Green Day Plan Lengthy UK Shows

Punk plot huge performances

The second Green Day news story of the day? What are they, number one or something?

Turns out they are, as a matter of fact. New album ’21st Century Breakdown’ soared to the summit of the British album chart despite not being released until Friday (May 15th). Pretty fair of Green Day to allow the competition a head start but it turns out that Lily Allen, Bob Dylan & Co. are no match for the Californian band.

A three part concept album ’21st Century Breakdown’ has been met with a mixed reaction. In a post-Bush America the mood is more optimistic about the nation’s future, while many feel that Green Day’s three chord thrash has simply ran its course.

Click HERE to read our view of ’21st Century Breakdown’!

Green Day are set to tour their new album with a series of massive UK arena shows later in the year. Kicking off in October, the band now claim that they are planning some mammoth sets inspired by famously energetic American performer Bruce Springsteen.

Speaking to US rock institution Rolling Stone frontman Billie Joe Armstrong claimed the forthcoming shows could last “anywhere from two to four hours long. We want to give Springsteen a run for his money. I think his longest show is maybe five hours, I think Green Day’s got six!”

The band formed in the late 80s punk scene, and are due to re-visit their past by re-issuing two of their earliest albums on luxurious heavyweight vinyl.

Green Day returned home recently to play a series of shows in their native San Francisco, unveiling ’21st Century Breakdown’ in front of some of their longest serving fans. Amongst the dates was a very intimate show broadcast on the social networking site MySpace. Discussing the recent shows Armstrong claimed that he was “terrified”.

“It was terrifying, especially when you’re playing all brand new songs from start to finish,” he said. “It’s kind of like playing your first gig all over again. It’s about making your own memories before someone makes them for you.”

Armstrong also on the difficulties posed by writer’s block stating that: “I love the moments of inspiration, when you feel pretty good about yourself and things are okay. It’s the shit in between, when you’re blocked — you have a melody in your head and no words for it. It drives you fucking crazy.”

Green Day are set to begin their UK tour in October. Amongst the spectacular dates planned for the jaunt are a three night stint at Wembley Arena in London, with the band having recently added an extra night to meet demand.

Green Day’s new album ’21st Century Breakdown’ is available now.

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