advertisement
Tv Film

Green Day's ‘New Years Rev’ to Premiere at TIFF

The band serves as co-producers on the coming-of-age Lee Kirk-directed film that debuts at TIFF on September 12.

Green Day
Green Day
Emmie America

September won’t end before a new Green Day project hits theatres.

The band co-produced the film New Years Rev, which will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 12.


Directed by Lee Kirk, New Years Rev stars newcomers Mason Thames, Kyle Coffman and Ryan Foust as the trio’s characters head to Los Angeles under the false impression that their garage band will be opening for the “American Idiot” rockers on New Year's Eve — except it’s a prank.

Nevertheless, naively optimistic, the young group set off on the road from Kansas to California, with wide-eyed dreams of being on stage alongside their heroes.

advertisement

In an Instagram post, Green Day share their excitement for the film’s debut, calling it “a wild road trip coming-of-age” comedy.

“It’s packed with all of your favorite Green Day songs, loaded with mischief, and lots of familiar faces,” they wrote. “This film is our love letter to all of our favorite road trip movies, ‘90s nostalgia, and chasing it all no matter how ridiculous it gets.” At the end, they hint that Toronto was “just the beginning” of the film’s rollout.

The supporting cast includes The Office actresses Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, McKenna Grace, Fred Armisen, Bobby Lee and more.

In February, Live Nation announced the comedy film developed by filmmaker Kirk alongside the group. The story was reportedly inspired by Green Day and their years of living in a tour van.

“Van days rule. You will drive all night on no sleep then play a show for 10 kids in a basement of a friend of a friend’s house 50 miles east of anywhere you’ve ever heard of,” Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong says.

“But you’ll do it again the next day, and the one after that. Because you’re doing it with your bandmates who become your family and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever known. It’s electric. Let the music and mischief ensue.”

advertisement

It's fitting for the film to premiere at TIFF after Armstrong called himself "part Canadian" in a 2023 interview with MuchMusic ahead of the band’s halftime show at the Grey Cup.

While tickets are currently sold out, any last-minute releases will be available here.

advertisement
Executive of the Week: FACTOR's Meg Symsyk on Why Supporting Canadian Music Means Supporting Cultural Sovereignty
Business

Executive of the Week: FACTOR's Meg Symsyk on Why Supporting Canadian Music Means Supporting Cultural Sovereignty

The president and CEO of FACTOR, one of Canada's most crucial music funders, explains why it's more important than ever to support homegrown culture and give it the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

When it comes to supporting Canadian music, FACTOR's influence is immeasurable. One of the most crucial funders of art in the country, the non-profit's impact is seen with its logo across countless acclaimed records and its name shouted out at concerts and award shows. But for president & CEO Meg Symsyk, it's not just about supporting Canadian music or even Canadian artists: it's about the sovereignty and identity of the country itself.

“Buying locally is more important than ever because of that consumer awareness and structural support. Canadians need to be encouraged to be more intentional. This last year and a half with the tariffs and the trade wars has put that on everyone's front burner,” she explains.

keep readingShow less
advertisement