Green Day – Live at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Though down to the very last dates on the North American leg of the 21st Century Breakdown World Tour (and well over a year after the release of their last album), Green Day undoubtedly performed at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with no less energy and gusto than they could have possibly exerted when the tour began in July of 2009 . If anything, at the very least, it can be said that Green Day can put on one hell of a show.

“Song of the Century” opened the set to an anxious crowd of fans and by the third song, “Know Your Enemy,” the vast majority of concert-goers were overcome by the energy filling the venue. When the band roared through “Holiday,” from the American Idiot album shortly after that, it appeared as if every person in the sold-out show was singing along with Billy Joe Armstrong. As the band continued with some of their ever-popular tracks from their previous album, it was obvious that this concert would be akin to the American Idiot Tour in value alone.

Billy Joe has an amazing way of involving the audience in the show. Most performers leave it at holding the microphone over the crowd as they sing along to the chorus of a radio hit. Green Day takes it above and beyond, involving fans throughout the show, not solely as a hokey, one-minute interaction. If you are lucky enough to be in the pit, there is a high probability you could share the stage with the band. During several instances fans were pulled on the stage to accompany on lead vocals, and young and old were encouraged to enter (and exit) the limelight by stage diving into the crowd.

When it came time to perform “Longview,” lead vocals were handed over to a fan plucked from the pit. When the first person could not get past the first verse, the guy chosen to replace her took the reins and ran with it as though he was the lead singer in his very own dream. And his efforts did not leave him empty-handed – Billy Joe took the guitar he was holding and sent it home with the lucky bastard. The fact that the band is willing to allow someone their fantasy of providing vocals for an entire song speaks volumes of their character. Whether as individuals or masses invited to occupy the stage, the enthusiasm generated by these interactions turned a massive event into an observation of a personal moment often only familiar in smaller venues.

Other than the band’s obvious appreciation of their fans, the major highlights were not the pyrotechnic effects indicative of large rock performances. Rather to many, they would be the deviations from Green Day’s own hits. About halfway through the show, the crowd got a taste of this when “Scattered” blended into a cover of Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself.” Just another example of the bands humor within themselves, as they do not take themselves overly seriously, and of their appreciation for music. One of the medleys of cover tunes included Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” Guns & Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.”

As an often-played follow up to “King for a Day” from the Nimrod album, a cover of “Shout” was a concert staple to the regular Green Day crowd. However, during this particular show, it led into another medley . The Beach Boys’ “California Girls,” gave way to Tom Petty’s “Freefalling,” The Stones’ “ Satisfaction,” The Doors’ “Break on Through,” and culminated with the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”
The regular set list finished up strong with “21 Guns” followed by the angst-ridden “Minority.” A 5 -song encore ended the 3 hour, non-stop show.

With US leg of the tour now over, those that missed out should re-think checking out a Green Day performance, if the opportunity presents itself again. No one could be disappointed in seeing a band who can provide humor, dramatic rock and punk performances, and a strong connection to their fan base.

by Brandie Davis