CONCERT REVIEW: Green Day’s Timeless Message Still Unites

One year and five months after releasing Saviors, Green Day returned to Ziggo Dome with their Saviors Tour, their first show there since January 31, 2017. They proved why they remain punk rock’s enduring voice. The five-time Grammy-winning band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1987, have kept their energy and sharpened their message over time.

The night started with a pre-show warm-up featuring Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, followed by Ramones’ Blitzkrieg Bop, with the Drunk Bunny making a fun appearance. The intro mixed The Beautiful People, The Imperial March, and We Will Rock You, building excitement before launching into American Idiot. This opener showed Green Day were ready to remind everyone who they are.

Billie Joe Armstrong tackled the political climate early. Before Holiday, he called it a “no war” song and, during the bridge, said, “Right now the Trump Administration is putting people in concentration camps,” leading a “Fuck ICE” chant. It was a classic Green Day moment, showing their engagement with the world beyond the stage.

They played anthems like Know Your Enemy, inviting a fan on stage, and Revolution Radio, before shifting to emotional songs like Boulevard of Broken Dreams. The crowd stayed lively, moshing, waving, and chanting with Billie. His expressions showed both the audience and Green Day were feeling the moment. Newer tracks like One Eyed Bastard and Look Ma, No Brains! blended seamlessly with classics like Longview and Welcome to Paradise.

A surprise came with 2000 Light Years Away, a deep cut that excited long-time fans. Green Day kept the energy high with Brain Stew’s riffs and St Jimmy’s punch, a character from American Idiot’s storyline. Then, ballads like 21 Guns and Wake Me Up When September Ends brought reflection, with some tears in the crowd. These songs still carry deep beauty and meaning, letting fans lose themselves in the music.

The emotional peak was Jesus of Suburbia, a nearly ten-minute rock opera that still connects with fans nearly two decades later. A lyric change from “From Anaheim to the Middle East” to “From Ukraine to the Middle East” kept it current. Then, a rare treat: the tour debut of Saviors, a soaring anthem that thrilled the crowd. Bobby Sox closed the main set with drum-smashing energy, but Green Day returned for Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), a poignant reminder of their lasting impact.

More than three decades into their career, Green Day are still raging, evolving, and connecting across generations. Their message feels more relevant than ever, uniting fans to counter the world’s challenges.

Bas van Antwerpen

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