Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong has released a scorning statement via his Instagram page in response to Connecticut-based Enfield High School's decision to cancel their planned production of the American Idiot musical, due to conflicting content.
In his statement, Armstrong focuses on the significance of the play, addressing its relevance in a "post 9/11 world," stating "I realize the content of the Broadway production of AI is not quite "suitable" for a younger audience. However there is a high school rendition of the production and I believe that's the one Enfield was planning to perform which is suitable for most people."
Prior to Armstrong's comments, the play's director Nate Ferreira released a statement stating that he was in the process of "working with the publisher" to alter the script so that it would be suitable to all audiences, however, an unidentified group of individuals were still against the play. "Unfortunately, a very small number of extremely vocal people have complained about our choice of production." said Ferreira. "At this late stage it is very difficult to switch to a different play, but I do feel that it is best for us to set aside American Idiot for the time being."
Despite Armstrong's motivational comments, the school will reportedly proceed with a brand new play, a production based on Little Shop Of Horrors.
In recent Green Day news, Armstrong posted an in-studio photo of himself in front of a microphone, hinting that the iconic pop-punk trio may be in the process of recording a new album this year, one that would serve as a follow-up to 2012's Uno!, Dos!, Tre! trilogy. More updates are sure to follow, but until then, you can watch their latest documentary, Heart Like a Hand Grenade, via Vimeo On Demand.