Billie getting treatment for substance abuse.

[TheJedi]

Do you think it's true that Billie had been sober for a year before this happened?

[No Rhyme Or Reason]

Do you think it's true that Billie had been sober for a year before this happened?

Where are people hearing this? The only thing I've heard is that Billie didn't drink during the latter part of the 21CB tour and while he was on Broadway. He mentioned that in a couple of interviews in the last few months. But after that, I'm not sure.

[Heather.]

Do you think it's true that Billie had been sober for a year before this happened?

We've definitely seen pictures of him drinking beer in the last year. That's just ridiculous. He's drinking a beer in the Irving Plaza video.

[TheJedi]

Where are people hearing this? The only thing I've heard is that Billie didn't drink during the latter part of the 21CB tour and while he was on Broadway. He mentioned that in a couple of interviews in the last few months. But after that, I'm not sure.

We've definitely seen pictures of him drinking beer in the last year. That's just ridiculous. He's drinking a beer in the Irving Plaza video.

i'm talking about this article: http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-09-24/billie-joe-armstrong-was-drinking-in-las-vegas-before-breakdown-says-family-friend-exclusive/

Tré's ex wife Claudia was interviewed about Billie going to "rehab".. she says that he had been sober for a year, but i dont know what to think 'cause just like you say, we've seen photos of him drunk.

[Heather.]

As if Tre's ex-wife is a part of Billie's daily life... IMO, anyone who speaks to the media that extensively about a personal issue (allegedly...), can't be totally trusted.

[NicholasLouisBlack22]

Guys, this may seem like a stupid question but does it really matter whether he was sober in the last year or not? And to be honest, why are they asking Claudia when she isn't even married to Tre anymore? I understand they're still good friends and she probably sees Billie a lot but it still makes no sense to me. To be truthfully honest, in my opinion, we don't really necessarily need to know WHEN he started to drink or whatever the mix is that sent him to rehab. What should matter(And again this is only my opinion so I could be wrong but whatever.) is the fact that the singer of Green Day is in rehab for substance abuse. How it got to this or any warning signs need to be analyzed by his team of doctors that are helping and his family and friends. While I am sure we are all concerned about him, I'm pretty sure even Billie has some secrets. On another note, I do hope he gets better and I hope that he will be himself again. We all know that he and the guys have always had problems with booze and drugs.

[songofthecenturyx]

My mom thinks all of this is suspicious. She said if it was up to Billie, if he had a problem then he would of gone into rehab without telling anyone. She says the label are making this into a big deal to cover their asses since they might look bad after what Billie did.

A possible reason that his decision to go to rehab was made public was to explain why they are cancelling all of their press this week.

[ohbabyherecomesthesound]

I feel bad for saying this, but I'm kind of dissapointed,

Not because Billie was using whatever substance he was using, I do drugs ocassionally and there's nothing wrong with that, it's just that I always admired the fact that no one from Green Day was ever in rehab. I'm just, sad I guess.

I started listening to Green Day when I was 11, I'm 18 now, and they showed me that drugs can be used and not loose control. They are a huge part of my life and have thaught me a lot(including english language), not only about drugs.

I still love Green Day and Billie Joe, this isn't going to change my opinion about them at all, and want the best for Billie Joe, as well as the band, it's just some stupid feeling that came to me suddenly,

I'm pretty happy with the explanation that gave, they just said "substance abuse", it might makes us 'curious' but I think it was a good move. Green day has been a political band but never a drama one, and by not stablishing what substance Billie Joe was using they stopped a lot of drama.

[petros]

I feel bad for saying this, but I'm kind of dissapointed,

Not because Billie was using whatever substance he was using, I do drugs ocassionally and there's nothing wrong with that, it's just that I always admired the fact that no one from Green Day was ever in rehab. I'm just, sad I guess.

I started listening to Green Day when I was 11, I'm 18 now, and they showed me that drugs can be used and not loose control. They are a huge part of my life and have thaught me a lot(including english language), not only about drugs.

I still love Green Day and Billie Joe, this isn't going to change my opinion about them at all, and want the best for Billie Joe, as well as the band, it's just some stupid feeling that came to me suddenly,

I'm pretty happy with the explanation that gave, they just said "substance abuse", it might makes us 'curious' but I think it was a good move. Green day has been a political band but never a drama one, and by not stablishing what substance Billie Joe was using they stopped a lot of drama.

That's actually my opinion exactly(well except I'm not really disappointed or anything) but I thought I would offend some people if I said it...

I don't really know many things about rehab programs or anything and I feel I'm immature or something for this subject to post here.But what you said is what I've been thinking since I first learned the news.

[spark in the night]

Seeing the words Billie and Rehab together feels so strange.

[dirnt286]

I'm not sure he is going to rehab.

No official statement said rehab.

It just said "treatment".

That could mean anything, for any period of time.

[iRun]

Just showed my dad Billie flipping out. This was his reaction!

Dad: So we are seeing these guys in January right? HAHA he just dissed Beiber! Holy shit! The bassist is smashing his guitar too! NOW THAT'S FUCKING ROCK AND ROLL!

Ya Dad!

[spark in the night]

I'm not sure he is going to rehab.

No official statement said rehab.

It just said "treatment".

That could mean anything, for any period of time.

It's more than likely a glorified "rehab"

One of my clients I work with is an addiction treatment center. No where do they say they are rehab. They pride themselves in being a "treatment center"

They are essentially rehab.

[Rivada]

Speaking of drinking, remember when they won best band on the PLANET and they were all sitting at that table with alcohol? That was a sweet acceptance speech.

[Ryan]

My personal opinion is that he is relaxing at home with his family, staying away from temptation, and possibly having somebody come in to get him some help. The stresses of touring around, playing, and doing press is fucking brutal...so I think he just needed a well-deserved break.

[BlackBaboon]

I personally think this is the toughest part of life to swallow. Forty years old, a little over halfway to the lifespan of the average American. Even if you're a superstar at forty, chances are, your most important, memorable acts are behind you. That's not universally true, but I think it's something Billie is going to have come to terms with like a lot of other people. The culture is moving away from what embraced Green Day initially and they can try to adapt to suit new styles all they want and play concerts like iHeart to attract new fans but the fact is, their best days are behind them. Green Day, as sad as it is to say, is no longer very relevant in the sense of 'new' music. Sure they'll watch those they've influenced grow up before them, but, as Andy Warhol would say, "Their fifteen minutes is up." This doesn't mean they have to stop making music and doing what they love, but it does mean that Billie and the others are going to have to accept that the lifestyle they've grown accustomed to is coming to an end.

They aren't going to find huge radio success. They aren't going to be gracing magazine covers anymore. This tour is probably their last hurrah and I think they're realizing it. As much as I like Uno! it's a record from a band at the end of the line. It's one last shot at recapturing some old glory. It's not an evolution, it's a regression because Green Day has realized that they've evolved out of the mainstream that they created. They've tried to relive the past one last time, but it won't be the same. My opinion, and it's just that, is that Billie Joe really just needs some time to understand that he's entering the twilight of his career. The Who and The Rolling Stones still tour the world, but no one under twenty or maybe even thirty really gives a shit if they drop a new tune or album. So I'm not so sure that anything we're seeing is the result of alcohol or marijuana or crosstops or cocaine or anything else like that. I think it all has more to do with the frustration of finally stepping out of the brightest spotlight.

That's what we saw at iHeart. The kids didn't know the words to the songs. Usher dipped into their set without consequence. A girl refused to climb on stage with Billie. He burst. He lost it. He saw what was happening, and I just don't think he could take it. 1988 is a long time ago. I think that's why he referenced his tenure. He wants people to remember how long he and Green Day have been around. He wants to drop more fucks than I've ever heard before because maybe it'll breed some sort of connection. He just needs a few weeks to wrestle with these demons. I think the rest will all fall in line after that.

[Vespertine]

I personally think this is the toughest part of life to swallow. Forty years old, a little over halfway to the lifespan of the average American. Even if you're a superstar at forty, chances are, your most important, memorable acts are behind you. That's not universally true, but I think it's something Billie is going to have come to terms with like a lot of other people. The culture is moving away from what embraced Green Day initially and they can try to adapt to suit new styles all they want and play concerts like iHeart to attract new fans but the fact is, their best days are behind them. Green Day, as sad as it is to say, is no longer very relevant in the sense of 'new' music. Sure they'll watch those they've influenced grow up before them, but, as Andy Warhol would say, "Their fifteen minutes is up." This doesn't mean they have to stop making music and doing what they love, but it does mean that Billie and the others are going to have to accept that the lifestyle they've grown accustomed to is coming to an end.

They aren't going to find huge radio success. They aren't going to be gracing magazine covers anymore. This tour is probably their last hurrah and I think they're realizing it. As much as I like Uno! it's a record from a band at the end of the line. It's one last shot at recapturing some old glory. It's not an evolution, it's a regression because Green Day has realized that they've evolved out of the mainstream that they created. They've tried to relive the past one last time, but it won't be the same. My opinion, and it's just that, is that Billie Joe really just needs some time to understand that he's entering the twilight of his career. The Who and The Rolling Stones still tour the world, but no one under twenty or maybe even thirty really gives a shit if they drop a new tune or album. So I'm not so sure that anything we're seeing is the result of alcohol or marijuana or crosstops or cocaine or anything else like that. I think it all has more to do with the frustration of finally stepping out of the brightest spotlight.

That's what we saw at iHeart. The kids didn't know the words to the songs. Usher dipped into their set without consequence. A girl refused to climb on stage with Billie. He burst. He lost it. He saw what was happening, and I just don't think he could take it. 1988 is a long time ago. I think that's why he referenced his tenure. He wants people to remember how long he and Green Day have been around. He wants to drop more fucks than I've ever heard before because maybe it'll breed some sort of connection. He just needs a few weeks to wrestle with these demons. I think the rest will all fall in line after that.

I wouldn't say their '15 minutes is up.' I wasn't a Green Day at the time, but I'm quite sure most people thought the same thing when Warning was released. And then American Idiot came out and everyone was proved wrong.

I just think this is not a great time for Rock bands in general.

[Ryan]

I personally think this is the toughest part of life to swallow. Forty years old, a little over halfway to the lifespan of the average American. Even if you're a superstar at forty, chances are, your most important, memorable acts are behind you. That's not universally true, but I think it's something Billie is going to have come to terms with like a lot of other people. The culture is moving away from what embraced Green Day initially and they can try to adapt to suit new styles all they want and play concerts like iHeart to attract new fans but the fact is, their best days are behind them. Green Day, as sad as it is to say, is no longer very relevant in the sense of 'new' music. Sure they'll watch those they've influenced grow up before them, but, as Andy Warhol would say, "Their fifteen minutes is up." This doesn't mean they have to stop making music and doing what they love, but it does mean that Billie and the others are going to have to accept that the lifestyle they've grown accustomed to is coming to an end.

They aren't going to find huge radio success. They aren't going to be gracing magazine covers anymore. This tour is probably their last hurrah and I think they're realizing it. As much as I like Uno! it's a record from a band at the end of the line. It's one last shot at recapturing some old glory. It's not an evolution, it's a regression because Green Day has realized that they've evolved out of the mainstream that they created. They've tried to relive the past one last time, but it won't be the same. My opinion, and it's just that, is that Billie Joe really just needs some time to understand that he's entering the twilight of his career. The Who and The Rolling Stones still tour the world, but no one under twenty or maybe even thirty really gives a shit if they drop a new tune or album. So I'm not so sure that anything we're seeing is the result of alcohol or marijuana or crosstops or cocaine or anything else like that. I think it all has more to do with the frustration of finally stepping out of the brightest spotlight.

That's what we saw at iHeart. The kids didn't know the words to the songs. Usher dipped into their set without consequence. A girl refused to climb on stage with Billie. He burst. He lost it. He saw what was happening, and I just don't think he could take it. 1988 is a long time ago. I think that's why he referenced his tenure. He wants people to remember how long he and Green Day have been around. He wants to drop more fucks than I've ever heard before because maybe it'll breed some sort of connection. He just needs a few weeks to wrestle with these demons. I think the rest will all fall in line after that.

While I like your sentiment, you're way the fuck off. Their new single stayed at #1 for several weeks, they are ALL OVER magazine covers, ALL OVER tv, and sold out tour stops within a matter of minutes. They have reviews of UNO saying that they are at the top of their game and that it's better than Dookie...so I really don't understand where you're coming from.

[Vespertine]

While I like your sentiment, you're way the fuck off. Their new single stayed at #1 for several weeks, they are ALL OVER magazine covers, ALL OVER tv, and sold out tour stops within a matter of minutes. They have reviews of UNO saying that they are at the top of their game and that it's better than Dookie...so I really don't understand where you're coming from.

I agree. Plus 21CB sold more copies than most pop albums released in 2009 and I'm quite sure Uno! (Dos! and Tre! too) will be just as succesful.

[BlackBaboon]

While I like your sentiment, you're way the fuck off. Their new single stayed at #1 for several weeks, they are ALL OVER magazine covers, ALL OVER tv, and sold out tour stops within a matter of minutes. They have reviews of UNO saying that they are at the top of their game and that it's better than Dookie...so I really don't understand where you're coming from.

Maybe you're right. I do think these three albums will find moderate success upon release, but it just doesn't feel like Green Day is really making an impact anymore. Maybe it's because of where I'm living or just how I'm absorbing the information but I don't feel the electricity between the fans and the band that I did after 2004 and to a lesser degree, 2009.

[Ryan]

Maybe you're right. I do think these three albums will find moderate success upon release, but it just doesn't feel like Green Day is really making an impact anymore. Maybe it's because of where I'm living or just how I'm absorbing the information but I don't feel the electricity between the fans and the band that I did after 2004 and to a lesser degree, 2009.

Have you been to a recent show or been around these forums? I think the electricity is FAR greater than it was 3 years ago. Haha

[Vespertine]

Maybe you're right. I do think these three albums will find moderate success upon release, but it just doesn't feel like Green Day is really making an impact anymore. Maybe it's because of where I'm living or just how I'm absorbing the information but I don't feel the electricity between the fans and the band that I did after 2004 and to a lesser degree, 2009.

They have an enormous fanbase though, and at the end of the day, that's what really matters.

[1039SweetChildren]

Maybe you're right. I do think these three albums will find moderate success upon release, but it just doesn't feel like Green Day is really making an impact anymore. Maybe it's because of where I'm living or just how I'm absorbing the information but I don't feel the electricity between the fans and the band that I did after 2004 and to a lesser degree, 2009.

They're going back to basics and just enjoying themselves and releasing fun music. It's great for us as fans, but you're right -- there's not much growth going on. That's fine. I think they've reach a point in their career where they're not so worried about outdoing themselves. Artists have peaks and if you spend your career trying to chase after that, you're gonna end up falling flat. For the guys, they could spend the rest of their careers trying to remake another Dookie or American Idiot, but the impact would never be the same.

[Ryan]

They're going back to basics and just enjoying themselves and releasing fun music. It's great for us as fans, but you're right -- there's not much growth going on. That's fine. I think they've reach a point in their career where they're not so worried about outdoing themselves. Artists have peaks and if you spend your career trying to chase after that, you're gonna end up falling flat. For the guys, they could spend the rest of their careers trying to remake another Dookie or American Idiot, but the impact would never be the same.

In my opinion: UNO > AI > Dookie

I think that what they accomplished with Uno is amazing. The instrument arrangements are fucking amazing, the back up vox are nothing short of incredible, and the fun aspect is through the roof. That's the greatest thing about this band...everything they release will be the favorite album of a large group of their fans. I guarantee you that if there was a poll of everybody's favorite album, there would be a really good spread across all the albums. Billie has a lot to do with that, and that's why I think that everybody just wants him to pull through whatever this is. (Had to bring it back to Billie to stay on topic!)

[1039SweetChildren]

In my opinion: UNO > AI > Dookie

I think that what they accomplished with Uno is amazing. The instrument arrangements are fucking amazing, the back up vox are nothing short of incredible, and the fun aspect is through the roof. That's the greatest thing about this band...everything they release will be the favorite album of a large group of their fans. I guarantee you that if there was a poll of everybody's favorite album, there would be a really good spread across all the albums. Billie has a lot to do with that, and that's why I think that everybody just wants him to pull through whatever this is. (Had to bring it back to Billie to stay on topic!)

Nah, I'm not talking about quality of albums here. I mean impact. American Idiot changed the way a lot of people thought. It was almost like a movement. Dookie was groundbreaking for "mainstream punk" or whatever you want to call it. Uno is fantastic, don't get me wrong. But it's not trying to push any boundaries as a standalone piece. I guess one could argue that the trilogy is ambitious as a whole, but time will tell its true impact.

But yeah we're way off topic here.. Sorry!