Green Day Brings Their The Saviors Tour Through Hersheypark Stadium With The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, And The Linda Lindas

In a sugar-coated explosion of punk rock fury, Green Day’s The Saviors Tour descended upon Hersheypark Stadium on September 2, 2024, resonating the jam-packed venue with the spirit of punk rock rebellion. The air was thick with anticipation as fans from all walks of life converged to witness a lineup that spanned generations of alternative rock royalty.

Kicking off the night were The Linda Lindas, the teenage sensations who’ve been making waves since their viral library performance. These young rockers proved they’re not just a flash in the pan, delivering a blistering 20-minute set that included their breakthrough hit “Racist, Sexist Boy” and the infectious “Oh!” Their raw energy and unapologetic attitude set the tone for the evening, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

Next up, punk veterans Rancid took the stage, bringing with them over three decades of East Bay grit. Formed in 1991 from the ashes of Operation Ivy, Rancid has long been a cornerstone of the punk scene. Their 30-minute set was a whirlwind tour through their extensive catalog, featuring the classics “Time Bomb” and “Ruby Soho.” The crowd erupted into a frenzy as Tim Armstrong’s gravelly vocals echoed across the stadium, proving that Rancid’s brand of street punk is as vital as ever.

As the sun began to set, The Smashing Pumpkins emerged, ready to paint the sky with their signature blend of alternative rock and shoegaze. Billy Corgan and company, who’ve been reshaping the rock landscape since 1988, delivered a mesmerizing hour-long performance. The set list was a carefully curated mix of hits and deep cuts, from the haunting “1979” to the thunderous “Bullet with Butterfly Wings.” Corgan’s distinctive vocals soared over Jimmy Chamberlin’s intricate drumming, creating an unmistakable sound that held the audience in rapt attention.

Finally, as darkness fell, Green Day stormed the stage in a blaze of pyrotechnics and power chords. The Bay Area trio, who’ve been the voice of disaffected youth since 1987, showed no signs of slowing down. Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool launched into a marathon 2.5-hour set that spanned their entire career. From the opening notes of “The American Dream Is Killing Me” to the closing strains of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” Green Day held nothing back.

The band tore through hit after hit, with Armstrong’s sneering vocals and razor-sharp guitar work driving the crowd into a frenzy. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” had the entire stadium singing in unison, while “Basket Case” ignited a frenzy that threatened to swallow the first few rows. Performing Dookie and American Idiot in their entirety was a treat for long-time fans, showcasing the band’s punk roots.

As the final notes of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” faded away, the Hersheypark Stadium crowd was left exhausted, exhilarated, and craving more. The Saviors Tour proved that Green Day and their handpicked lineup of punk and alternative icons are not just relics of the past, but vital, relevant forces in today’s rock landscape. In a world of manufactured pop and algorithm-driven playlists, this night was a reminder of the raw power of live rock ‘n’ roll, leaving fans with ringing ears, hoarse voices, and memories to last a lifetime.