It seems like a long time ago ago that I was chatting with Billie Joe Armstrong about the stage adaptation of Green Day’s American Idiot CD. The musical actually opened at the Berkeley Repertory Theater a couple of months back, and Spinner is now streaming a version of the song “21 Guns”—which is actually from the trio’s recent 21st Century Breakdown opus— by the cast and Billie Joe Armstrong.
The new take sounds an awful lot like it’s been retooled by the kids of Glee, much to the delight of 99% of my co-workers (I’m rarely able to see the show myself, as it clashes with whatever else happens to be on. Hey, we don’t all have to like it.).
Anyhoo, do you agree that there is something very Glee-ful about the this version of “21 Guns”? And how do you think it compares with the original (the video for which is below)?
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before billie came in, that version was freakin amazing.
Love it.
I would have liked it more if the guys had some parts, but I love it still. Hearing it live in the theatre cant be beat though.
The woman has an incredible voice – who is that???
LOVE IT.
got the chills. really beautiful version.
@Jason – Rebecca Naomi Jones
Sounded amazing. I like it it a lot!
i disagree with graeme.. billie joe sounds great in this song. though, overall it’s a little too “clean” sounding (aka yes, it does feel a bit like glee). i would have preferred a more rock sounding voice for the female lead. rebecca has a great voice, but too r&b/pop for this song.
Love the original, love Billie Joe and love Green Day but hated this version. Sure it would be great on stage but not my thing at all.
I agree with Nikki i think they should keep it original its not as good especially bc its a girls voice
I love this song. I was fortunate to see the show in Berkeley and while “21 Guns” is amazing, it doesn’t portray how rock the actual musical is. BTW, Billie isn’t in the musical and that part will be sung the lead males in the cast recording.
Also, Christina Sajous and Mary Farber sing solos in the song, but I believe that Mary’s “Letterbomb” part was recently cut.
the original is amazing, but I don’t really do musicals. It was better than I thought but if it came on my tv or on the radio, I’d change the station
“by the cast and Billie Joe Armstrong” thats not right. all of GD is in it, Billie is just the only one that sings.
“This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by WMG.” WTF?!?