Billie Joe Armstrong Shares “I Think We’re Alone Now” Cover
Most of us are starting to feel the anxiety of self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s already leading to some comforting musical expression from the artists we follow. In addition to livestreamed concerts and inclusive art projects, some artists are starting to share new songs and covers. Today, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong joined in, sharing a cover of the 1967 hit single “I Think We’re Alone Now,” originally by Tommy James And The Shondells. He recently recorded it in his bedroom.
Billie Joe’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” starts with strutting guitar before clashing drums join in. He sings the verses with punchy energy, then brings everything down for a melodic and calming chorus. It seems that Billie played each of the instruments himself, and the sound quality is remarkably good despite being done in his bedroom.
His cover comes with a video. In addition to old photos from Green Day’s International Superhits! photoshoot and earlier, it also features the lyrics rapidly being written out using coffee beans, Cheerios, and Skittles. It has a fan-made montage vibe, which fits nicely with the feeling of restless, lonesome creativity.
Billie shared a message about his choice to record and share this cover:
Dear friends..
While we’ve all been in quarantine I’ve been reflecting on the things that matter the most in my life. Family, friends and of course music. I recorded a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ “I think we’re alone now” in my bedroom.
I figure if we have to spend this time in isolation at least we can be alone together.
Love BJ
Hear Billie Joe’s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” in the music video below:
Father Of All…
Green Day’s new album Father Of All… just came out last month. It features the singles “Father Of All…,” “Fire, Ready, Aim,” “Oh Yeah!,” and “Meet Me On The Roof.”
It’s a fun and straightforward record, weaving in elements of Motown along with Green Day’s brand of punk rock. While it’s not their strongest or most ambitious release (see instead American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown, and the trilogy), it is refreshingly carefree and fast-paced.
Changing Labels & More Music Possibilities
In a series of interviews last September, Green Day did imply that Father Of All… would be their last album with Warner Records. They’ve been with the major label since the early 1990s, and all of their albums from Dookie onwards have been released by Warner.
Additionally, at the time, the band members also suggested the possibility of them releasing a second album 2020 – possibly on their own label after leaving Warner.
Billie Joe has repeated this idea, including in an interview last month. He states he’s written several songs in the last six months and has several left over from the Father Of All… sessions. However, he did not indicate how they would release new music this year, if they indeed do so. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Hella Mega Tour
Later this spring, Green Day will embark on the Hella Mega Tour, co-headlining with Fall Out Boy and Weezer.
Assuming COVID-19 doesn’t derail things, the tour is set to start on May 24th in Moscow, and extends through Europe, culminating in a Dublin show on June 29th. Then the Hella Mega Tour will take the bands to North America, starting in Seattle on July 17th and finishing in Philadelphia on August 29th. In November, the tour will go to Australia and New Zealand.
Asian dates have been cancelled due to Coronavirus, but will hopefully be rescheduled once the illness is under control. Dates in other territories have not been announced.
Tickets for the Hella Mega Tour are on sale now. Be sure to get tickets before it’s too late! Some dates have already sold out, so don’t wait!
Enjoy Billie Joe’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” cover, and be sure to spin Green Day’s recent Father Of All… album. Get ready for more music from Green Day, potentially out this summer, and for their Hella Mega tour with Fall Out Boy and Weezer. Keep checking back here for all the latest Green Day music news.
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