08.17.24 – Photos and Review by Jordan Zinda

Green Day’s ‘Saviors’ tour made its way through Minneapolis last Saturday, August 17, with a stacked lineup that included support from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas, whom all made the show a must see for any punk fan in Minnesota. The show itself felt like a party and was very much a celebration between Green Day and their devoted Twin Cites following. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of their breakout record Dookie, as well as the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, and the ‘Saviors’ tour offered an electrifying and visually stunning tribute to both of these iconic albums. Performing to a packed house at Target Field, Green Day delivered a show that was as much a sensory feast as it was a nostalgic journey through two of the biggest eras of their long lasting career. From the outset, the concert was a high octane celebration of punk rock history. The ballpark, expansive and filled with an enthusiastic crowd, provided the perfect backdrop for the high energy performance that each band would deliver.

First to take the stage was Los Angeles newcomers, The Linda Lindas. The group put on an energetic performance that served as the perfect kick off to an evening of live rock music. They wasted no time diving into tunes that highlighted the rebellious spirit of youth, including their hit songs “Oh!,” “All In My Head,” and “Growing Up.” Their sound, very much a blend of catchy punk rock anthems and heartfelt, relatable lyrics, had the early audience enthralled. Each member of the band brought a unique flair to the performance and their individual talents seamlessly blended into a cohesive and electrifying experience. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, making it impossible to not get caught up in the infectious energy of their music. Their breakout track, “Racist, Sexy Boy” closed the set with quite the effect. A raw and defiant track that served as a perfect climax. Chugging riffs and unapologetic lyrics, the song resonated deeply with the surprisingly youthful audience. The crowd’s response was a powerful testament to the song’s impact and reflected a fierce sense of solidarity. With that, The Linda Lindas offered a refreshing punk vibe and an exhilarating live experience. The short but sweet set was equal parts memorable and impactful. 

Following The Linda Lindas, Berkeley veterans Rancid exploded onto the stage. Their set kept the energy up and served as an electrifying showcase of punk prowess. From the moment they hit the stage the band delivered an adrenaline fueled performance. Their trademark raw, high energy riffs and socially conscious lyrics were devoured by the music hungry crowd before them, which was filled with plenty of enthusiastic devotees. I saw more than a few Rancid shirts during my time at Target Field that night. The band delivered an explosive setlist, ripping through most of the hits from their iconic album … And Out Come The Wolves with the same ferocity and passion that made the record a hit in 1995. Songs such as “Ruby Soho” and “Time Bomb” (the latter of which was affectionately dedicated to the two Oakland A’s fans in attendance) had the fans erupting with every familiar riff and chorus and resonated with a timeless effect that captivated Target Field as a whole. New and old fans alike were swept up in the infectious grooves of Rancid’s music. The two frontmen, Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen, and their dynamic stage presence created a powerful and cohesive sound that was simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. Rancid’s live show on Saturday night was a testament to their enduring influence and a reminder of why they remain a cornerstone of punk rock for anyone looking to explore.

The Smashing Pumpkins delivered an unforgettable set as the penultimate act before Green Day. The band captivated the audience with a masterful blend of nostalgia and new energy. Billy Corgan’s distinctive voice was in top form, channeling his signature raw emotion and intensity that fans have come to expect, and that new listeners won’t forget. The ever charismatic frontman commanded the stage with his voice and an absolutely magnetic presence. All eyes were on him. His performance was equal parts potent and emotive, capturing the essence of the band’s unique sound and undoubtedly responsible for their lyrical depth. From the soaring highs of “1979” to the brooding intensity of “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” Corgan’s performance was a striking reminder of his unique vocal prowess and left fans, more in awe than anything, and the atmosphere charged with a renewed level of excitement.

Their setlist was a dream come true for long time Smashing Pumpkins fans; a carefully curated selection of classics that spanned their career. Each song was, in my opinion, delivered with the same passion and precision that defined their early days. The highlight of their time on stage for me was undoubtedly “Disarm,” which resonated deeply with the crowd as well. The song’s emotion and memorable melody were brought to life with a renewed intensity in 2024. Seeing it live created a moment of collective reflection for myself and everyone else fortunate enough to catch the set as we sang along. The band’s ability to evoke both power and poignancy, from the soaring guitar solos to the atmospheric soundscapes, was on full display as the sun began to set on Minneapolis. The Smashing Pumpkins delivered a performance that was full to the brim with their rich sound and served as a testament to their enduring appeal and legacy. 

After the sun had set and Green Day hit the stage with the explosive opener “The American Dream is Killing Me,” the crowd erupted with fervent excitement. The moment everyone was anticipating had finally arrived. The song’s anthemic energy set the tone for the night, one whose back end was a play through of American Idiot, and enthusiasm was at an all time high. Post opening track, the first act of the band’s performance on Saturday evening was a full play through of 1994’s Dookie, front to back. The moment Mike Dirnt’s classic bassline on the hit “Longview” kicked in a palpable roar of excitement escaped the crowd, kinda funny in a way given that the song is all about boredom and apathy. The band’s performance of hit tracks like “Basket Case” and “When I Come Around” felt as fresh and dynamic as ever. Billie Joe Armstrong’s commanding presence, a master of crowd engagement, and the band’s impeccable musicianship kept the audience thoroughly engaged and ever eager for the next tune. 

The pyrotechnics served to truly elevate the spectacle that was 30 years of Dookie. The show featured an impressive array of fire and fireworks that punctuated the music with dramatic flair, as both were strategically deployed throughout the set, adding a thrilling visual dimension to the already peak energy performance. Highlights of this section of the show for a good chunk of those over the age of 30 in attendance were the deeper cuts. Songs many had yet to hear live like “Coming Clean” and “Sassafras Roots” took center stage, offering a throwback glimpse into the early sound that made the band the success it is today. The sing (scream?) along during these moments served as a powerful testament to the connection between Green Day and their fans, as every word was echoed back toward the stage with decades of dedication. The crowd’s unified voice made each angst filled anthem feel even more monumental than it did 30 years ago. As a whole, live was easily the best listen of Dookie I’ve had since I played it for the first time all those years ago.

Before the band transitioned into American Idiot, an interlude of sorts commenced. Plenty of back and forth chants between Armstrong and the audience, as well as a bathrobe clad Tre Cool song and dance, gave way to a mini set featuring the hit “Know Your Enemy” from 2009’s 21st Century Breakdown. This was a special part of the show where Armstrong pulled a fan, a young girl named Miranda, on stage to help sing the bridge and she nailed it. Fan favorite tracks “Minority,” “Brain Stew,” and a newer song off their latest album, Saviors, released earlier this year, titled “Look Ma, No Brains!” rounded out the between acts part of the show. It offered just enough to scratch that itch that I have for those albums, but did leave me wanting just a little bit more from each to be played. 

The energy shifted as Green Day launched into American Idiot, their more politically charged, yet equally revered 2004 effort. From the opening notes of the title track, it was clear that the band had no intention of slowing down for the second half of the show. The song’s relentless drive and defiant lyrics were matched by the crowd’s echoing response, a powerful blend of passion and frustration that accurately reflected the current zeitgeist. The sheer power of the performance captured the spirit of the album and for a moment it became more than just a musical experience. It was a collective statement by everyone of dissent, underscoring the enduring relevance of the song’s message. In a turbulent political climate, in the election year that is 2024, the track felt as relevant as ever. Songs like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “Holiday” were delivered with a renewed sense of urgency and spectacle that again underscored their enduring impact as well as the continued relevance of American Idiot to 2024 America. The combination of poignant, potent lyrics and driving rhythms created a truly unforgettable atmosphere, with the crowd’s singing reaching an all time high in volume, it was nothing short of inspiring. 

“Wake Me Up When September Ends” was a poignant highlight, and the concert for once took on a more subdued but equally effective quality. The acoustic intro set the stage for the song’s emotional depth, making sure it was not only heard but absorbed before the rest of the band kicked in. I’m a firm believer that a song like that played live can definitely enhance its impact. Throughout the American Idiot set, the band’s dynamic performance was consistent making each song a spectacle in its own right. The visual elements did more than just dazzle; they added an extra layer of exhilaration that matched the album’s raw energy and political bend. 20 years ago the album captured the disillusionment and frustration that many feel in response to political and social issues and Saturday night it felt brand new. Many of the same issues are still happening today and the live show served as a moment of catharsis for everyone in attendance. The audience let it all out and then some in their singing, their political disillusionment, their alienation, the social critique, for once it felt like everyone was on the same page. By the end of the night Green Day had once again demonstrated, over a two and a half hour long show, the skill it takes to be one of the most exhilarating live acts in rock music. The ‘Saviors’ tour was not just a retrospective but a celebration of their legacy that continues to resonate with fans of all ages, again reinforcing why Green Day remains a defining force and gateway into punk rock for many young fans.

If you have the chance to catch Green Day’s ‘Saviors’ tour in a city near you, make sure you don’t miss it. This tour is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of three decades of punk rock excellence. An immersive experience that combines nostalgic hits with spectacular live visuals. Green Day continues to set the bar for live music and whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their sound, this tour promises an unforgettable night of music and spectacle. You won’t want to miss this chance to see one of rock’s most iconic bands bring not one, but two legendary albums to life.