When Green Day starts a tour, they know how to make it big. When Green Day makes a statement, they know how to get attention. Add all that, and then have Green Day celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dookie and 20th anniversary of American Idiot. The Saviors Tour was definitely made to be something memorable.
The tour opener at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. would not be canceled due to political statements toward fascism or a storm that caused an hour delay. 2024 marks a significant year for Green Day. Along with the two album anniversaries and full playthroughs, the band also released Saviors early this year which was a return to form for the group.
Seeing and hearing the performance of “The American Dream Is Killing Me” up close was great. Later seeing Billie Joe Armstrong hold up a Trump mask with the word IDIOT on it was a surprise, but also on point for Green Day who has been targeting political figures since the American Idiot years. Anyone who is in shock by Green Day going political has not been paying attention to Green Day at any point.
My favorite part however was hearing so much of Dookie live. The sequence of “Basket Case” to “She” was something special for me and I’m glad I was there to see it in Nationals’ park.
Along for many of The Saviors Tour is another staple from the 90’s, The Smashing Pumpkins. Now stacking the lineup with new guitarist Kiki Wong, the band’s sound is more fleshed out. Although the Pumpkins tour was cut short due to the weather delay, the band got in the main staples from Mellon Collie to a crowd willing to sing along.
The biggest casualty of the night was Rancid, who started their performance with fire but were cut short less than two songs in when stagehands told the group that the lightning and impending storm would demand a stadium evacuation. Here’s hoping Rancid can return to the nation’s capital soon.
Opening the tour was The Linda Lindas out of Los Angeles. Watching them perform live in the stadium was seeing the purest form of joy for a young band, realizing they have an incredible opportunity to perform in front of so many.
The traffic getting in was rough. The storm delay was brutal. Getting to hear Green Day with such vigor was worth the wait. Whether it was Buddy the mascot doing the worm on stage, or the endless sing-alongs from DC, this was a great way to open a Summer tour. Both old and new sides of Green Day were heard, and everything was well received. It was the rare happy night in DC where everyone could agree that what occurred was great.
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“Green Day has officially launched their highly anticipated “Saviors Tour” in Washington, D.C., captivating fans at Nationals Park on July 29, 2024. This North American tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a remarkable 37-song setlist that spans the band’s illustrious career. Concertgoers were treated to a vibrant performance that showcased Green Day’s iconic hits and new material, setting the tone for the rest of the tour. As the band embarks on this exciting journey, fans across the country can look forward to electrifying shows filled with energy and nostalgia.” (Perplexity)
Green Day Makes Statement On Saviors Tour In DC
