March 30, 2009 13:29

Green Day confirm 'American Idiot' musical

The 13 million-selling concept album is set for the stage this September

Photo Gallery: Green Day

Green Day have confirmed that their 2004 album 'American Idiot' will be turned into a musical.

The punk megastars' 13 million-selling concept LP has long been rumoured for a stage adaptation. It's now been confirmed that the production will run from September 4 to October 11 at the Berkley Repertory Theatre in California.

The musical is a collaboration between the band and Michael Mayer, the director of hit musical Spring Awakening, which recently opened in London.

Billie Joe Armstrong told the New York Times: "It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but that’s what I love about it. When people see it, it’s going to be my wildest dream."

The project came about after Mayer and his producing partner Tom Hulce gained widespread acclaim for Spring Awakening, which concerns adolescent struggles in 19th century Germany. The pair approached Green Day, and after a series of workshops throughout 2008, the band gave their permission for a full-scale production.

Mayer said: "It was very much in my head all that time (during Spring Awakening). Sometimes I really would say things like, "Why can’t this have a groove like 'Boulevard Of Broken Dreams'?""

If the run in Berkley is a success, a move to Broadway looks likely.

Meanwhile, Green Day's new album '21st Century Breakdown' is released worldwide on May 15.

Head to NME.COM/PHOTOS to check out our 30 Things You Never Knew About Green Day photo gallery.