This new version of the track features the band performing with the cast of American Idiot � the critically acclaimed stage version of Green Day's chart-topping 2004 album that just completed a record-breaking three-month run at The Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Newly arranged by Tom Kitt, who is credited with the show's arrangements and musical supervision, recorded at Green Day's studio in Oakland, CA, and produced by singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong. It will be available for purchase from all digital service providers on December 22nd.
Prominently featured on the track are American Idiot cast members John Gallagher, Jr., who won a Tony Award in 2007 for Spring Awakening, Matt Kaplan, Michael Esper, Rebecca Naomi Jones (Passing Strange), Christina Sajous, and Mary Faber. Though the bulk of the songs in the musical are taken from American Idiot, four songs from the band's current gold album 21st Century Breakdown, including "21 Guns," are featured in the show.
"We wanted to record '21 Guns' because it represents a pivotal moment in the show when the lead character, sung by John Gallagher, Jr., realizes he needs to get his s*** together," says Armstrong, who collaborated on the story for American Idiot with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening). "After the show wrapped, we headed straight to Oakland with the cast to record, and they sung the hell out of it. I couldn't be happier. It's great to have something out there for people to hear who didn't get to see the show."
Green Day, which also includes bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool, had cameras rolling in the studio while they recorded the track and plan to release an accompanying video. More details on that will follow shortly.
"21 Guns" is the second single from Green Day's gold album 21st Century Breakdown. The digital version of the track has sold more than one million downloads, while the video won three 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in September, including "Best Rock Video." The band recently completed a sold-out European tour and took home their second American Music Award for "Favorite Alternative Music Artist" in November. They will perform on NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly on December 31st. The band is currently on tour in Australia and New Zealand.
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