Green Day 5/13/98
Green Day with Samiam at Memorial Aud. in Burlington, VT
Samiam was the opening act for the night. For those of you who don't know
who they are, Samiam is a Punk band from San Francisco, CA. They were
really awesome. Although they didn't play many songs, (only about 5 or 6).
But nevertheless they ripped off some very fast and furious songs. The mosh
pit was in full swing and I managed to drop my car keys on the floor, and
I also almost lost a shoe. Great fun and awesome moshing! Rating=9
Green Day was the main band to feature in the night's entertainment. You
see, Memorial Aud. is a very small venue. It is a medium sized basketball
gym. There was probably 800 people at this show. My cousin and I got to
the show about 4 hours early and sat outside, behind the Aud. We managed
to catch a glimpse of all 3 members of GD in the back parking lot. Mike
was riding around on a small BMX bike, while Billie and Tre stood around.
Then Tre hopped in a Bronco type thing and left with other people.(To take a
tour of the area I guess). Later, still before the show, we heard both
bands do sound check and stuff. once we entered the building we made our way
to the mosh pit and waited. I lost sight of my cousin shortly after GD
came on. And I managed to view the show from an earpopping 5 feet away
from the stage, getting very close to the members. I almost got a guitar
pick from Mike. They played all the 'classics' (if you will), such as
"When I Come Around", "Welcome To Paradise", "Geek Stink Breath",
"Longview", "Basketcase", and "2000 Light Years Away." But this show
was mainly focused on the new album 'Nimrod'. So the band kicked out
newer offerings such as: "Hichin' A Ride",
"Nice Guys Finish Last", "King For A Day", "Scattered", "Redundant",
"Time Of Your Life", and "Platypus". They also did a few cover tunes such
as: "Knowledge" by Op Ivy, "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchel, "Rape Me" by
Nirvana, and a Metallica song. (Billie Joe pulled about 4 people up on
stage through out the course of the show, and my cousin Travis was one of
them! He got to shake Billie's hand and do a stage dive!!). This show was
awesome, and hands down, the best show I have ever seen!! If you ever have
have the chance to see GD live, do it!!!! Rating=10++
Email: rdauphin@danville.k12.vt.us
