NME: Green Day: “We live our lives as if we have nothing”

[pacejunkie punk]

5 minutes ago, Beerjeezus said:

I don't think it's that deep with the performances, he wasn't well for the trilogy shows, then later with revrad, I the performances were great except for occasional hoarse voice, then last year they were superb.

Who knows what's causing the vocal troubles, but if I was to guess I'd say they might more likely happen due to asthma or vocal technique than deep existential fear.

Yeah to me these are two separate issues. He’s had consistency issues with his vocal quality since about RevRad due to physical factors (smoking, hearing, age...) but I don’t think it was that bad overall. The other point is the general comment on what @Sheenius calls maturity or psychological factors that may be affecting his mood and behavior of late and that’s a separate matter but also may ultimately affect level of performance in some way.

[Lenny]

1 minute ago, Beerjeezus said:

I don't think it's that deep with the performances, he wasn't well for the trilogy shows, then later with revrad, I the performances were great except for occasional hoarse voice, then last year they were superb.

Who knows what's causing the vocal troubles, but if I was to guess I'd say they might more likely happen due to asthma or vocal technique than deep existential fear.

I think with Revrad it was a combination of things and so I can be more forgiving about it. They didn't really play much for a while because of some circumstances that occurred. The band wasn't practicing when Jason was ill with cancer and Mike was busy watching his kids and taking care of Brittney. Practice is honestly the biggest part of sounding good. Brittney's health and Jason's health are higher priority. Not to mention that the trilogy was pretty much a condensed tour so they didn't do a shit ton of performing then either. 

But in that case do the high percentage play and take your time and get back to form. I feel Rev Rad era was just rushed to get back out on the road and have "fun". 

They keep falling back on a) their legacy and b) that their worst is still better than some other artist's best

but you aren't being judged vs another act you're being judged against your own standard. 

 

[solongfromthestars]

4 hours ago, EmmaCharlatan&Saints said:

can I ask what you saw in person? (if you want to say that is) 

It was this:

On 2/9/2020 at 11:03 AM, solongfromthestars said:

Since this is all about public events, I don't think what I'm going to say now is invasive. I was at Shepherd's Bush, the show where everyone thinks they "saw it in his eyes." I was also in Konstanz, right before Billie was hospitalised in Bologna. My mum mentioned he seemed tired in Konstanz but that was it. To be honest I didn't "see" anything. I didn't even think he "looked" unwell (nor did anyone else at the time). New Year's Eve was a different story. Others will disagree with me, but I'm trained to recognise when it's no longer ethical to photograph someone and Billie went way beyond that point. I will say I'm super sensitive to this stuff because my partner is currently drinking themselves to death, but in terms of taking photos I think I saw it objectively. As a human being - not a fan concerned about a celebrity's mental health - I was scared. I cannot help - and I'll reiterate that it's just as a human being, not even a fan - hoping he's getting the help he needs. I don't know whether he is or not, so I'm not going to stress about it, but he'll be in my thoughts as any random acquaintance would be.

 

[stories and songs]

1 hour ago, Sheenius said:

Billie Joe hasn't been the same since his 40th birthday. I haven't ever said that here or anywhere before cause I have so much respect for the guy and I hate to have to say it. 

He just seems lost through it all. I thought Rev Rad was somewhat off politically at times but I respected his more philosophical approach to the situation he was commenting on. I will say this era seems a bit more spot on when he talks about it but there's still moments with him that still show he's somewhat lost in his aging. 

In the late 90's and early 2000's I think just looking at the band dynamic it seemed that Billie had matured beyond Mike and Tre in the songwriting and approach. Fast forward to now and it seems Tre and Mike have matured past Billie. There's something going on his head imo. Not entirely uncommon for someone in his position. Cobain couldn't handle the pressures of the career at 27. 

 

This is a really interesting post. I feel like Billie goes through periods of maturity – personally and musically – and then backtracks because he’s afraid it doesn’t fit the image he wants to put out, or something. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read an article about this band with the line, “Don’t worry, they still haven’t grown up!” And I think I’ve been rolling my eyes at it since I was 12, lol. Growing up when you’re in your 30s and 40s and nearing your 50s shouldn’t be a bad thing. I truly do think he struggles with the idea of embracing his age, just based on things he’s said over the years. So they do stuff like AI and 21CB and then go “fuck that, we were being too serious and mature back then, here’s a party album!” Then they go through some shit and put out RevRad – which is personally a favorite of mine, and I think on a philosophical level, quite genuine and poignant when it came to reflecting on growing older and going through difficult times. Now we’re back to “fuck that, we were too serious and mature, here’s a party album!”

I think so many of their albums revolve around showing who they’re not anymore, instead of who they are now. And there’s definitely an age component to this issue.

[Lenny]

5 minutes ago, stories and songs said:

This is a really interesting post. I feel like Billie goes through periods of maturity – personally and musically – and then backtracks because he’s afraid it doesn’t fit the image he wants to put out, or something. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read an article about this band with the line, “Don’t worry, they still haven’t grown up!” And I think I’ve been rolling my eyes at it since I was 12, lol. Growing up when you’re in your 30s and 40s and nearing your 50s shouldn’t be a bad thing. I truly do think he struggles with the idea of embracing his age, just based on things he’s said over the years. So they do stuff like AI and 21CB and then go “fuck that, we were being too serious and mature back then, here’s a party album!” Then they go through some shit and put out RevRad – which is personally a favorite of mine, and I think on a philosophical level, quite genuine and poignant when it came to reflecting on growing older and going through difficult times. Now we’re back to “fuck that, we were too serious and mature, here’s a party album!”

I think so many of their albums revolve around showing who they’re not anymore, instead of who they are now. And there’s definitely an age component to this issue.

They're struggling with being their age. I thought in 21cb they had a balance of a youthful energetic spirit but with the eye of the tiger that a veteran carries. 

It's like an aging footballer or hockey player who can keep up with the young guys and out performs them cause he's too wise to let the young guys get the upper hand. They were like the Pirlo of punk rock haha. 

[BilIie Joe Armstrong]

Um after all, there might be something to this. However, I've always seen it as not wanting to be serious all the time, which isn't a bad thing. The party album stuff always bugged me though. The party albums never really felt like a party, they're dark.

[RedundantIdiot]

Billie said this at the AMA's:

Asked if there will be any competition between the Hella Mega Tour bands, Billie Joe Armstrong replies, “No, we stopped doing that a long time ago. I think we just want to have a good time. It’s gonna be playing a lot of bowling and drinking games. So it’s gonna be fun.”

By all means GD can kick FOB and Weezer's asses at bowling, but I am furious at Billies suggestion of drinking games and I can't imagine FOB and Weezer's fanbases being happy about those bands being involved in drinking games. 

[BilIie Joe Armstrong]

I was slightly surprised by the beer pong posts from post malone, since the last time I played it was at a high school party and that was in the sophomore year. Then we all grew out of it.

[stories and songs]

14 minutes ago, Sheenius said:

They're struggling with being their age. I thought in 21cb they had a balance of a youthful energetic spirit but with the eye of the tiger that a veteran carries. 

It's like an aging footballer or hockey player who can keep up with the young guys and out performs them cause he's too wise to let the young guys get the upper hand. They were like the Pirlo of punk rock haha. 

I totally agree. I think 21CB is truly some of their best work. They were putting on phenomenal shows, and truly seemed like they were growing into themselves as the more “grown up” version of Green Day.

None of this is to say I believe you can’t have fun and let loose when you’re older or anything, but they just seem very adverse to embracing maturity for any length of time. I know RevRad didn’t climb to the ambitious heights of 21CB, but I felt in attitude and feel, it struck a nice balance of them getting back to more stable, mature place where they kinda accepted themselves as they were.

[pacejunkie punk]

3 minutes ago, RedundantIdiot said:

Billie said this at the AMA's:

'Asked if there will be any competition between the Hella Mega Tour bands, Billie Joe Armstrong replies, “No, we stopped doing that a long time ago. I think we just want to have a good time. It’s gonna be playing a lot of bowling and drinking games. So it’s gonna be fun.”

By all means GD can kick FOB and Weezer's asses at bowling, but I am furious at Billies suggestion of drinking games and I can't imagine FOB and Weezer's fanbases being happy about those bands being involved in drinking games. 

Billie used to talk that way frequently in the past like in 2009 boasting about drinking people under the table competitively. Never thought I’d hear it again 🙁

[Lenny]

13 minutes ago, stories and songs said:

I know RevRad didn’t climb to the ambitious heights of 21CB, but I felt in attitude and feel, it struck a nice balance of them getting back to more stable, mature place where they kinda accepted themselves as they were.

With Rev Rad his age was showing more when pointing at an issue but completely missing the mark. I liked the philosophy. But when he tried to make bold statements for it they were a bit off. It was like going to pour a glass of juice and missing the cup. That juice is good but I can't drink it if it isn't in the cup. I tried my best to lick it off the table though 

It was due to 2 reasons I felt a little bit like the more right the nutbars went the more left he would go just to somewhat oppose them. He did a freedom of speech rant at the show I went to and while with that specific context I get it but with the bigger issue at hand being monitoring and invasion of our privacy unfortunately, I can't jump on board. Sorry Billie there's a better way. 

The second reason being that my country is a whole different environment from the US. When he goes more left in response to others going more right I know that what he's proposing doesn't work in practice cause I see it in practice every day. I think he's a lot closer to the mark than the fucking right wing nutbars of course. 

I'm done with hearing them go on about American politics. There's way larger world issues. Read more Billie and realize there's so much global shit you haven't commented on. Just cause you're not highly educated doesn't mean you can't educate yourself. 

 

[stories and songs]

@Sheenius I was more commenting on the personal lyrics he wrote – “my name is Billie and I’m freaking out” is such a great line, and I find Somewhere Now and Forever Now to be really wonderful, introspective pieces of writing.

His politics in songs have always been a bit vague and cliche. I appreciate everything he has to say, but it’s not anywhere near as pointed and groundbreaking as other writers. Which is completely okay, but I agree with what you’re saying.

[Beyza]

22 minutes ago, RedundantIdiot said:

Billie said this at the AMA's:

Asked if there will be any competition between the Hella Mega Tour bands, Billie Joe Armstrong replies, “No, we stopped doing that a long time ago. I think we just want to have a good time. It’s gonna be playing a lot of bowling and drinking games. So it’s gonna be fun.”

By all means GD can kick FOB and Weezer's asses at bowling, but I am furious at Billies suggestion of drinking games and I can't imagine FOB and Weezer's fanbases being happy about those bands being involved in drinking games. 

I’ve heard he said that and also he was talking about going to the cinema together and sneaking liquor lol I don’t think he is so serious when talking about those things. Also I don’t listen to those two bands but they seem like decent guys so they probably won’t want to party every night. 

[Lenny]

1 minute ago, stories and songs said:

@Sheenius I was more commenting on the personal lyrics he wrote – “my name is Billie and I’m freaking out” is such a great line, and I find Somewhere Now and Forever Now to be really wonderful, introspective pieces of writing.

His politics in songs have always been a bit vague and cliche. I appreciate everything he has to say, but it’s not anywhere near as pointed and groundbreaking as other writers. Which is completely okay, but I agree with what you’re saying.

I agree I like some of the introspective pieces as well. I didn't think he was vague on AI or 21cb tbh. The vague short lines is something that began on the trilogy. 

As for their commentary on Trump I thought it went overboard. They got it more this time with the "let's not talk about that". 

Trump wants to be hated. It fuels his fire. 

 

31 minutes ago, RedundantIdiot said:

Billie said this at the AMA's:

Asked if there will be any competition between the Hella Mega Tour bands, Billie Joe Armstrong replies, “No, we stopped doing that a long time ago. I think we just want to have a good time. It’s gonna be playing a lot of bowling and drinking games. So it’s gonna be fun.”

By all means GD can kick FOB and Weezer's asses at bowling, but I am furious at Billies suggestion of drinking games and I can't imagine FOB and Weezer's fanbases being happy about those bands being involved in drinking games. 

GD can kick their asses at drinking too 

[Lenny]

1 hour ago, Beerjeezus said:

Um after all, there might be something to this. However, I've always seen it as not wanting to be serious all the time, which isn't a bad thing. The party album stuff always bugged me though. The party albums never really felt like a party, they're dark.

You're not going to the right parties. Partying is a dark thing. 

Especially when you black out. 

[DookieLukie]

Some people on here talk about Billie like he's your deadbeat husband that you're always screaming in the ear of. 

Threads like this make me glad I'm not famous: if Billie is reading this he is probably laughing or hurt.

[Lenny]

Just now, DookieLukie said:

Some people on here talk about Billie like he's your deadbeat husband that you're always screaming in the ear of. 

Threads like this make me glad I'm not famous: if Billie is reading this he is probably laughing or hurt.

😂

[BilIie Joe Armstrong]

44 minutes ago, Sheenius said:

You're not going to the right parties. Partying is a dark thing. 

Especially when you black out. 

Not to party poop but that doesn't sound like it's fun anymore at that point 

[stories and songs]

My parties involve getting into comfy clothes to play board games and watch Netflix with friends while drinking some beer, which is perhaps why I’m not here for the “sex, drugs, and rock n roll” vibes. 😂

[BilIie Joe Armstrong]

I love going to shows or pubs and having some drinks is a part of that, but getting into self-destructive stuff isn't a good thing. I know it somehow happens naturaly because when you go to parties often you have a good chance of indulging in of all kinds of stuff, which isn't a problem until someone gets too caught up in it.

[Rumpelstiltskin2000]

Someone has even written an article about this (although I don't think it says anything we didn't already know):

[Lenny]

3 hours ago, Rumpelstiltskin2000 said:

(although I don't think it says anything we didn't already know)

or anything at all really

6 hours ago, Beerjeezus said:

I love going to shows or pubs

My god I'm so sober I read that as pubes 

[michael1989]

Part of the fun of going on tour with bands like Fall Out Boy and Weezer would be the crazy after parties.

[Little Boy Named Booze]

8 minutes ago, Sheenius said:

My god I'm so sober

What ur sober 😮

[Lenny]

3 hours ago, Little Boy Named Airplane said:

What ur sober 😮

yeah man for like 48 hours now