Pop-punk revivalists Green Day are set to head into the studio with Irish rockers U2.
The bands will record a cover of 'The Saints Are Coming’, originally recorded by Scottish punk band The Skids.
The song will benefit Music Rising, a charity set up to put instruments back in the hands of New Orleans’ famed musicians, who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.
It will be the first time
Green Day have recorded since their mammoth '
American Idiot’ album, which is one of the most successful albums in history. It also acknowledges their place in the music ladder, with U2 rarely recording or performing with others as a full band.
U2’s last duet was with Paul McCartney at Live 8 in London.
The message on Green Day's website reads as follows: "As promised, we are very proud to unveil the big news we've hinted at. In the coming weeks, we'll be going into the studio with U2 to record a cover of the song "The Saints Are Coming," which was originally recorded by Scottish punk band, The Skids. We were asked by U2 to record the song with them to benefit Music Rising, an organization that replaces instruments musicians lost in Hurricane Katrina's wake. One year later, the devastation is still fresh in our minds, and we'd like to keep it in yours. New Orleans has always been a special city to us, being a hotbed of music and creativity, and it's hard to believe parts of the gulf region still remain devastated. We feel that it's important to continue to raise awareness."
In related Green Day news, People For the American Way just announced that on October 10, they'll be presenting their Spirit of Liberty Award to Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt. PFAW has all the info about the ceremony, as well as the other nominees, here.
The organization explained the award: "Over the years, the group has lent their time and music to benefit many charitable causes, including the Live 8 concert series, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and the NRDC. [...] their latest multi-platinum album, American Idiot, has effectively raised social and political consciousness among audiences worldwide."
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