It started with an appearance on the season finale of Saturday Night Live where the band energetically showcased the two lead tracks from the new album, "Know Your Enemy" and "21 Guns." As this week began, the band embarked on two intimate club performances and played to SRO crowds first at the Bowery Ballroom and then Webster Hall. Green Day did not shortchange either crowd with full sets at both shows sporting the vigor and enthusiasm their massive fan base is accustomed to. Putting it succinctly, they nailed both shows.

The material from 21st Century Breakdown took on new life with the live performances. As difficult as it is for any true Green Day fan to put the watershed American Idiot album behind them, seeing the band perform the new songs live may just be the catalyst to accomplish that. The album is as diverse and compelling as it is brilliant in its concept and compositions, and it truly comes together live.

Last night, it was another unannounced "secret club date" for 200 people in Tribeca. From Thursday through Sunday, it’s a series of prime TV spots starting with The Colbert Report tonight followed by Good Morning America on Friday as the band launches the GMA 2009 Summer Concert Series, while later in the day it’s Late Show With David Letterman. On tap for the weekend is GMA Weekend on Saturday and CBS Sunday AM on May 24. If that’s not enough, Conan O'Brien and Carson Daly follow shortly thereafter.

The week prior to the album release found Green Day’s nationally syndicated radio special, Inside Green Day 21st Century Breakdown, produced and distributed by FMQB Productions, on 176 radio stations across North America, marking the largest national radio broadcast ever presented by FMQB.

The national tour starts July 1.