Green Day’s Saviors Tour Brings the Heat at American Family Field
The American Family Field in Milwaukee became a mecca for punk and rock enthusiasts on August 24th, 2024, as Green Day’s Saviors Tour roared through the city. It was a super hot day as fans arrived early to tail gate out in the parking lot before the doors opened at 4pm. The bands would also bring the heat along with some extra from all the pyro in Green Days set. Support included an impressive lineup from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas. The entire show was quite the perfect lineup for fans of pop punk and punk, with each band bringing their own flair to a night of unforgettable performances.
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Opening the show were The Linda Lindas, a four piece band known for their energy and youth, the band ranges in age from 14-19 years old. For such a young band they definitely know how to start a show and get a crowd going. Their set was a burst of punk-rock vitality, featuring catchy tracks from their debut album. With their blend of punk-rock riffs and energetic stage presence, The Linda Lindas set the tone for an electrifying evening. Tracks like “Racist, Sexist Boy” and “Oh!” resonated strongly, showcasing their blend of raw emotion and musical prowess.
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Next up were Rancid, a band that has been a staple of punk rock for decades. Their performance was nothing short of explosive. The crowd had many Rancid fans in it, from seeing many Rancid shirts to the energy of the crowd as the band launched into classics like “Ruby Soho” and “Time Bomb.” Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen’s dynamic stage presence kept the energy high, with their gritty, anthemic punk rock demanding full attention. The setlist balanced fan favorites with newer material, maintaining a high-octane atmosphere throughout.
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As the sun began to set, The Smashing Pumpkins took the stage, delivering a set that spanned their storied career. With their signature blend of alternative rock and lush expansive soundscapes, they provided a stark contrast to the punk energy of their predecessors. Billy Corgan’s vocals were haunting and powerful, particularly on tracks like “Tonight, Tonight” and “1979.” The band’s visuals were equally captivating, with a light show that accentuated their ethereal sound. Their performance was a highlight, bridging the gap between raw punk energy and expansive rock grandeur. The Smashing Pumpkins were such a highlight of this show, I knew they’d be good but I was not expecting how much I’d really end up enjoying their live performance. Which now has me Reviving some of their old albums from my collection. I really forgot exactly how great there albums are especially “Siamese Dream”.
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When Green Day finally took the stage, the anticipation was definitely in the air. Opening with the high-octane “American Idiot,” the band immediately captured the crowd’s energy, making it clear that this was their night. Billie Joe Armstrong’s charisma and engaging stage presence were evident as he led the charge through a setlist that drew from across their extensive catalog. Hits like “Basket Case,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “Holiday” had the crowd singing along fervently, while newer tracks from their recent album, “Saviors,” were met with enthusiastic approval.
The set design and pyrotechnics were particularly impressive, adding a visual spectacle that matched the intensity of the music. I loved the stage lighting it looked so cool a long with images on the large video screens. Armstrong’s interaction with the audience was a highlight; his ability to connect with fans, and inviting them on stage. In which he brought a little girl up from the audience named Quinn to help him sing at one point. She was totally excited to be up there and made for a special point in the show, especially for her and her family. At one point Armstrong said “look who showed up”, up above the audience was a large inflatable plane flying around dropping t-shirts from the bomb hatch. On stage the also had large inflatables one for the mushroom cloud from the “Dookie” cover and one of the fist holding a grenade from the “American Idiot” album a title totally fitting of the current leaders. The energy of the performance never slowed down, even as the show neared its end. The encore featured a blistering version of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” which provided a poignant, yet celebratory conclusion to a night brimming with rock excellence.
In summary, Green Day’s Saviors Tour at American Family Field was such an amazing show, marked by powerful performances from all the bands involved. From the youthful exuberance of The Linda Lindas to the expansive sound of The Smashing Pumpkins and the raw energy of Rancid, the night was a celebration of rock’s diverse and vibrant legacy, culminating in Green Day’s triumphant headline performance. With a set of two and a half hours from Green Day alone fans were sure not to miss out on any favorites. It was a night that reminded fans why these bands have remained influential for so many years.
