Fans Can Download New Single from American Idiot Dec. 22

By Adam Hetrick
22 Dec 2009

Green Day's "21 Guns," featuring the cast of the world premiere of the musical American Idiot, is available for purchase online Dec. 22.

Though the new musical takes its inspiration from the Green Day album of the same title, this song is the second single from Green Day's gold album "21st Century Breakdown," which is newly arranged for the stage production by Tony-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal).

Featured on the track are American Idiot cast members John Gallagher, Jr., Matt Kaplan, Michael Esper, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Christina Sajous and Mary Faber. It's available for purchase from all digital service providers.

A Broadway life for American Idiot is expected in 2010, but nothing has been officially announced. The world premiere was presented at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in fall 2009.

Green Day singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong produced the single. In a statement Armstrong said, "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 stuff together. 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 also features bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool. American Idiot, the musical, was staged by Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), who collaborated with Armstrong on the story.