In the late 1970s, during the heyday of punk, The Who received remarkable praise from the younger punk groups. And that despite their rock operas, which were of course far too pretentious for real punks. The best compliment is probably given to The Who by the American punk rockers of Green Day who, with their successful concept album American Idiot, were indebted to The Who in both music and text.
21st Century Breakdown is also a 'punk rock opera'. The protagonists are Christian and Gloria, a couple struggling to survive in the first decade of the 21st century. No, the regime of the 43rd US president is not friendly to the couple. However, the music is the big winner. Green Day combines the heavy riffs and accessible choruses from 'classic rock' with the venom of punk. In the 1970s, the American record buyer ignored punk, but the (economic) tide seems to have turned. Now, in times of recession, Americans seem to be open to Green Days revolution. Which the policies of that 43rd president were not good for. (PdK)more
