Don't want to sound like a hater but...

[Guest]

I think Green Day wanted to make more money and become more famous with the cast. Making a rock opera is a really good idea and you must have a great band to make it BUT i think this is for Green Day. I hate the whole think. I mean...Every TV appearence they make is with the cast and that's bad.

Green Day are't the sort of band "in it for the money" sure everyone wants money, but they're not that type.

[SixtiesJunkiie]

I personally like that they're doing a musical on Broadway! I think AI fits perfectly into the format of a musical. Finally saw the show this past weekend and enjoyed it, they picked a great cast who could tell the story of the album well. It's totally not something a 1989 version of GD would do, but they're older and have tried a lot of different sounds and methods since they began as a band; this is just another experiment of theirs in the whole process.

As for Billie doing this solo, I mostly see it as him just taking the place of a cast member who couldn't make it otherwise. I honestly can't see Mike or Tre filling that role, but I do feel that if they really did want to be in the musical as well, they would find a way to have them in there also. It's mostly just convenient for them to have Billie take over Tony's spot and I'm sure Billie was totally down for playing the part.

[Coffee409]

I've always stood by Green Day. I was never one to buy into the "sellout" accusations, I never cared that when they came back with AI they were all dressed differently and were wearing eyeliner, and I also don't care that they have a musical on Broadway. There came a time when I realized to love Green Day was to accept what Green Day has become. I fully embrace them as a huge stadium rock band. That's who they are now, and it's who they set out to be the day they decided to leave Lookout! They have always stated that their goal was to be the biggest and best band in the world. In my opinion, they are. Some people, in my opinion, spend a little too much time and energy caring about this silly stuff. You can like the band, and not like everything about the band. You can LOVE the band, but hate certain things about the band... But at the end of the day, this band is going to do what they want to do, and it doesn't matter if you approve or not. And that. That right there. Is why I started loving GD in the first place.

[ScreamsInSilence815]

People who say the musical is "too cheesy" or "too hyped up" need to remember that it's Broadway. Broadway is loud, bold, and in your face.

Rent was an avant-garde musical that everyone had doubts about, but it ended up bringing the political issues of the late 80's-90's (AIDS, Homelessness, Gay rights) to the public 's attention. Same with American Idiot. It's bringing Green Day's music and their message to the masses, probably introducing them to an audience that may not have given them a chance otherwise.

When I went with my friend, we were sitting behind an elderly couple. They were dressed nicely, and looked very out of place. I obviously don't know their story, whether they were Green Day fans before, but the man was nodding his head to some of the music and they clearly enjoyed the music and the show in its entirety. It was surprising, but comforting.

[Slappy.]

I totally get what you mean, at first I guess I kinda thought the same. But then if you think about it, regardless of Green Day, regardless of his fame, regardless of punk or anything else, Billie Joe is a singer who has been offered a part in a great Broadway show. As a singer myself, it would be a dream to be a part of such a great show, trying out new skills with an extremely talented group of people. And remember this is a temporary part, a new experience for Billie to try, it's not like he's gonna leave the band to pursue a career as a Broadway actor! He probably just thought y'know what fuck it, why not

[norcalgreendayfan]

I honestly see no problem with any of it all. Green Day as a band is evolving as a whole and the musical is a part of that evolution. I give major props the Billie, Mike and Tre to work and Bring American Idiot to the stage. I know Billie has invested a massive amount of time on working with everyone to make this musical happen and continues to work with everyone to make it even better.

I think Billie was probably happy and honoured to be given the opportunity to be a apart of this creation by playing the part of St. Jimmy when Tony Vincent needed to take time away for his personal matters and I love that Bille did so when he could as declined and just have an understudy take over the part for a week.

[blitzkriegdeb]

I'm not too keen on the musical as well, so I agree with you there. However, I haven't/will never see it (don't have the money or time) so I can't properly judge anything about it. There are times when I wish the musical would just die out completely, but overall I couldn't be more happy and proud of them. And hell, at least it wasn't an abomination, right?

As for Billie, it's weird to think a guy who used to strut around in a leopard thong could be on Broadway. Maybe it's just me, but I can't take him seriously as St. Jimmy. I don't know, just the choreographed dancing makes me lol.

[bat-chen]

When it's comes to Billie Joe I found out that having doubt on him it's out of the question. a Few years ago if someone would said to me that Green Day want to make a musical I would laughed and said "never" but they actully made a really good Musical and if Billie Joe want to be a part of it, I think it's a great idea

[E!!i]

I don't see a problem in it too. When I read this I thought this is a really great idea and I wished I could watch this musical but I don't have money to fly to NYC.

[ScreamsInSilence815]

The things I like about the show so much are that

a) It's bringing some Green Day fans to Broadway

and

b) It's bringing some Broadway fans to Green Day.

As a total fan who loves to geek out over both, seeing them brought together makes me ridiculously happy.

[†...HAUSHINKA...†]

I'v never really caught on to the musical, but I don't "hate" the idea (I'm all for experimenting with music), but I'm I the only one that doesn't want Billie Joe to perform on Broadway??

you're not the only one...trust me...I didn't like this thing so much just 'cause its' his field and it's ok experimenting new things but there's alway a limit...and I bet that 3/4 of the audiance that will attend to the musical this week will be tehre just to see BJ...so this cultural exchange between music and theatre this week go to hell...

[Nimrod2309]

Please don't take this post as bitchy, because it's not intended to be at all, but it's called growing up. Of course the Green Day from the '90's, punks in their twenties, are going to be or at least act different from the Green Day from the present, guys, or should I say men, nearing forty all with families and 15 additional years worth of experience.

And it's not like there was a sudden change. They gradually changed, both in the way they act and their music and topics their music is about.

--------

Lol what the hell. You think Green Day don't have enough money and fame so they'd want to make more? They wouldn't need the cast for that, if they wanted that. If anything, this is making the cast more money and fame. But I'm pretty damn sure Green Day nor the cast is doing this for the fame and fortune. It's clear how passionate both parties are about the musical and that they're not in it for the money. Besides, Green Day aren't in a band to make money anyway.

edit: damned automerge.

Yes! And Yes!

[Katarina.]

I understand your point of view, but I think I disagree. I think it's great that Billie is taking this chance, and will be a member of the AI cast for a week. I know it's nothing like Green Day and their music, apart from the fact it's the staged version of one of their albums, but still. We know Green Day is always experimenting, and the results are amazing albums every time. They keep experimenting, which also leads to the side projects, and to opportunities the guys are getting lately. We know about the musical, and for Billie it is great (in my opinion), to act/play in the show, instead of only watching it. They do what they want, and I think that's great! Well, I love it all anyway. I'd rather see them doing things like this, instead of them making records like Dookie over and over again, and creating the same sound while knowing they can do so much more. By the way, you're not sounding like a hater at all. Why would you? You don't have to like everything they do. It's about liking/loving a band, and the music they make.

[Are We The Waiting?]

i think the whole idea is pretty epic and that it's another step forward for green day, it just doesn't feel the same without mike and tre. don't get me wrong though, billie joe can fit in with american idiot any day of the week and still nail the part. i think it'd be a little bit of a more complete experience to me just to see mike and tre on that stage. but i still like the idea.

[Stormy Haze]

The musical is another whole level for Green Day, and I think it's good to see Billie involved. He has accomplished many great things in the past, and this is a whole new experience - being a part of a Broadway play. His acting skills are being tested. I don't know how he's doing (I mean, I've seen the videos from last night, but watching the whole show is completely different), but I think he's doing great. He's playing a character he created - and that's just amazing. And it's not like he's going to replace Tony Vincent forever, it's just a week.

About Mike and Tré not being in the play... well, that could be because of many reasons. First of all, maybe they didn't want to. Or their acting skills aren't good (that could happen with Billie, but since he created the character I guess it's easier to get into it). Or even their singing skills! I mean, they do wonderful back-up voices (and even lead singing), but that doesn't mean their voices are appropriated to a musical on Broadway.

But yeah, I don't think the fact that Billie is playing St. Jimmy for a week is a bad idea

[kelly42fox]

I'm not a musical hater. The idea is ok to me, and I'm glad that everyone involved got to do something new (especially Green Day). I love musicals, and bringing AI to the stage is an interesting idea. I'm just not a fan of how it was executed (there are many reasons for it, which I won't go into here).

But if there was ever a time to see the musical. It is now. Somehow having Billie Joe in the cast seems to make it more... connected to the source... (I really don't know a better way to phrase it). I would LOVE to see the musical this week.

I do commiserate with all the people who have mentioned that they miss the old Green Day. But remember guys, moves like this (working to create a musical) are part of the next evolutionary step for these guys as musicians and performers. Also, keep in mind, even though they are closely connected, Green Day and the AI musical really are separate entities... It's like a spin-off TV show (like NCIS to JAG), once it's born, it can take on a TOTAL life of it's own. It's interesting to see Billie still nurturing it along. It speaks to Billie's level of commitment, but I hope it doesn't indicate other issues (like he's trying to make sure it stays alive...?). That being said, it isn't a surprising move for Billie Joe to take part in the show at some point. If Mike and Tre wanted to be doing this, they would be... I can't imagine that they would be excluded... But let's be honest, could you see those two on Broadway?!

[fadi_7]

i always think about this and in the interviews as well but billie fit to play in the Broadway and green day = 0 without tre and mike i think you all know that.

[TheSaltOfTheEarth]

I love Billie on Broadway. I absolutely adore the idea.

But I do get where you're coming from...

To me it's like Billie was offered (or maybe he even volunteered? xD) and you know, if I were Billie I know I would take whatever chance I could get to reach all of his fans/audience and what better way than this? And also I think he was just, you know, taking the opportunity for the fun of it. I mean, how many people (that aren't, you know, Broadway actors) can say they've ever been on Broadway before? I bet it's an amazing experience for him and it turns out he's an amazing actor too, so...

It's not like he quit Green Day to be a full time St Jimmy

That's my take on it, anyway.

[Eeefaa.]

I dont have anything against the musical, and if it came anywhere near here I'd have tickets in two seconds to see it. I think it's an amazing accomplishment for the boys and they (especially Billie) seem really proud of it. However, I dont know, I guess I just cant wrap my head around Billie acting in it It's not that I think he'll be bad or anything, I just... sort of wish the three of them would go back to making music. If this makes any sense, and doesnt seem too selfish.

[Eighty.]

I'd like to see Mike and Tré as well, I mean Billie is not the only one.

I don't hate the idea at least, maybe I feel some rage because I'm in the other part of the world.

But I loved the pictures and videos

[Pedestrian9394]

I really get where you're coming from, but like most other people, I kind of disagree.

The thing about Green Day, and I think especially Billie Joe, is that they've always done whatever the hell they want to. So Billie being on Broadway for a week is just another example of how versatile and creative he can be. Some people forget this, but he's still young. He has plenty of time to figure out what he likes and what he doesn't like. If you look at other bands like the Beatles and the Who, both of which are regarded as two of the most influential bands in history, they took risks and did things that a lot of their fans didn't like. But looking back on it, we realize that it was just raw creativity that made them special and separated them from other bands in their "genre".

For me, it's comforting to know that Green Day seems to be following the same road. I'm proud of Billie Joe for doing this.

[Holly]

I don't think there is anything this man can't do. The whole band are constantly pushing themselves and trying new things and to be honest it just makes me so proud.

When I first heard about the idea of bringing out a musical I was a bit like.. whaa?!.. But this is the amazing thing about Green Day, they can not only pull off anything they want but absolutely ace it. I'm just in total awe of everything they do.

I would do absolutely anything to be in NYC this week watching Billie as St.Jimmy, bringing to life this character he created! I'm absolutely gutted I don't have £1000 scroungable.. haha.

[Hermione]

I personally don't enjoy musicals, so the musical doesn't really appeal to me. BUT I'm so glad they've done it! Green Day have always strived to move forward, to explore new ideas, to push themselves to the limit creatively, and not to put themselves in a box. The musical and Billie appearing in it is a continuation of that, they've taken it to another level. Whether I happen to like musicals or not I think it's a wonderful achievement and I'm filled with happiness and pride for them.

Especially for Billie, who's created a masterpiece of an album, taken it to a whole other place on Broadway, and is now appearing in it performing the songs he wrote in a totally new way. What an achievement! I'm so impressed and so pleased for him.

[dawn71]

Hey you guys this isn't your run of the mill broadway musical it's a PUNK ROCK show on Broadway. Also

all the Guys in Green Day do have their own side projects separate from Green Day. They have been together so

many years they have lasted longer than most marriages do(their band is like a marriage of sorts, really)

, the secret to a good marriage is not to be up each asses all the time and to have your own hobbies and

space that is your own separate from each other once in a while otherwise you smother each other and that's

no good. Why is it strange to some people that Billie would be in AI? Isn't part of being punk doing what's

not expected of you and to do what then fuck you want. Billie Joe and all of Green Day for that matter has

never allowed themselves to be boxed in and to always think outside of the box. I tell you this in the past 19 yrs.

that I have been a fan of Green Day I have watch them grow and become this mega successful punk band

that they are today. They have became that by trying new things and not following the the norm. Also I read

a few comments about they are doing this for the money. Green Day has more money than them, their kids

and possibly their grand kids could ever spend in a lifetime. Even though it is Broadway it is still about the music

like it has been for the past 2 decades with Green Day. Believe it or not this punk rock opera is

probably one of the most punk things they have done. Punk is about breaking boundaries pushing through the

taboo and literally doing what the fuck you want wether anyone likes it or not. What is wrong with crossing

boundaries and putting your music out there to a new audience that may have otherwise never had heard Green

Day before this American Idiot Broadway show? I have also learned this over the years about Green Day that they

will always find a way to shock and awe people and come out left field and do the unexpected and you got to

love them for that. If you don't then you may have a distorted view of what punk is all about. Green Day is the hardest

working band ever. They never do anything half assed. If it is important enough for them to take their out of their hectic

schedules then it is something they love and really believe in and they pour their whole heart and soul into what

it is that they are working on wether it be the band or their side projects. Green Day is blood,sweat,tears, heart and

soul, all wrapped up into a I don't give a fuck mentality. What could possibly be better than that?

[Zero.]

When Green Day did American Idiot (musical), I personally believed that is was a good fitting for the album. St. Jimmy is a character thats not only important to the show but to the actual album. This album is what Green Day created/devloped, and Billie probably spent time with Mike and Tre creating this character writing its music its lyrics. So being offered/asked or whatever to play/be this character for a few nights might seem as a sense of really fufilling this idea/person they created. Also how often do you get asked to be a Broadway actor for a few nights? If I got asked my reply would be "Hell Yes!"