What I love about Billy Joe Armstrong is that he doesn’t apologize for his words, or actions. He believes implicitly in the power of Rock N’ Roll, and it’s message. Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ stirred passions and criticisms a decade ago, as the album was a staunch critic of President George W. Bush and the War in Iraq. The album was a aggressive message about living in the world after 9/11. It’s story line delved into characters affected by the after affects of 9/11, and the album went on to sell over 8 million albums, and win Grammy’s, and become a ‘Broadway’ musical.
Well, fast forward to 2016, and the Green Day ‘American Idiot’ musical and play was set to be the focus of Enfield High School in Connecticut, as a musical with the students. Apparently, there is a ‘child friendly’ version of the musical, and the school was moving forward with their drama students. Well, last week, the school pulled the plug, and decided NOT to move forward with the production. The problem? The school said the musical cited ‘sex, drugs, and foul language’, and many parents objected to the decision by the school. The band director and Principal decided for the school, and this got the ire of one Billy Joe Armstrong. “I realize the Broadway production of ‘American Idiot’ is not quite suitable for a younger audience”, said Billy Joe. “However, there is a high school rendition of the production, and I believe that’s the one Enfield was planning to perform, which is suitable for most people.”
What Billy Joe didn’t quite understand is that the musical director made the call with the Principal. Billy Joe feels that this is censorship, regardless. “The bigger issue is censorship”, said Armstrong. “This production tackles issues in a post 9/11 world, and I believe the kids should be heard and most of all be creative in telling a story about our history.”
Amen, Billy!
-Bahan
