Green Day at MEN Arena 30th and 31st October

The biggest punk band on the planet kick-start their first UK tour in 4 years in Manchester.

Green Day are easily one of the most influential bands of the last 20 years. A generation grew up to Dookie and Nimrod in the 90's, the albums that brought us Basketcase, Time Of Your Life, Nice Guys Finish Last and Hitching a Ride.

But it was their 2004 release, American Idiot, which really propelled them into the big time. With its 'punk rock opera' structure and uncompromising lyrics, American Idiot captured the feeling of an America stunned and disenchanted by the politics of George Bush and the war on terror. Within the year it had stormed the number 1 spot in 19 countries, won a string of awards and launched Green Day into a 150-date worldwide tour.

Their new album, 21st Century Breakdown, explores the politics of broken dreams through three separate movements (Heroes and Cons, Charlatans and Saints, and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades) as we follow the story of an ill-fated couple. It is Green Day's most ambitious album to date, combining blistering guitars, energy and anger with some of the most melodic music written by the band.

It has now been four years since the band were seen in the UK, and the news that they are to begin their 21st Century Breakdown UK tour in Manchester already has fans chomping at the bit for tickets. Tickets go on sale on Friday 1st May at 9am - get your mouse at the ready.