Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman and guitarist for Green Day, has revealed why he avoids solos and instead focuses on rhythm.
Growing up listening to guitarists famed for their solos like Eddie Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen, Armstrong believed that guitarists should always perform solos and be fast and good like Malmsteen. His perspective shifted as he became more interested in punk and rock music. He revealed in a recent interview with Guitar World:
“And I was like, ‘Man, then I’ll just be sitting in my room for the rest of my life. I’m never going to be in a band ever! That’s when my tastes began to change, and I became more interested in punk and alternative music.
Being an anti-solo guitarist has helped him gain popularity in the punk rock genre. Where he is still regarded as a founding member after many years. But one Green Day record marked his apex as an anti-solo guitarist. The rocker added:
“And it’s still about tremendous guitar sounds and great solos, but not like heavy metal, which has become a bit of a farce. So I became more of an anti-solo guitarist, particularly for ‘Dookie.'”
Billie Joe Armstrong Has One More Aim
Armstrong’s initial reluctance to flamboyant playing was gradually balanced by his early inclinations. This path has gotten him to a point where he is more comfortable demonstrating his guitar talents and is not afraid to make ‘awful noise.’
Still, the leader continues to push himself for one thing:
“I’ve gotten to a point where I know my limitations, but at the same time I’m really pushing myself to be a better guitar player.”
Green Day’s current album, ‘Saviors,’ was released last month, and it revolutionized the way Billie Joe Armstrong approached his music. You may listen to the album below.
