Billie Joe Armstrong thanks alcohol for Green Day success

[Daughter.of.Rage.and.Love]

I wish he wouldn't credit alcohol as the only reason.

I think it's mostly the article doing that. If you look at the quotes, it only says that they drink to let go of inhibitions, that they came up with some of the shit they do while ~under the influence~, and that at one point (probably years and years ago) they drank a lot before a show.

The article makes it seem as if their shows are so great because of alcohol or something, and that they down litres of alcohol before a show. It's misleading, imo.

[Fuzz]

I think the one thing we should have all learned by now is to not take everything they say too literal.

[-Billiejoezee-]

They don't look drunk at all during shows.

But I don't really believe it. Magazines always change shit around.

[Armageddon Flame.]

Guys, I think Billie talked about drinking the 6 pack and multiple shots during the Insomniac tour, where he said that they were a their worst when they were performing live, I think the way the article is worded, it might seem like he was talking about this tour, where (unless they have extremely high levels of alcohol resistance) it's pretty obvious they're not running on that amount of drink.

But I don't see the problem in having a few drinks before the show, if I was in a band as big as Green Day, I would certainly have a few drinks to forget about my nerves and therefore allow myself to get revved up by the crowd So many bands come on absolutely pissed, or even high on drugs, they make Green Day look like Angels

And anyway, I can't believe this is new to everyone, I always just assumed they had a few before they hit the stage Sure Billie openly downed 3 pints of Guinness at Marlay Park

[darenmay]

does this mean he wouldn't be as energetic and fun if he wasn't drinking?

[Guest]

Whether they're drunk or not isn't our problem.

[Storer]

Nuff' said.

[Fuzz]

Guys, I think Billie talked about drinking the 6 pack and multiple shots during the Insomniac tour, where he said that they were a their worst when they were performing live, I think the way the article is worded, it might seem like he was talking about this tour, where (unless they have extremely high levels of alcohol resistance) it's pretty obvious they're not running on that amount of drink.

I think you're right.

[lawrahday]

the article says he WAS drinking loads before shows. i'm sure they still drink before shows just not extreme amounts. anyway i'm not surprised they drink beforehand, it's probably just a way to calm their nerves.

[Desensitized09]

Nuff' said.

Lmao! This is great. I love how Billie's holding onto the microphone for dear life. What amazes me is that for the majority of the song he's completely on key, or maybe I'm just tone deaf. It sounds good though, but it's obvious he has consumed alcohol, haha. Good times!

[Bastard of 1967]

Nuff' said.

Indeed. I've also seen references to the Warning era as one where bj was basically bombed off his ass most of the time, jeopardizing himself, his career, his marriage, and his family in the process. Hell, "Church on Sunday" is all about the effects that his battles with substance abuse had on his wife and kids, and about his somehow persuading Adie to essentially "have faith in me, stick with me and I'll get my act cleaned up" (I'll be glad to elaborate more on this interpretation when J'net puts Church up for SOTW, but for now I digress).....anyhow, then shortly before the band started working on American Idiot he got busted for DUI. I think he basically hit bottom then. I would suspect that his past drug and alcohol abuse was more of a way of dealing with long-seated pain and demons than something more physically addictive in that he seems to have the ability to turn it on and off like a switch. Usually the only time we see/hear of him being that out of control is when FBHT performs. Most of the time now he seems to be just very focused, creative, and intense.

and good for him!

[Rage & Love.]

FFS. WHY IS EVERYONE GETTING AT THEM,

BECAUSE THEY DRINK TO BE THE BEST BAND IN THE

WORLD? FOR GOD SAKE PEOPLE, PLEASE REALIZE

THAT THEY'RE THE BEST EVER LIVE BAND?

MEANING WHAT EVER THEY ARE FUCKIN DOING TO

ACCOMPLISH THIS, IT'S FUCKING WORKING..

IN OTHER WORDS, LET THEM DRINK TILL THEIR HEART IS CONTENT.

[Kaddi.]

I never really liked the imagine of them being drunk all the time. But, whatever... they're a Punkband, so I think it's kinda normal. I still would prefer them to be sober when they play concerts. Nevertheless, the shows I went to where totally awesome, so I'd better not complain.

[maz17]

Although I would not want a Green Day to be drunk on stage, they are obviously able to control themselves if they drink before a show, and im pretty sure they are not drinking THAT much if they are still able to play etc.

If thats what they need to loosen up then so be it

[Daughter.of.Rage.and.Love]

link

Nuff' said.

that's like what, 10 years ago or something.

I mean, yeah, he used to drink a lot perhaps.

But just because he did that 10+ years ago doesn't mean he still does that.

FFS. WHY IS EVERYONE GETTING AT THEM,

BECAUSE THEY DRINK TO BE THE BEST BAND IN THE

WORLD? FOR GOD SAKE PEOPLE, PLEASE REALIZE

THAT THEY'RE THE BEST EVER LIVE BAND?

MEANING WHAT EVER THEY ARE FUCKIN DOING TO

ACCOMPLISH THIS, IT'S FUCKING WORKING..

IN OTHER WORDS, LET THEM DRINK TILL THEIR HEART IS CONTENT.

YOU SEE THAT BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF THE A, ON YOUR KEYBOARD? YOU MIGHT WANT TO THINK ABOUT PRESSING IT.

Also, I'm pretty sure you don't need to tell the people on this forum that they're absolutely great live.

[NothingButYourImagination]

I dunno, I find that to be a little bit exaggerated and more of a Foxboro thing. To me, Billie or any of them do not seem drunk at all at their concerts. A little buzzed, maybe a few beers, but not drunk.

[Hermione]

I think a lot of this is out of context. They're basically saying after Insomniac they loosened up and had more fun on stage, and having some drinks helped fuel some of their fun ideas. Nothing really shocking there!

PRETTY sure they're referring to around Nimrod time when they're talking about drinking a lot, rather than now. Billie's openly admitted he drank too much back then and was "drunk all the time and wearing a fucking leopard g string". From looking at the quotes alone, it just sounds like they're saying they starting drinking a lot and having more fun on stage after Insomniac - well DUH watch any video of a Nimrod era show to see that. And all the fun silly stuff they started during Nimrod times continues now - not the excessive drinking (although I'm sure they still enjoy a few drinks). They're saying they loosened up after Insomniac and remained loosened, that's all.

[IscoredWaddlesgoals]

I get the impression that he's saying that they might have a few drinks but I don't think he means that they get absolutely bladdered. After all, you can have a couple of bottles of beer or glasses of wine without getting out of control. Plus, their families seem to be coming on tour now a lot more as well.

[DecanoLP]

No way they are drunk when they hit the stage these days. Yes, they were 14 years ago, even sometimes during the Warning era (I remember this CGBG show which might have been one of the most hilarious and badass shows they have ever done ) but I'm sure they are over it. Otherwise they wouldn't be able to move, jump and talk that extrem like we are used to it.

We all know they have a few beers before a show (BIAB behind the scenes footage) but this is nothing if we compare this to the older times when they were totally drunk/on drugs. This is okay for me but hitting the stage drunk isn't although it made these shows completely awesome.

But nowdays it isn't possible...

[AnnA™]

I don't think it's half as bad as this text, wherever it's coming from, make it out to be. It's misleading and probably out of context. I've always suspected that they have a little to drink before shows to calm their nerves or whatever. But definately not getting drunk. It's not the impression I've got anyway. I wouldn't be shocked if it's happened in the past, but I doubt they do that anymore. I think he's exaggerating a bit.

[milica.]

It's kinda odd reading that they need/use alcohol to get into it a little more, I suppose whatever works..

this.

[Hermione]

Yeah, I mean if you simply watch a show you can see they clearly aren't drunk on stage now. Simple as that really , no need for alarm.

[mallorymaloney]

I feel a lot better about this now that I've read more replies --- 'Specially the part where someone pointed out that Billie likely meant he used to drink a six pack and a couple shots before shows ... And also the parts where loads of people pointed out that the article was likely taking things out of context.

A coupla beers is totally dandy, but an entire six pack and multiple shots every single night, before every single show, that's the idea that was freakin' me out.

[IscoredWaddlesgoals]

Yeah, I mean if you simply watch a show you can see they clearly aren't drunk on stage now. Simple as that really , no need for alarm.

You mean there's no need for a 20-odd page long heated debate ? Gutted

[saraHsunshine]

There is a difference between drinking and have a good time and geting smashed. They rarely seem sloshy so I would imagine that they are not going on stage piss ass drunk. There is nothing wrong or even uncommon about getting a good buzz before playing a show. I personally enjoy being drunk at times, six drinks suits me just fine.