I don't think he was talking about Green Day seeing as how the post he replied to (or his, for that matter) doesn't even mention Green Day. I think his point was that most people listen to music and/or go to shows to escape the real world for a while, not be bombarded with it. I tend to agree. If I want someone's political opinions, I'll read the op/ed section (or the D&D). I don't want to hear about it at a show. It's too divisive and tends to bring out the worst in people....kind of like it's doing in this thread. I also think what he means by "insulting half your audience" is that the country is pretty much divided in half politically these days. No matter which side you choose as an artist, you're most likely alienating half your audience. Why do it? And yes, that goes for both sides. I also think that gwayneco can speak for himself, so I'll shut up now. Off to my gig!
Yes, I was speaking generally. What I meant was I don't like spending money on a band only to have them tell me how I should vote. I follow politics enough as it is without being lectured by someone just because they happen to play a guitar. And that does go for both sides. By the way, are you playing somewhere in Houston ima?
Who is the "they" in his post? There can be all kinds of music about all kinds of things (that goes for all art). I really like a lot of bands that have a message, and a lot that do not. It's only "shoved in your face" if your an idiot.
"They" would be musicians generally, not Green Day in particular. I went to see Guy Forsyth* a couple of months ago, and he broke out with an anti-Bush song. That was shoved in my face. Though he is immensely talented, I am not all that eager to see him again. If I wanted to hear that sort of thing, I'd watch Dan Rather. Of course, if Bush wins in Nov, maybe I'll wear a Bush- Cheney button to one of his shows. *Actually, I was there to see the opening act, though I had wanted to see Forsyth too.
Spoken like a true sellout! I hear Barry Manilow is looking for a tour drummer. Ha! If you you don't choose a side you aren't an artist, you are an entertainer. This particular song isn't saying anything different than George Orwell said or even Dwight Eisenhower for that matter. It is trying to get you to consider how the media influences you because if you don't question the validity of the message you are subject to propaganda. If you consider it anti-Bush I would say you are a closet liberal that really has doubts about the status quo because I don't see a reference to Bush anywhere in the lyrics.
I would say Green Day has ALWAYS been punk. Are you saying that they're alternative rock? I'd say they're definitely punk if you listen to all their CD's and to how the guitars are. Green Day is the best punk band of all-time and one of my favorite bands. Not including their first 2 CD's, I've really liked every single one of their songs on all their other CD's. I'm sure American Idiot will be good, too.
green day and punk - a interesting topic to say something about the post above me. I always believed that punk is lived and not played. Of course it was defined by music but I still speak of myself as a punk. If you would see me on the street attracting your girlfriend I will surely not look like a punk. But I would piss in boss's coffee if I have a chance and he is an ass. (If he's no assssss,.... then of course,...only maybe.) Green Day and Punk. I would say they are the most punk people in their neighboor hood. But thats not a reason for saying they suck. And as a short interlude: I think their first albums are some of the best. punk should be fun not grim. (most times). what I really want to say is that the rockets will kickk asssss next season and that kobe kinda sucks. also karla does,.................(ahhhhh that felt gooooood).
are you kidding me? I'm hoping your like 10 years old... Have you heard of a little band called THE RAMONES? do yourself a favor and go listen to some records, maybe you'll learn something... Generation X, Undertones, The Ramones, Dead Boys, Dictators, The Clash, Stooges, Adverts, Stiff Little Fingers, MC5, Pistols, buzzcocks, Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, Richard Hell, Vibrators, The Damned, Misfits, Germs, Black Flag, Dead Kennedy's... Green day is the best punk band of all-time? Dude no offense but, put the pipe down and turn off that idiot box.
I was really referring to this: "These days, it's not about "why we love Kerry/Edwards" but about being against the current administration - without being for something else instead." MC5, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Bad Brains, Dead Kennedys, Minutemen, Big Boys, Dicks were more idealistic than political, it was all about ATTITUDE. I think Green Day has some punk roots, I'll give them some credit. The funny thing is, they are the forefathers of punk-pop, and now people complain when they do something more punk than pop. I like that. Nobody would ever complained about this album if they were not already famous. And those lyrics are really tame IMO. BTW, I kind of consider Generation X to be the original Green Day. (but they are one of my all-time favs)
Yes, after I got over the shock . Actually, I'll catch Guy at the Duck or another venue in the not too distant future, but I might be sporting a Bush-Cheney button. In all seriousness, he's really good, though his bass player is a little freaky with a rather odd head movement that gave me nightmares for 3 weeks.
The early years of Green Day Ahhhhhhh Green Day. The last time I saw them play was at the Astrohall. That was a show I wish I never went to. It was huge, there were teenage girls screaming and crying and I even saw some Back Street Boys T-shirts. I was use to seeing them at small clubs where you could go up to them before and after the show to chat. I miss that. Kerplunk is my favorite album and I'm sure I'll pick up the new one soon. If you like Green Day then checkout Pinhead Gunpowder, Billie Joe plays guitar and sings some songs. They are just a part time band. Link to some Pinhead Gunpowder songs ( The link did not work like I thought it would.) Use the drop box thingy and select Pinhead Gunpowder, then click go.
In terms of popularity, they probably are the best punk band of all time. Lots of music snobs like to say they're not punk, but that's mostly because of their 1) vast reaching popularity and 2) musical experimentation. Pretty lame reason to discredit them, if you ask me. Although most of the bands you listed are damn good, they never hit that mainstream chord using punk style like Green Day did. You can call it bastardizing the genre if you want, but it has to take some skill. (except for Blink 182, that's just unoriginal music writing coupled with a bunch of stupid gimmicks to capture preteen hearts)
gwayneco, I saw him in Dallas a couple of years ago. There were about 15 people in the room, but he played like there were 1500. He put on a great show. I understand your feelings about it, honestly. While Dave Matthews Band is playing the Vote for Change tour, they never said a word about it on their normal tour. Well, not entirely true. Dave came out to introduce the opening act and said all he wanted people to do is vote. He didn't want to tell them how, but if they wanted to ask his advice, he'd be happy to give it. I respect that. I'm sure it won't be the same on the Vote for Change tour, but you have to know what to expect as a fan if you're going to see them on that one.
