Billie Joe Armstrong Covers “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory”
One week ago, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong shared a cover of the 1967 hit single “I Think We’re Alone Now,” originally by Tommy James And The Shondells. It was his first offering of distraction and comfort while we all self-isolate in the wake of COVID-19, but we now know it wasn’t his last. Billie Joe has just shared a cover of “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory,” originally by Johnny Thunders, and promised weekly “No Fun Mondays” covers. He stated,
Welcome to No Fun Mondays. Going to release a cover song every week until we’re let back out into the world.
This week’s song: “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” by Johnny ThundersLove BJ
“You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” was a single back in 1978. Billie Joe’s new cover – notably out via Uncool Records – recreates the melancholy guitar sounds. He builds the slower verses, then picks things up on the more angsty choruses. Billie Joe’s vocals are filtered through a reverb effect, lending an older quality to his sound. It’s a great cover that again affirms his own recording skills.
The accompanying music video primarily features photos of Billie with his side band, The Longshot. It includes shots from their “Love Is For Losers” music video set, as well as shots of live performances. It’s a simple collage, but it fits the song nicely.
Check out Billie Joe’s cover of “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” below:
In addition to his two covers, Billie Joe also performed as part of last night’s iHeart Living Room Concert for America. He joined a huge list of stars – ranging from Billie Eilish to Alicia Keys to Lady Gaga – all performing from their respective homes. Billie Joe played Green Day’s American Idiot hit, “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams.” His dog Lenny made a stunning appearance, too.
Check out the full livestream 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 “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” 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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