Green Day - Jaded In Chicago - Music News, Interviews, Features, and more

07.20.22

Last month, we caught up with The Interrupters before their show at the Aragon Ballroom and spoke with bassist Justin Bivona and drummer Jesse Bivona. We talked in detail about their new album, In the Wild, which comes out August 5th on Hellcat Records. We discussed what it was like writing during the early stages of the pandemic and how having guitarist Kevin Bivona also serve as producer helped to shape the sound of the record. Additionally, In the Wild features arguably some of the most personal lyrics to date from singer Aimee Interrupter, and it’s ultimately the common themes found in her words that really tie the album together. We also chatted about the band’s experiences touring with Green Day last year, their memories from previous shows played in Chicago and the extensive touring plans they have for this year and beyond.

Green Day Interview, 2004

12.29.10

This interview was the cover story for the 17th issue of Jaded In Chicago. It was conducted in September of 2004, several weeks prior to the release of American Idiot. It was a fitting end to the fanzine that was named after the band, as “Jaded In Chicago” references Green Day’s 1994 MTV concert special. To come full circle by interviewing the band that inspired the zine’s moniker was somewhat surreal.

With the release of American Idiot, Green Day has transcended punk rock. By crafting the first punk rock opera and fashioning what is likely the first tasteful concept album of the new millennium, they’ve provided pop punk bands everywhere with a blueprint for how to mature gracefully. Additionally, as much as American Idiot is about innovation, it’s also a return to the fundamentals of punk rock. The album sears with dissent, takes aim between the eyes of the Bush administration and contains a dangerous sense of unpredictability. It’s been ten years since Green Day was the most popular band in the world and with any luck American Idiot will allow them to recapture that title in no time. (Interview with drummer Tré Cool). Continue Reading…