What can you write about Green Day that hasn't already been said? They don't need a review. The fact they're touring Australia to play two monumental albums front to back does the talking for itself.
I've been listening to Green Day for over 20 years. 'American Idiot' was one of the first CDs I bought with my own money. That album changed my world. It soundtracked the years when music stopped being something in the background and started shaping who I was.For me, the whole night wasn't just about the gig itself, but also about everything that led up to it. I knew they'd be amazing. I knew I'd sing every word. The real story is in the build up and anticipation of finally seeing a band for the first time that's been with you for two decades.
Green Day - image © Rick Clifford
When we got to Marvel Stadium (1 March), we were greeted by a flood of people in Green Day shirts from different tours, parents bringing their kids along, kids bringing their parents along, and groups of friends like us – all united by the fact this band had soundtracked our lives at one point or another.
The night kicked off with Melbourne's own Private Function. A band that is always chaotic, high-energy and the perfect choice to get the party started. Next up was AFI, opening with two of my favourites, 'Girl's Not Grey' and 'Love Like Winter', and of course, closing out the set with the classic 'Miss Murder'.
Between AFI and Green Day, Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and Ramones' 'Blitzkrieg Bop' blasted through the speakers, which had the whole crowd already singing.
Green Day - image © Rick Clifford
Then out came Green Day, starting with 'The American Dream Is Killing Me', before launching straight into 'Dookie', playing the whole album front to back.
Hearing 'Basket Case' live, with thousands of people singing every word, was one of those pinch-me moments. Tré Cool even did the hidden track 'All By Myself'. It was just as weird and wonderful as you would expect.
Green Day - image © Rick Clifford
Then it was 'American Idiot'. Every word. Every riff. However, with some lyrical updates along the way ("I'm not a part of your MAGA agenda," and "from Ukraine to the Middle East").
Hearing 'American Idiot' played in full was a reminder of how timeless that album really is – with lyrics still ringing out just as necessary as they did in 2004. The highlight for me was 'Jesus Of Suburbia'. Nine minutes of emotional, pop-punk perfection.
There were parents with young kids in front of us, and directly behind was an older couple. That's what made the night so special. It wasn't only about nostalgia and ticking off a bucket-list gig.
Green Day - image © Rick Clifford
It was about remembering why music really matters – how it connects us, how it shapes who we are and who we become, how it gives us all a place to belong. It closes gaps in generations, and everything that makes us different.
Green Day gave us an epic 37-song set, but more than that, they gave us permission to feel like degenerate kids again, sharing some drinks, falling in love with music, and connecting with friends and fans over something so special. That's worth more than any review could ever say.
- written by Danysha Harriott
