, Billie Joe Armstrong, started off the show with an “F-you” to the Fourth of July, telling the canuck crowd that they’d have their own Independence Day. The crazy fireworks, explosions and pyrotechnics that came from the stage sure brought us that much closer to our southern neighbours celebrations. When nothing was exploding the back screen was lit up with crazy graphics. A sparkling city, a bleeding skyline, Green Day propaganda posters and mini clips of CNN Snapshots, all added to the show.
Set List:
Starting with the first single off their new album, “21st Century Breakdown” the band followed a timeline all the way back to their 1994 album “Dookie”. The night began with newer songs and then finished off with their past hits, like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “American Idiot” and “Minority.” The lighters were swaying for the new songs “21 Guns” and “Before the Lobotomy” and for the last song of the night “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”.
Nostalgia, but not for long:
Armstrong gave a shout-out to Victoria, host of their first Canadian show, and earlier had asked the audience if they remembered the Nappy Dugout and the Cruel Elephant, expired clubs they once played in. The murmur of recollection lead the front man to sigh, “I guess things have really changed.” But all of the kisses, “thank-you’s”, and erotic admissions somehow makes me think Armstrong is enjoying life just fine these days.
Crowd Cameos:
More than a few dreams came true last night as Armstrong wasn’t timid to share his stage with some lucky fans. The younger ones just stood there in awe, an excited purple-hair girl clung to the singer, and some even joined in on the show. The first guy who jumped on stage to sing “Basketcase” almost seemed planted. I’d like to think they wouldn’t do that, after all it doesn’t seem very punk rock, but the guy was so good I couldn’t help but doubt a little. I mean, he was no Billie Joe, but for some random pulled out of the crowd the kid worked the stage, audience, and band like a pretty well. Next up for the time of his life was Christian from Surrey, who was quizzed on which key “Jesus of Suburbia” is in, and then handed a guitar.
Silly Hats Only:
Part way through the concert the bands monochromatic black wardrobe was dressed up with various hats. The guys threw on pirate, policeman and frilly tea-party hats for their renditions of “Shout” and with the entire band, except for the drummer, flat on their backs, “Stand by Me”. Hectic rainbow lights showered the crowed ensuring they stayed on their feet.
The Conductor:
Charismatic Armstrong seemed to have just as much fun playing the audience as he did his sticker-clad mint green guitar. He played them, and they loved it- eager to clap, scream, hop, sit and even put their cell phones away upon his request. The “Hey-ya’s”, “Hey-yo’s”, and of course “Hey, hey, hey’s”, were plentiful, their volume and tempo orchestrated by the singer. His human-instruments were rewarded with blown-kisses and a peek at Armstrong’s bum.
All In All:
The energy put out by these guys was unbelievable, at any given moment the two-hour show was at its peak. After over twenty years in the business, Green Day has definitely perfected the art of performance. From the pit to the nosebleeds, the entire crowd was at their mercy all night, and loving every second of it.
