Green Day Singer Billie Joe Armstrong has spoken to Rolling Stone about the band's influence on US politics.
Green Day's last album, 2004's 'American Idiot', was not only rife with politics but was a multi-million seller. Rolling Stone asked Armstrong whether it affected US politics, since Bush was still re-elected and the Iraq war continues.Armstrong said about his efforts, "If it's about self-indulgent depression or overthrowing the government, it's gotta come from my heart. And when you say 'Fuck George W. Bush' in a packed arena in Texas, that's an accomplishment, because you're saying it to the unconverted."
He said he hopes that younger fans might now be at voting age and can make a difference to the forthcoming US elections, "I made it to give people a reason to think for themselves. It was supposed to be a catalyst."
Armstrong then said that it's been difficult for him to write about politics now because, "A lot of things on that record are still relevant. It's like we have this monarchy in politics , the passing of the baton between the Clintons and the Bushes. That's frightening."
He also reflected on being a dad, the next generation of DIY punks, and the poisonous state of the tabloid world.
