American millionaire punks Green Day are set to release an album version of their recent ‘American Idiot’ musical.
Released in 2004, ‘American Idiot’ marked the return of Green Day on the global stage. Selling countless millions across the world, the title track became a defining moment for opposition to the Presidency of George W Bush.
Remaining the band’s defining release, the concept album was turned into a hit Broadway musical earlier this year. Green Day’s plot line was brought to life by the varied cast, with the band assisting in the production.
Now the band have turned to the studio, recording a version of the musical alongside the original cast. Green Day assembled the group in Electric Lady studios in New York, previously home to Jimi Hendrix.
Actors from the musical reprised their parts, with the band recording the bulk of the music. ‘American Idiot Cast Album’ is scheduled to be released on May 10th, and will feature a similar tracklisting to the original album.
In addition to tracks from ‘American Idiot’ a number of songs from Green Day’s new album ’21st Century Breakdown’ have also been included. A concept album focussing on similar themes, ’21st Century Breakdown’ had an atmosphere of gloom which felt out of place with the post-Obama euphoria.
Ahead of the album release, Green Day and the assembled cast will issue a free download version of ’21 Guns’. Recorded with assistance from musical director Tom Kitt, the track will be an insight into the musical fans who couldn’t travel to the show.
Meanwhile, rumours persist of a film version of ‘American Idiot’ with Tom Hanks mooted as the central character.
