American Idiot Film

It's hard to believe that Green Day's American Idiot was released over six years ago. But perhaps what's more amazing is the impact it's still having on not only the punk scene, but American pop-culture in general.

The Grammy winning album that burned classics like "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "Wake Me Up When September Ends" into the heads of millions worldwide is now a musical on Broadway. In fact, in the coming weeks, the show will star Melissa Etheridge as the record's protagonist, St. Jimmy (a spot currently being played by Green Day vocalist, Billie Joe Armstrong).

But the band, along with the musical's producers, are looking to take the phenomenon that is American Idiot beyond the stage. That's right, straight to the big screen.

While all this still remains in talks, both Armstrong and musical director Michael Mayer said the album is suited perfectly for film. Think about it. American Idiot is a rock-opera built around the lives of American youth trying to make sense of their lives, their dreams and the decay of suburbia in a post-9/11 world. The story is as visually appealing as the record is musically riveting.

Mayer recently told the New York Times that, "There are people who have the ability to make it [a film version] happen, who have expressed genuine interest in it, and we want to do it, so I think it could happen."

So what about characters? Who would play that coveted spot of St. Jimmy? When the Times asked both Armstrong and Mayer that question, Armstrong simply smiled and shrugged - to which Mayer responded, "I think it's a no-brainer."

The impact that a film version of the musical/rock-opera could have on pop-culture is massive. The musical alone has grown exponentially. Starting off in the Berkeley Repertory Theater in California in September of 2009, the production has since moved to the St. James Theater on Broadway where it's been playing non-stop since March 2010.

A movie, nationwide, could essentially connect the masses to the message once again, as it was in '04 and '05 when Green Day toured relentlessly in support of the album.

And beyond all that American Idiot has become, Armstrong says he's got his sights set on some new types of writing.

"I think I'd be interested in the future of really getting into writing specifically for a [theater] show," Armstrong told the Times. "The kind of music that I like is very immediate and very catchy, and you identify with it quickly, and I try to write that way. And in musical theater it's the same thing: you identify with the songs immediately, the good ones anyway."

So there you have it, Green Day enthusiasts. You might not have to make the pilgrimage to NYC to catch American Idiot live after all. You lucky punks.

**We'd like to thank our correspondent K.C. for the research for this post**

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

Sugarcult Comeback in 2011?

There was no formal breakup. The word "hiatus" was never muttered. If anything, Sugarcult, the punk-rock four-piece from California, just sort of fell off the map.

Sugarcult haven't had a consistent schedule since 2007, when they were touring in support of their last release, Lights Out. But this may all be changing in 2011. Late last year, Sugarcult hinted on their Facebook page that they would be playing a number of shows in the UK come April.

2011 also marks the 10-year anniversary of the release of their album, Start Static, which propelled the band into the ears of teens and twenty-somethings worldwide when its hit song, "Bouncing Off The Walls", made the Van Wilder soundtrack.

Though there has been more buzz on Sugarcult's website and social networking sites recently than in the last few years, the band have yet to hint to any permanent US touring, or any new recording of any sort.

Since we last heard from the California outfit, each member has been working on their own musical ventures. Most notably, guitarist Marko DeSantis has stayed busy with his worldwide DJ'ing efforts, an online radio show and running a rock 'n' roll summer camp for teens in San Diego.

Lead singer Tim Pagnotta moved from the vocal booth to behind the soundboard as the producer/co-writer for Neon Trees. The band had the hit single of the summer with "Animal".

Bassist Airin Older is still on the road, touring with his new band, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

And lastly, drummer Kenny Livingston recently finished a cross-country bike ride to raise awareness toward healthier lifestyles and nutrition in America. To make the feat even cooler, Livingston did it all on his vintage beach cruiser. In your face, Lance Armstrong!

So don't expect much more than some touring this year, Cult enthusiasts. Regardless though, it's nice to have the band back after such a long absence. Be sure to check in with Backstage Press and follow us on Twitter for any updates regarding Sugarcult.