Billie Joe Armstrong joins The Replacements for a sloppy, rambunctious performance in Kentucky

As we initially reported yesterday, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong joined legendary rockers The Replacements for a third show in a row, last night at Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Ky.

Armstrong first performed with the group at the second weekend of Coachella back in April, when 'Mats frontman Paul Westerberg fell victim to back trouble and was forced to perform sitting down, then returned in May to once again help fill out the lineup at Atlanta's Shaky Knees.

If last night's Forecastle is any indication, Billie Joe's residency appears to be ongoing, at least for the time being, and we were there to witness the epic pairing in action.

Josh Freese and Billie Joe Armstrong. Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship.

The Replacements made no special mention or acknowledgement of Armstrong, simply treating him as just another member of the band. It's entirely possible that many festival goers were unaware of who the striped jacket clad, jet black haired guitarist actually was. Billie Joe seemed to relish in this relative anonymity, grinning from ear to ear at another opportunity to perform with the reunited rockers.

Paul Westerberg. Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship.

While their set, the group's first in two months, had its share of sloppy moments and false starts, a fact readily pointed out and mocked by bassist and founding member Tommy Stinson, as well as guitar smashing antics, Armstrong's enthusiasm coupled with the unwavering momentum provided by current drummer Josh Freese, helped bind the songs together and keep things afloat.

Paul Westerberg and Billie Joe Armstrong. Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship.

The mistakes were minor compared to the set's high points, however, and the energy level was astonishing for a band now in its 35th year of existence (minus a two decade or so break). Standing at a generous 23 songs, The Replacements' set was packed with fan favorites and career-spanning classics, complete with standouts “I'm In Trouble,” “Left Of The Dial,” and “Bastards Of Young.”

Tommy Stinson. Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship.

Here's a list of songs performed last night, via Setlist.fm:

Takin a Ride 
I'm in Trouble 
Favorite Thing 
I'll Be You 
Nowhere Is My Home 
Color Me Impressed 
White and Lazy 
Achin' to Be 
Kiss Me on the Bus 
Valentine 
(Unknown)
Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out 
Androgynous 
I Will Dare 
Message to the Boys 
Love You Till Friday 
Maybellene (Chuck Berry cover)
Merry Go Round 
Left of the Dial 
Alex Chilton 
Can't Hardly Wait 
Bastards of Young 

I Don't Know 

Billie Joe Armstrong. Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship.

And, below, you'll find a full list of upcoming Replacements dates. Whether or not they will feature Billie Joe remains to be seen.

Aug 1-3 – Osheaga Festival – Montreal, QC
Sept 6-7 – Boston Calling – Boston, MA
Sept 13 – Midway Stadium – St. Paul, MN
Sept 19 – Forest Hills Stadium – New York, NY
Sept 27 – Summer Ends Music Festival – Tempe, AZ
Oct 3-5 – Austin City Limits Festival – Austin, TX
Oct 10-12 – Austin City Limits Festival – Austin, TX

Not pictured is Dave Minehan, who has played guitar for the group since their Riot Fest reunion last fall.