Punk Rock Never Dies

The strings have been changed on the SG and the Groove Tubes in the Marshall are glowing....that can only mean one thing:

Some friends and I started a band.

Our sound won't be anything new for those that know me; influences like: Bad Religion, Green Day, NOFX, and Social Distortion. We'll be playing some covers ("Somebody Put Something In My Drink" by the Ramones should be a crowd pleaser) as well as writing some of our own stuff.

Right now we're practicing in our drummer's basement (some things just don't change) and hope to get enough tunes soon to play our first show. Not sure what the scene is like here in Western, MI, but hopefully there are enough dive bars to let us rip.

Also, our band name is still up in the air, so I'd love to get your input.

Punk Rock Never Dies!

Green Day LIVE

A decade and a half ago, during one of our band practices in my friend's basement, my buddy Dan played the song "Longview" off of the album "Dookie". I was instantly hooked on the drive of the guitar and the thumping beat of the bass/drums, and lyrics that spoke of teenage angst with humor and silliness...I have been hooked on the punk rock trio from Oakland ever since.


This past Monday night Misty and I saw Green Day at the United Center on their 21st Century Breakdown Tour (this was the 3rd time I've seen them live: '94-Dookie Tour; '01-Warning Tour).

From the first chord of their opening tune to the closing lyrics of their final song, Green Day relentlessly let the energy and enthusiasm fly for 2 and half hours (see pics of the show in Chicago). Through video, pyro, and utilizing every square inch of the stage (and even jumping into the crowd), Green Day put on one of the best shows I've ever seen (sorry Huey Lewis).

Green Day didn't perform as an "act" on stage in which an audience could watch, but played as if they were going on a ride and invited all who wanted, to come along. The line between stage and seat was dismantled as people were invited up on stage to sing lead, play Billie Joe's guitar on "Jesus of Suburbia", and stage dive (read the review of the show from the Chicago Tribune).

As Green Day has progressed over the years their songs have pulled together with continuity around a common message: the fear that controls us (instilled in us through poor gov't policies, religiosity, and constant media bombardment in culture) and that each one of us has a roll to play in a movement towards hope (regardless of cultural distinctions and classifications). This is the gospel of Green Day.

After singing along with every lyric and playing air guitar with each riff Misty and I left the United Center with a t-shirt, wrist bands for the kids, and the thought that punk rock might just change the world.

Green Day Tour

On July 13th Misty and I will be rock'n out with the punk-trio Green Day as they make their stop in Chicago for their 21st Century Breakdown US Tour. The last time we saw them was on their Warning tour at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Although the Aragon is a more intimate setting than the United Center I'm still just as excited (seriously, I'm like a 10-year-old girl with a new "Teen Beat" magazine).

What are some of your most memorable concerts?

New Green Day Release

Green Day is one of those bands that I could listen to over and over and over again. I was a senior in high school when their single Longview hit the radio...then it was Basketcase. I ran out to pick up their 3rd album (1st major release) "Dookie" and soon discovered a whole new love: Punk Rock.

Green Day was an entry point for me into the world of punk rock. I picked up Green Day's other two albums and then went on a punk rock bender and soon became hooked on bands like: the Sex Pistols, NOFX, the Clash, the Queers, TILT, Screeching Weasel, the Groovie Ghoulies, the Offspring, the Ramones, Rancid, and the Gadjets.

I've seen Green Day numerous times and have all of their albums (American Idiot is a must for any record collection). So, needless to say I am looking forward to Friday, May 15th, when Green Day's newest albums hits the stores: "21st Century Breakdown".

Any other Green Day fans? What are your favorite Punk Rock tunes?