Franz Ferdinand pairs with Green Day on tour

Franz Ferdinand drummer Paul Thomson said his band got the gig opening for Green Day through a mutual friend.

"We kept running into each other," said Thomson of the friend, who was part of Green Day's entourage.

"Green Day would play a show at a venue a few days before us, and we'd always have that connection. And schedules worked out."

Thomspon, who spoke by phone from Switzerland, where Franz Ferdinand was gearing up to play a music festival, said he and his bandmates — Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy and Bob Hardy — felt the biggest challenge for opening for Green Day was playing in front of audiences who didn't necessarily know Franz Ferdinand's style of music, a direct descendant of '80s punk and new wave.

Still, he said, there are those fans who know the music and are a little taken aback by the order in which the songs are played.

"As an opening band, we have less time onstage," said Thomson. "And we have three albums' worth of songs to choose from. So we play a different set every night, basically. And some songs that we usually ended a set with will come first because of the energy factor. So it is strange not leaving the stage after a song like that is played."

Thomson said there is a misconception about being in a rock band.

"Don't let anyone fool you," said Thomson. "Being in a band is hard work. The lifestyle is an adjustment."

By "lifestyle" Thomson said he means that being in a band is not just one big party.

"It's a job," he said. "The tour schedule is hard. The hours are grueling, and we have to give it our all every night, regardless of how tired we are. And we also write songs and have to make sure they are up to quality."

However, heading out on tour, whether the band is headlining or opening, is always a perk for Franz Ferdinand.

"Getting to play music around the world is rewarding."

If you go ...

What: Green Day, Franz Ferdinand

Where: EnergySolutions Arena, 301 S. West Temple

When: Aug. 16, 8 p.m.

How much: $21-$45.50

Phone: 801-355-7328

Web: www.ticketmaster.com

e-mail: scott@desnews.com