Green Day kick off UK tour with Manchester Old Trafford show - Review

Much adored American rock band - Green Day took to a sold out gig at Emirates Old Trafford, in Manchester this weekend. 

Despite moments of rain, double rainbows shone over the crowd of 50,000 at the cricket ground - a crowd who were singing, bouncing, cheering, moshing, and crowd surfing all evening long.

Green Day performing at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester - Image by Natasha Judge

The talented Californian trio took to the stage just before eight, opening with new track ‘The American Dream is Killing Me’ from the band's latest album - Saviours. 

Lead vocalist and guitarist - Billie Joe Armstrong, ran on stage excitedly alongside bandmates - drummer Tre Cool, and guitarist Mike Dirnt. 

Armstrong addressed the Manchester crowd, stating he was “so excited for the show he couldn't sleep the night before” and expressed his love of performing in the city that has hosted the band since their early days. 

The first of the band's performances in Manchester was at the Millstone Pub, in December 1991.

The Saviour led tour is simultaneously celebrating the anniversary of iconic albums -Dookie and American Idiot.

Green Day performing Dookie - Image by Natasha Judge

So, to fans' delight both albums were played in their entirety - starting with Dookie, which turned 30 years old this year. 

Playing tracks including Burnout, Welcome to Paradise, She, Sassafras Roots and Basket Case - Old Trafford certainly lit up, both in atmosphere and with on stage flames.

The production quality was next level with flames, confetti, lighting, graphics, and inflatables of the iconic clouds from Dookie and the fisted hand of American Idiot. 

To close the Dookie set, Tre Cool gave an orchestral rendition of the song All by Myself in a leopard print robe which brought a lot of laughs throughout the crowd.

Mid set, Armstrong brought a fan on stage to join in with singing track Know Your Enemy, and they did not disappoint - nailing every line to a verse of the tune from their album 21st Century Breakdown. 

Billy Joe performing Know Your Enemy with fan - Image by Natasha Judge

A standout was the closeness throughout the band which was lovely to see, even after decades of performing live together - the tight knit feeling was prominent. 

The setlist of almost 40 songs, also featured the entirety of American Idiot - which celebrates its 20th anniversary this September. 

Featuring hits Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and She’s a Rebel. 

Green Day performing American Idiot - Image by Natasha Judge

After over 30 years performing live, this tour exemplifies the talent of the band, and ultimately demonstrates how they are still at their very best.

The gig was opened by Hastings formed band - Maid of Ace, and followed by Southend-on-Sea based band Nothing But Thieves - who were well worth a watch performing a selection of their discography and an impressive cover of Pixies - Where Is My Mind. 

Despite only having a handful of UK dates on their Saviors tour, Green Day will also be performing at The Isle of Wight Festival, Glasgow, London, and Dublin - if you want to try catch them before they go! Further information can be found on their website.

Setlist:

The American Dream Is Killing Me

~Dookie~

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~

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 (Included intro of Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love With Someone You Shouldn't've)

Homecoming

Whatsername

Bobby Sox

(99 Bottles of Beer verse)

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)