Green Day Celebrates Dookie & American Idiot in 37-Song Milwaukee Set!
When it comes to a night filled with electrifying performances and unforgettable moments, The Saviors Tour at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI, set a new standard. Featuring a lineup that ranged from youthful exuberance to punk rock royalty, the concert was a celebration of music's power to unite, energize, and inspire.
All Photo's By: Nashville Is His Bride
The evening kicked off with The Linda Lindas, an all-female punk rock band hailing from Los Angeles. Named after the Japanese film Linda Linda Linda, this vibrant group comprises Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza, aged between 14 and 19. With such youthful talent, one might expect a band still finding its footing, but these young women shattered expectations. Their seven-song set began with the punchy Too Many Things and concluded with the fiery Racist, Sexist Boy. Each track was delivered with a level of energy and passion that belied their years. This was more than just an opening act; it was a powerful statement of intent, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their new album, No Obligation, set to release on October 11th.
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Next up was the legendary punk rock band Rancid. Formed in 1991, the group has a storied history and a discography to match. Their 1995 album ...And Out Come The Wolves was heavily featured in the set, with iconic tracks like Roots Radical, Maxwell Murder, The 11th Hour, Time Bomb, and Ruby Soho bringing the crowd to a fever pitch. The remaining six songs spanned their impressive 33-year career, serving as a reminder of Rancid's enduring influence in the punk rock scene. Each note, each chord, and each scream were a testament to their unyielding spirit and commitment to their craft.
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As the stadium filled, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation for the Smashing Pumpkins. Hailing from just south of Milwaukee in Chicago, the band launched into their set with The Everlasting Gaze and Doomsday Clock. The crowd roared as hits like Today and Tonight, Tonight followed. Sighommi, the only song from their latest album Aghori Mhori Mei, showcased their evolving sound while remaining true to their rock roots. The set ended with powerful performances of Cherub Rock and Zero, where new guitarist Kiki Wong was prominently featured. Seeing Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlain on stage together was a nostalgic yet revitalizing experience, proving that the Smashing Pumpkins are far from a relic of the past. They are a band in their prime, ready to push the boundaries of rock music.
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The moment the unmistakable opening notes of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody blasted over the PA system, the energy inside American Family Field was palpable. Thousands of voices united, singing in harmony and anticipation. This wasn't just any concert; this was Green Day returning to Milwaukee for the third consecutive summer, and the excitement was tangible. Green Day's presence has become a staple in Milwaukee's summer lineup, and they performed as if playing to a sold-out stadium, regardless of the availability of face-value tickets as low as $35 when gates opened at 4 PM.
Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, drummer Tre Cool, and bassist Mike Dirnt took the stage with unparalleled vigor, opening with the high-octane The American Dream Is Killing Me, the energy was palpable. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their 1994 album Dookie, Green Day played the album in its entirety, starting with Burnout. By the time they reached Longview, the Milwaukee crowd was in full voice, nearly drowning out Billie Joe Armstrong during Welcome To Paradise. Armstrong, ever the showman, responded with a hearty.
You guys are way louder than Chicago!
Which only amped up the crowd further. The connection with the audience was undeniable. Armstrong's banter, including shout-outs to nearby cities like Madison and Beloit, and anecdotes about enjoying local favorites like the Bronze Fonz and cheese curds, made the performance feel intimate despite the stadium setting.
"Madison! Beloit! We're in (expletive) Milwaukee!"
In a heartwarming moment, during Know Your Enemy, they invited a young fan named Quinn onto the stage. Her confident, spirited rendition of the lyrics amplified the already electric atmosphere, embodying the community and passion that Green Day inspires in their fans.
The setlist was a curated journey through the band's illustrious career, featuring gems like Brain Stew and Minority before diving into a full-throttle celebration of the 20th anniversary of their iconic album, American Idiot. This album, a staple in the punk rock lexicon, was also played in its entirety, a gift to die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
Green Day has never shied away from making statements, and this concert was no exception. Billie Joe Armstrong's decision to alter the lyrics of American Idiot to I’m not a part of a MAGA agenda was a powerful reminder of the band's commitment to voicing their beliefs. This change resonated deeply with the crowd, reinforcing the song's relevance in today's political climate.
The energy remained high as the band delivered back-to-back hits like Holiday and Boulevard of Broken Dreams. These anthems, known for their powerful lyrics and infectious melodies, had the crowd singing along in full voice, creating a communal experience that concerts are known for. Even as some fans trickled out midway through the set to beat the traffic, the spirit in the stadium remained unbroken.
One of the night’s standout moments was Wake Me Up When September Ends. This song, imbued with personal and historical significance, seemed to reawaken the crowd. As the poignant lyrics filled the stadium, fans were drawn back into the emotional core of the performance. It's in these moments that Green Day's ability to connect with their audience truly shines.
The band's stamina and passion were on full display as they powered through an astounding 37-song set over 2 hours and 20 minutes. Each song was delivered with the same intensity and fervor as the last, showcasing their relentless dedication to their craft and their fans.
As the concert drew to a close, Green Day saved one of their most beloved tracks, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), for the finale. The simplicity of the acoustic guitar juxtaposed with the collective voices of the audience created a heartfelt and memorable end to an incredible night. Billie Joe Armstrong and his bandmates waved goodbye, leaving the stage with the crowd still buzzing with energy and satisfaction.
Green Day has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Milwaukee over the past three years, solidifying its place as a must-see summer act. Their ability to consistently deliver high-energy performances while staying true to their roots and message is a testament to their enduring appeal.
However, it seems unlikely that this streak will continue into 2025. While Green Day's performances have been nothing short of spectacular, the availability of face-value tickets hints at a need for fresh acts or perhaps a break to build anticipation anew.
Green Day's Saviors Tour at American Family Field was a night of unifying anthems, electrifying performances, and emotional highs. For those who attended, it was more than just a concert; it was an experience that reminded us of the power of music to bring people together, inspire action, and provide solace in tumultuous times.
The band's unyielding energy, combined with their willingness to address pressing societal issues, makes them a beacon of passion and relentless pursuit of artistic and personal integrity. As we reflect on this night, it's clear that Green Day's influence and inspiration will continue to resonate, motivating fans to persevere, push their limits, and always strive for success. Whether they return next year or take a hiatus, their legacy in Milwaukee's music scene is firmly established.
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In the words of Billie Joe Armstrong, It's something unpredictable, but in the end, it’s right. I hope you have the time of your life.
Click Here For More On Green Day & Check Out The Saviors Tour
Green Day Set List:
The American Dream Is Killing Me
Burnout
Having a Blast
Chump
Longview
Welcome to Paradise
Pulling Teeth
Basket Case
She
Sassafras Roots
When I Come Around
Coming Clean
Emenius Sleepus
In The End
F.O.D.
All By Myself
Know Your Enemy
Look Ma, No Brains!
One Eyed Bastard
Dilemma
Minority
Brain Stew
American Idiot
Jesus of Suburbia
Holiday
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Are We the Waiting
St. Jimmy
Give Me Novacaine
She's a Rebel
Extraordinary Girl
Letterbomb
Wake Me Up When September Ends
Homecoming
Whatsername
Bobby Sox
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
