Billie Joe Armstrong Insists Green Day Not Breaking Up

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 18:  Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs on stage at the Vector Arena December 18, 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand.  (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 18: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs on stage at the Vector Arena December 18, 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Green Day fans know the difference between a side project and a break-up, but forgive them for being a little perplexed to learn frontman Billie Joe Armstrong recently launched a new band that sounds, frankly, an awful lot like Green Day.  

Armstrong referred to those questioning Green Day's future as "whiners" in a video clip recently posted to the Instagram story of his new band, The Longshot. He also implored fans to "shut the f**k up" with rumours of a break-up.

The singer and guitarist assured fans that Green Day is fine. The Longshot is just a creative way Armstrong is spending this recent period of down time between Green Day tours with some other friends of his.

MORE: Billie Joe Armstrong Debuts Music From His New Band

"I’m playing music because that’s what I’m supposed to do," Armstrong said. "That’s what people that play guitar, and drums, and bass, and they sing – this is what we do.”

He concluded by asking those interested in The Longshot to "come along, because it's a lot of fun.

"All right? Have a pleasant day."

The Longshot's debut album, Love Is for Losers, is available now. 

It's also worth pointing out that a cover band led by Armstrong and Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, called The Coverups, performed in late-March at a small venue in San Francisco. 

That set reportedly also included Green Day drummer Tre Cool. 

The fact that a hard-touring band like Green Day still performs together during its off-time certainly suggests the band is as healthy as ever.

Original article by Andrew Magnotta at iHeartRadio