Green Day singer in rehab

Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer and guitarist for the Grammy-winning rock band Green Day, is seeking substance abuse treatment, the group said on its website, following an angry, guitar-smashing outburst on stage last Friday.

The statement, which apologised for the abrupt and acrimonious end to the band’s appearance, came as Green Day were due to launch today an ambitious trilogy of albums, their first collection of new music since 2009.

No details were given about the nature of Armstrong’s difficulties.