Green Day 'terrified' by live return

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has admitted that the band's recent return to the live stage was "terrifying".

The punk rockers, who released their new album 21st Century Breakdown on Friday, recently performed a series of intimate club shows for hometown fans in California's Bay Area - their first dates as Green Day in three years.

"We decided to just go and do it live in front of people," Armstrong told Rolling Stone. "It was terrifying, especially when you're playing all brand new songs from start to finish. It's kind of like playing your first gig all over again. It's about making your own memories before someone makes them for you."

He went on to admit that now with eight studio albums to choose from, the band's sets could last "anywhere from two to four hours long".

"We want to give [Bruce] Springsteen a run for his money. I think his longest show is maybe five hours, I think Green Day's got six!"

Last month, Green Day announced the details of a ten-date UK and Irish autumn arena tour.