USF Bulls Radio

90's rock band Green Day took the St. Pete Times Forum stage on Monday August 3rd in front of 8,000 loyal fans for their 21st Century Breakdown Tour. After an opening performance from British band The Kaiser Chiefs in which lead singer Ricky Wilson announced the release of their new album, Green Day took the stage. With a sign at the entrance warning concert goers that the show would continuously use pyrotechnics and strobe light effects, there was no doubt that this would be one of the best concerts the Tampa Bay Area has seen in a while.

From the minute Green Day took the stage, lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong managed to get the entire St. Pete Times Forum Center on their feet and kept them standing for the entire 2 plus hour concert. Green Day kicked off with many songs from their latest album, 21st Century Breakdown, including Know Your Enemy, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, and 21 Guns. After a few songs from their new album, Green Day did something that surprised many fans, they began to play the songs that made them who they are. Songs included Basket Case, Jesus of Suburbia, Welcome to Paradise, and When I Come Around. In addition to all the oldies, they brought out selected songs from the American Idiot album which really got the crowd going.

At many, if not all concerts, it is typical for the band to bring one or two fans to the stage and have them do something such as playing a guitar, helping sing parts of the song, etc. Like any other concert Green Day brought up fans, but more than just two. Over 10 people were brought on stage to do more than just sing and play guitar. In fact, towards the beginning of the show, Armstrong brought what seemed to be an 8 year old boy to be “saved” (what an 8 year old boy was doing at the floor of a punk-rock concert is a totally different story). The mockery skit included pyrotechnic effects and some acting, which the 8 year old pulled off very well. Armstrong even got about 4 fans that were on stage to do a stage dive and crowd surf their way back to their spots. After 2 hours the band tried wrapping it up but, the crowd insisted on more. After a 25 minute encore Armstrong came out and ended the night with acoustic versions to most of their songs like “Good Riddance”.

Though Green Day might not have the best reputation amongst many punk rock fans, there is one thing that everyone can agree with; Green Day knows how to put on an amazing show. Seeing them in person is definitely worth spending $40.00 plus on a ticket no matter how big or little of a fan you are. For their amazing stage setting, to the great selection of music, I give this Concert a 4 out of 5 star rating.