10 Years Of Loving Green Day

2014 not only marks 10 years of American Idiot, it marks 10 years of me being completely and totally in love and obsessed with Green Day.

I'm going to rewind and take you back to 2003 where the journey started. 2003 was the first time I heard a Green Day song, well it's the first time I'd heard of the band. Basket Case was the first song I heard and from then on there was no looking back. Thanks dad for having the rock music channel on! I was 8, at that point though, I was too young and wasn't buying my own music so that was the only time I'd heard them until 2004. Some might say 2004 was Green Day's
best year, as it saw the release of American Idiot. I saw AI advertised a lot during that time and I knew I had to get a copy of that cd. I was 9 at the time American Idiot was released, I remember bugging my mum to buy it so I could listen. Eventually she cracked and bought me a copy. The day I got American Idiot changed the way I looked at music forever. I was one of the lucky ones that realised what good music and talent was at an early stage in my life. I had people telling me for years that Green Day was just a phase, that I'd grow out of them, even now some people haven't given up and are still telling me the same. My reply is always even if I didn't like Green Day's new material I still love everything they've done from 1988-2014, nothing will change that.

After getting American Idiot I felt I needed to hear more music from this amazing band I had discovered. When I was old enough, and it was probably one of the first times I went around town with my friends, I bought Green Day's 2002 release International Superhits. Turns out I was hooked on this band. I went on to buy every single album, every single and any other bit and bobs I could find and continued to do so ever since.

The height of my Green Day cd collection early 2014

American Idiot is of course the most special album to me, its the album that made me find ''that band from 2003'', it's the album that made me fall in love with the trio and it's the album that practically saved my life. Even now that is the album I turn to when things get rough. It feels like American Idiot has been there for me not only through the bad times but for the good too.

Nimrod, however, is my favourite album. I'm not really sure why. It's just awesome. It has so much mixture on it, from fast punk songs to slower punk ballads it has a little something for everyone.

Mike Dirnt - Leeds Festival 2013

I finally got a chance to see Green Day live in 2009. To this day, Halloween 2009 is one of the best days of my life. I got to see my favourite band and my favourite band's side band, Foxboro Hot Tubs. Only a week after that gig tickets for the second leg of that tour went on sale. I knew I had to go. I saw them for a second time 16th June 2010, they were supported by Frank Turner, a guy I'd never heard of until that day. Frank Turner made a lasting impression and I've listened to him ever since. If it wasn't for Green Day I wouldn't have found the guy that's turned out to be one of my idols (next to Green Day of course!). 2013 saw me travel down to London to see Green Day for a third time. This was the first time I'd had a gig in London and I queued 23 hours outside the venue just to get into the golden circle. Some may say I'm crazy for doing that, so what? I am crazy and dedicated and my oh my was it worth it. That was the closest I'd got to Green Day. Green Day also played Leeds festival that year. I went to my first ever festival because they'd been announced as headliners. Another great experience.




Me on stage with Green Date singing Knowledge



 I have also seen Green Date twice this year. They got me on stage to sing Knowledge the first time, that was only a small crowd but the second time I saw them they brought me on stage again, this time to sing Longview to a few hundred people. For someone who suffers a bit of stage fright that was an experience, but I got through it and to be honest it was awesome!





I was also lucky enough to see the American Idiot Musical twice on its run over here. That was incredible. They'd done a really good job on it. I hope it comes back.


In 2010, I had a lot of time spare due to personal problems, so I decided to make a fan page dedicated to Green Day. Viva La Green Day will turn 5 years old on July 2nd 2015. Apart from times I've had someone cover for me when I was away, it's only ever been me as admin on it. I am proud of how far it's come and that's saying something because I'm not really proud of anything I do. From 0 likes to 4,700, I've spent a lot of time on this page and I've met so many people because of it. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Green Day are the reason I've met some of my best friends. Though we don't live in the same town or city, I know they are always there and it's awesome when we do meet up.

Lucky staring at Billie!

I didn't realise until after, but my dogs name is related to one of my favourite lyrics, ''Better thank your lucky stars''. My dog, my best friend, is called Lucky but she was originally going to be called Star. It feels like she's my lucky star. She cheers me up in my darkest hour and I am thankful I have her.










Without Green Day I probably wouldn't have found the courage to stand up for what I believe in or not care what people's opinion are of me. I am who I am and if you don't like that, then you don't like me, simple as. They've taught me to be myself and not be afraid to do so in a world full of judgement and disappointment. It is fair to say they are the reason I've found so many different bands including my other favourites Alter Bridge. If it wasn't for them who knows what I'd be listening to.

Green Day are the ones that helped me through everything. I hope I get a chance to personally thank you them one day.

Thank you Green Day, my heroes, my idols.

Here's to another 10 years!

 

Rage and Love

-Kat

(Welsh Idiot)

Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible Anniversary Tour - Manchester 10/12/14

Manic Street Preachers

The Holy Bible Anniversary Tour

Manchester Albert Hall

10/12/14

 

 

This was my last gig of the year and I had no doubt it'd be an awesome one. The weather had been quite kind to us in every queue this year, until this one! We got in the queue of about 15 people at around 4pm, doors were at 7pm. It was so cold and started to rain on and off. I kept looking at the time but it didn't seem to be getting any closer to 7 so I just stopped looking. At around half 5 we went to a nearby subway and got a hot drink each to warm up and a girl we'd been talking to in the queue was kind enough to save our spot.

 

 

We got back in the queue. Security came out and moved us to the other side of the door.. only to put barriers up for the queue to be in order and then moved us back over. I think all of us were quite glad of the movement because it was so cold. I continued to talk to the girl in front of us to pass the time. She was by herself and from Australia so was quite interesting. I had it confirmed that Australia is Manic Street Preachers most famous song over there. Always had wondered about that!

 

 

Finally it reached 7, doors opened about 5 past so not too bad. I actually couldn't feel my feet so was worried about trying to run up the stairs to get into the main hall. I was fine and managed to get on barrier without tripping over. That's an achievement right there!

 

 

We were in, we were on barrier now all we had to do was wait for the Manics to hit the stage. There was no support tonight just music picked by a DJ who has been a friend of the band for years. Most of the stuff played wasn't really my taste and I thought it didn't have much.....umph. It didn't take away the buzz of excitement I had though.

 

 

The Manic Street Preachers came on stage about 8.45 and started 1 of 2 sets. The first set was The Holy Bible in full. They played this whole set as a three piece band. The album is such a good bit of music and one of those classic albums that you can just listen to over and over. To get a chance to hear it live on the year of the 20th anniversary was amazing. There are some insane guitar solos on The Holy Bible, I was in awe of James Dean Bradfield when he went into them. The guy is one of my guitar heroes and a very underrated guitarist.

 

 

I think PCP and Archives Of Pain were the highlights from that set. They are two of my favourite Manics songs, especially PCP. The crowd went crazier than they already had been. Nicky said there'd be a short 15 minute break before the next set, which we all knew about anyways. Everyone was just buzzing from the first hour of the concert.

 

 

Hits, Curios and Futurology to finish the night, beginning this 11 song set with fan fave Motorcycle Emptiness. They played a mix of classics, b sides and new material off their latest release Futurology. Your Love Alone Is Not Enough  was followed by another of my favourites If You Tolerate This (Your Children Will Be Next). I found myself watching the 2nd guitarist a bit more during this song as he was playing the rhythm part on the guitar which I've learnt myself. Walk Me To The Bridge was next a song I didn't really expect in the set, I expected to hear Europa Geht Derch Mich instead. It was really amazing live to be fair, I didn't think it'd make a good live song, Manic Street Preachers you proved me wrong! Divine Youth up next, Nicky took lead vocals for this one as most of the studio version isn't sang by James but sang by Georgia Ruth who obviously wasn't there for the one song. When that song finished James proceeded to say ''Do you love us?'' the crowd replied with an almighty rawr as we knew what song was next... You Love Us of course. The set and night finished with Design For Life. Absolute classic. Half way through the song James moved his microphone stand to right in front of us, as he did earlier in the year when I saw them at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton. He also has a guitar that looks like mine which he uses for Design For Life. An unforgettable moment. An unforgettable gig.

Well that's it the last gig recap of 2014. Don't worry I have a few things lined up for 2015 which i'll be writing about.

Rage and Love
-Kat

Slash, Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators - Manchester - Phones 4 U Arena 28/11/14

Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Manchester

28/11/14

 

 

 

I haven't really written about any gigs since the Frank Turner one though I have been busy November was a jam packed month for me. From seeing Black Stone Cherry on Halloween, I then saw Motorhead, My Favourite Runner Up (local band) and Rise Against in the space of a week, then I travelled to Holland to see Slash, Myles and co. I have chosen to write about the Manchester date instead. So here goes...

 

 

I started this gig as I usually start my gigs in a queue of course! Where else?! Only a 3 hour wait till doors this time so not too bad. Doors were at 6. The more and more I go to the Phones 4 U Arena the more and more I get annoyed with them. You have to queue to then queue inside and then queue again as you slowly walk down the stairs behind the slow walking staff. I can understand the reasoning behind walking down the stairs slowly, to save everyone rushing, but snails were going faster than us and I was desperate to get to that barrier!
 

     When we got down to the floor I sprinted to the front and got a decent spot, now all we had to do was wait until the support acts came on. Twenty Two Hundred were the first support act, I hadn't heard anything from or about these but they were ok. I don't think I'd listen to them everyday but they weren't the worst band I'd ever heard, my friend and I spent most of their set trying to get a decent picture of their nice looking guitarist/bassist, because why not, right?

    Twenty Two Hundred made way for the second and main support California Breed, I'd only heard of these because they'd supported Alter Bridge on their recent tour in America. I also knew their singer Glen Hughes from somewhere I just couldn't figure out where until after the gig we looked him up, turns out he was in Deep Purple among other bands. Again they were alright as a support.

     Crowds started getting closer and closer together, you could tell it was the main band of the night on next. Oh boy was I excited.
 

      The legend that is Slash came on stage with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and burst into You're A Lie which was quite a good opener I think! They went straight into Guns 'N' Roses classic Night Train. The went bonkers, I joined in of course. I'm glad they mixed the setlist up a bit and played two different songs to what was played at the gig I was at Amsterdam a few days before. They'd replaced Standing In The Sun with Halo and Double Talkin' Jive (Which was awesome and a debut performance of this song) with You Could Be Mine. You Could Be Mine just happens to be one of my favourite Guns songs. Good times!

     Todd took over the vocals for 2 songs next with Dr. Alibi and You're Crazy. Todd has a really awesome voice as well, so it's nice to hear him singing a couple!

     Myles came back on stage and the band went into the song that had been stuck in my head all week, Shadow Life. When I first heard this song I honestly couldn't really get into it however after hearing it live on the Monday night in Holland it had been on repeat all week and is now one of my favourites.

    Beneath The Savage Sun next, this song is just insane, I can't even explain it, it's just something else live. It is clearly a crowd favourite, everyone was getting stuck into it. Pretty awesome to witness.

    Two Guns N Roses songs followed, Mr. Brownstone and Rocket Queen. The latter especially stuck out for me as Slash play like a 15 minute guitar solo. I just remember watching him and shaking my head like ''Woah he really is amazing'' I've been able to appreciate him more ever since starting to learn guitar myself. I got speaking to a guy standing next to me about 'how amazing' Slash was. 

     After that incredible solo and the ending of Rocket Queen they played Bent To Fly. It was one of the first songs I heard off the latest album World On Fire and I've loved it from the get go. I think Myles' vocals are outstanding on the record and no word of a lie they are nothing less than that live too. That wasn't just a one off every time I've seen them/him his vocals have been on point.

    Title track of the recent album release up next. This makes me smile in particular as when they got to the bridge (I think) of the song, Myles walked over to by us, looked at me and was just singing to me he did so for about 2 lines before moving on. I don't know how I didn't just fan girl there and then to be honest! (hehe!)
 

     Anastasia up next, I can actually play some of this song on guitar so its awesome to see how the master plays it live.

     It wouldn't be a slash concert without that one iconic riff that EVERYONE knows now would it? Yep you know which one I'm on about Sweet Child O Mine of course! Slash actually hit the wrong string to begin with, me and the guy I was speaking to about how amazing Slash was looked at each other and laughed. I think it's the high note of this song that buggared my throat up the most at this gig to be fair. Worth it though!
 

     I don't know why but in the last quarter or so of the song I decided to get out the birthday card I'd got together with the Myles Kennedy fan page I run (Myles 'Miraculous' Kennedy). People had sent in messages to Myles, so I was determined to get this project to him. Turns out it was the perfect time to do so as after Sweet Child had finished they started introducing the band. Slash introduced Myles and said it was his birthday so I held up the card which had 'Happy Birthday Myles Messages from your fans enclosed' on the front. He saw it, smiled and nodded. I think he thought it was just a sign to begin with, when I caught his eye again I  pointed to the envelope and then pointed at him and said it's for you kind of thing. He immediately ran over to me to take the envelope. He held it against his chest like he was hugging it and said 'Thank you so much'. On of my idols said thank you to me, seriously he does not need to say thank you to me, him and his music helps me on a daily basis it's me that needs to be saying thank you. He put the card at the back of the stage and the band went on to play Slither. I thought the crowd couldn't get even more crazy they proved me wrong. That was the last song of the set. As they were going off stage Myles went to pick up the card, smiled at me again, put his thumbs up and left the stage with the rest of the band.

      Of course the band came back on to finish the night with absolute classic Paradise City. 3rd time hearing that song for me, it never gets old. Even before the confetti bursts out, it's just so full of energy. It's something you can never forget.

    When they'd finished they threw their guitar pics and drumsticks into the crowd. Frank who I was standing in front the whole gig picked up his setlist looked at me then told the security guard to pass it to the girl a couple of people down from me on barrier then laughed at me. He then disappeared to the other side of the stage and came back with another setlist, this time he told the security guard to pass it to me. I actually couldn't believe it, I never manage to get setlists from big gigs and here I was stood there with Slash's setlist.

 

The band are just full of energy. They have no problem coming right to the edge of the stage and doing some crowd interaction. Second night in a week of seeing to of my idols, one being my guitar idol the other being one of my main idols. I couldn't quite believe it, surreal gig to say the least!

 

Until next time folks! Thanks for reading! Recap of Manic Street Preachers Holy Bible gig coming soon!

 

-Kat