Billie Joe Armstrong is a highly acclaimed American musician and actor, widely recognized as the frontman and primary songwriter for the iconic punk rock band Green Day, which he co-founded with Mike Dirnt in 1987. Beyond Green Day, his musical talents extend to being the guitarist and vocalist for Pinhead Gunpowder and leading various side projects like Foxboro Hot Tubs and The Network. His exceptional guitar skills have earned him critical acclaim as one of the all-time greats in punk rock.
1956: Acquisition of "Floyd," Armstrong's Favorite Guitar
Billie Joe Armstrong acquired his cherished 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior, nicknamed "Floyd," in 2000, shortly before Green Day began recording their album "Warning." This guitar became a cornerstone of his collection and a favorite instrument.
1956: Armstrong's Affinity for the 1956 Les Paul Junior
Billie Joe Armstrong's fondness for the 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior, particularly his prized guitar "Floyd," highlighted his appreciation for the classic design and sonic qualities of this model.
1959: Marshall Amplification founded
The Marshall Amplification company, known for its iconic guitar amplifiers, was founded in 1959. Billie Joe Armstrong would later use Marshall amplifiers extensively throughout his career.
February 17, 1972: Birth of Billie Joe Armstrong
On February 17, 1972, Billie Joe Armstrong was born in Oakland, California.
September 10, 1982: Death of Billie Joe Armstrong's Father
On September 10, 1982, Billie Joe Armstrong's father passed away due to esophageal cancer, a significant event that later inspired the song "Wake Me Up When September Ends."
1982: Armstrong Receives His First Electric Guitar
At ten years old, in 1982, Billie Joe Armstrong received his first electric guitar, a Fernandes Stratocaster he named "Blue," the same year his father passed away. His mother purchased the guitar from George Cole, who would go on to teach Armstrong guitar for the next decade.
1984: First Concert Experience
Billie Joe Armstrong's first concert experience was seeing Van Halen perform in 1984.
1987: First Gig with Mike Dirnt
Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt performed their first gig together in 1987 at Rod's Hickory Pit in El Cerrito, California, where Armstrong's mother worked.
1987: Formation of Sweet Children
In 1987, Billie Joe Armstrong, at the age of 15, formed a band called Sweet Children with his friend Mike Dirnt.
1987: Formation of Sweet Children
In 1987, a 15-year-old Billie Joe Armstrong formed the band Sweet Children, which would later become Green Day.
1988: Sean Hughes Leaves Sweet Children
Sean Hughes departed from the band Sweet Children in 1988, leading to Mike Dirnt switching to bass and the band becoming a trio.
April 1989: Green Day is Born
In April 1989, the band formerly known as Sweet Children changed their name to Green Day, inspired by their appreciation for marijuana.
1989: Release of "1,000 Hours"
Green Day released their debut EP, "1,000 Hours," through Lookout! Records in 1989.
1990: Armstrong meets Adrienne Nesser
Billie Joe Armstrong crossed paths with Adrienne Nesser, his future wife, at one of Green Day's early performances in Minneapolis in 1990.
1990: Collaboration with The Lookouts and Tré Cool Joins Green Day
Billie Joe Armstrong played lead guitar and provided backing vocals for three songs on The Lookouts' final EP, "IV," in 1990, which featured Tré Cool on drums. Tré Cool subsequently became Green Day's drummer in late 1990.
1990: Recording of "39/Smooth" and "Slappy"
Green Day recorded their debut studio album, "39/Smooth," and the extended play "Slappy" in 1990.
1991: Joining Pinhead Gunpowder
Billie Joe Armstrong joined the band Pinhead Gunpowder in 1991.
1991: Release of "Kerplunk"
Green Day released their second album, "Kerplunk," in 1991, marking Tré Cool's debut with the band.
1991: Armstrong and Arica Pelino break up
In 1991, Billie Joe Armstrong and his girlfriend, Arica Pelino, ended their relationship.
1991: Release of "1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours"
The compilation album "1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours" was released in 1991, combining Green Day's earlier releases: "1,000 Hours," "39/Smooth," and "Slappy."
1992: Departure of Sarah Kirsch and Arrival of Jason White
In Pinhead Gunpowder, Sarah Kirsch left the group in 1992 and was replaced by Jason White.
1993: Collaboration with Rancid
Billie Joe Armstrong performed live with the punk band Rancid multiple times in 1993 and co-wrote their song "Radio." Despite an invitation to join the band, he declined to focus on Green Day.
July 2, 1994: Armstrong marries Adrienne Nesser
Billie Joe Armstrong and Adrienne Nesser exchanged vows on July 2, 1994.
1994: Release of "Dookie"
Green Day achieved mainstream success with the release of their third album, "Dookie," in 1994, establishing them as a leading rock band.
1994: Armstrong and Amanda break up
Billie Joe Armstrong's relationship with "Amanda" ended in 1994.
1994: Release of "Basket Case"
Green Day released the song "Basket Case" in 1994.
February 28, 1995: Armstrong's first son, Joseph Marciano Armstrong, is born
Billie Joe Armstrong and Adrienne Nesser welcomed their first child, Joseph Marciano "Joey" Armstrong, on February 28, 1995.
1995: Armstrong's Guitar Setup Evolution
Billie Joe Armstrong continued to modify and refine his guitar setup in 1995, switching to a black Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB pickup. This period showcased his ongoing experimentation with different guitar components and their impact on his sound.
1995: Armstrong publicly identifies as bisexual
Billie Joe Armstrong first publicly acknowledged his bisexuality in a 1995 interview with The Advocate.
1995: Release of "Insomniac"
Green Day released their album "Insomniac" in 1995.
1995: Armstrong Discusses Early Guitar Lessons in MTV Interview
In a 1995 MTV interview, Billie Joe Armstrong recounted his early guitar lessons with George Cole, emphasizing that they were not traditional lessons focused on reading music. Instead, Cole focused on teaching him hand positioning and practical playing techniques.
1995: Armstrong discusses the inspiration behind "Armitage Shanks"
In a 1995 interview with Spin magazine, Billie Joe Armstrong opened up about the inspiration behind Green Day's song "Armitage Shanks", connecting it to his feelings of turmoil and his recent break-up with "Amanda".
1997: Armstrong co-founds Adeline Records
Billie Joe Armstrong, alongside others, established Adeline Records, a rock and punk rock record label, in 1997.
1997: Release of "Nimrod"
Green Day released their album "Nimrod" in 1997.
1997: Start of Sobriety Journey
Billie Joe Armstrong's journey with sobriety began in 1997, around the time of Green Day's album "Nimrod".
1997: Founding of Adeline Records
Billie Joe Armstrong established Adeline Records in 1997 to support up-and-coming bands.
September 12, 1998: Armstrong's second son, Jakob Danger Armstrong, is born
On September 12, 1998, Billie Joe Armstrong and Adrienne Nesser became parents for the second time with the birth of their son, Jakob Danger Armstrong.
2000: Recording of "Warning" Album
Green Day commenced recording their album "Warning" in 2000, marking a significant period of creative development for the band.
2000: Release of "Warning"
Green Day released their album "Warning" in 2000.
2001: Co-writing "Unforgiven" with The Go-Go's
Billie Joe Armstrong collaborated with The Go-Go's on their 2001 song "Unforgiven."
January 5, 2003: Arrest for DUI
Billie Joe Armstrong was arrested for driving under the influence on January 5, 2003, and subsequently released on bail.
2003: Formation of The Network
Billie Joe Armstrong was part of the Green Day side project The Network, which was active from 2003 to 2005.
2004: Release of "American Idiot"
Green Day released "American Idiot," their first rock opera, in 2004, achieving significant commercial success.
2005: The Network Goes on Hiatus
The Network, a Green Day side project, went on hiatus in 2005.
2006: Release of Armstrong's First Signature Les Paul Junior
Billie Joe Armstrong's first signature Gibson Les Paul Junior model was released in 2006. This model, closely modeled after his beloved guitar "Floyd," a 1956 Les Paul Junior, featured a Gibson "H-90" pickup, specifically designed for Armstrong's signature models.
2007: Formation of Foxboro Hot Tubs
Billie Joe Armstrong became the lead vocalist of the Green Day side project Foxboro Hot Tubs, formed in 2007.
2008: Armstrong supports Barack Obama's presidential campaign
Billie Joe Armstrong publicly expressed his support for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Release of "Stop Drop and Roll!!!"
Foxboro Hot Tubs, a Green Day side project, released their album "Stop Drop and Roll!!!" in 2008.
2009: Start of "21st Century Breakdown Tour"
Green Day embarked on their "21st Century Breakdown Tour" in 2009.
2009: Release of "21st Century Breakdown"
Green Day released their second rock opera, "21st Century Breakdown," in 2009, which was another commercial success.
2009: Formation of Rodeo Queens
In 2009, Billie Joe Armstrong, along with members of Green Day and Jesse Malin, formed the band Rodeo Queens, releasing one song and video, "Depression Times."
2009: "American Idiot" Broadway Adaptation
"American Idiot" was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2009, going on to win two Tony Awards.
2010: Armstrong Performs in "American Idiot" Musical
Billie Joe Armstrong took on the role of St. Jimmy in the "American Idiot" musical for two stints in late 2010 and early 2011.
2010: Armstrong plays piano on "American Idiot: The Original Broadway Cast Recording"
Demonstrating his musical versatility, Billie Joe Armstrong played the piano on the "American Idiot: The Original Broadway Cast Recording" in 2010.
2010: End of "21st Century Breakdown Tour"
Green Day's "21st Century Breakdown Tour" concluded in 2010.
2011: End of Run in "American Idiot" Musical
Billie Joe Armstrong's second stint in the "American Idiot" musical as St. Jimmy concluded in early 2011.
2011: European Tour and Addiction Struggles
During their European tour in 2011, Billie Joe Armstrong's reliance on medication peaked as he grappled with addiction.
September 21, 2012: Green Day's iHeartRadio Music Festival Incident
On September 21, 2012, during a performance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Billie Joe Armstrong exhibited onstage agitation, halting Green Day's set during their song "Basket Case." He expressed criticism towards the event promoters for allegedly shortening their performance time. Following the incident, the band issued an apology while clarifying that their set had not been cut short. This event transpired just days before the release of their album, "¡Uno!".
December 2012: Announcement of Return to Touring
In late December 2012, Green Day announced their return to touring, scheduled for the end of March 2013, following a period of cancellations due to Armstrong's personal challenges.
2012: Release of Armstrong's Second Signature Les Paul Junior
A second signature Gibson Les Paul Junior model, designed in collaboration with Billie Joe Armstrong, was launched in 2012. This model, finished in TV Yellow with a double-cutaway design, also featured the exclusive Gibson "H-90" pickup.
2012: Green Day's Album Trilogy Release
In 2012, Green Day released a trio of albums titled "¡Uno!", "¡Dos!", and "¡Tré!"
2012: Armstrong supports Barack Obama's re-election campaign
Billie Joe Armstrong reiterated his support for Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election.
March 2013: Green Day's Return to Touring
Green Day resumed touring at the end of March 2013 after addressing cancellations related to Armstrong's personal struggles.
March 2013: Billie Joe Armstrong's Rolling Stone Interview
In a March 2013 Rolling Stone interview, Billie Joe Armstrong openly discussed his struggles with sobriety, dating back to 1997. He shared insights into his experiences during Green Day's 2009-2010 "21st Century Breakdown" tour, revealing instances of significant meltdowns. Armstrong candidly detailed the escalation of his addiction, particularly in the period leading up to the release of their albums "¡Uno!", "¡Dos!", and "¡Tré!" and the iHeartRadio incident.
June 7, 2013: Release of "The Wack Album" and "I Run NY"
The Lonely Island, a comedy hip-hop group, released their album "The Wack Album" on June 7, 2013, featuring a collaboration with Billie Joe Armstrong on the song "I Run NY".
2013: Notable Collaborations and Appearances
Billie Joe Armstrong participated in various projects in 2013, including appearing as a mentor on NBC's The Voice, releasing a collaborative album with Norah Jones titled "Foreverly" featuring covers of The Everly Brothers, and the release of their single "Long Time Gone" on October 23rd.
February 2014: Armstrong discusses his marriage and fatherhood in Rolling Stone
Reflecting on his personal life, Billie Joe Armstrong discussed his marriage to Adrienne Nesser and fatherhood in a February 2014 interview with Rolling Stone.
February 2014: Armstrong discusses his bisexuality in Rolling Stone
In February 2014, Billie Joe Armstrong openly discussed his bisexuality during an interview with Rolling Stone, reflecting on the themes explored in Green Day's album "Dookie".
March 2014: Premiere of "These Paper Bullets" Musical
March 2014 marked the premiere of "These Paper Bullets" at Yale Repertory Theater, a rock musical adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing featuring songs written by Billie Joe Armstrong.
November 2014: Move to New York and "Ordinary World" Filming
Billie Joe Armstrong relocated to New York with his son Joseph in November 2014 to work on the film "Ordinary World." The film, centered around a mid-life crisis, marked his first lead acting role and featured original songs by him.
2014: Billie Joe Armstrong Joins The Replacements
In 2014, Billie Joe Armstrong joined The Replacements for a series of shows, stepping in for frontman Paul Westerberg who was experiencing back problems. His contributions were significant, with Westerberg acknowledging him as an "expansion of the band."
April 2015: Armstrong opens Broken Guitars in Oakland
In April 2015, Billie Joe Armstrong, in partnership with Bill Schneider, opened Broken Guitars, a guitar shop in Oakland, California. The shop was later renamed Oakland Guitars.
December 2015: Armstrong and Mike Dirnt launch Oakland Coffee Works
December 2015 saw the launch of Oakland Coffee Works, a coffee company established by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt, promoting organic coffee and sustainable practices.
2015: Co-founding of Oakland Coffee Works
In 2015, Billie Joe Armstrong co-founded Oakland Coffee Works.
2015: Jakob Danger Armstrong begins releasing music
Jakob Danger Armstrong, Billie Joe Armstrong's second son, embarked on his own musical path, releasing his initial material online in 2015.
October 2016: Release of "Revolution Radio"
Green Day released their album "Revolution Radio" in October 2016.
2016: Release of "Ordinary World"
"Ordinary World," a film starring Billie Joe Armstrong in his first lead role, was released in 2016. The film explored themes of mid-life crisis and featured original music by Armstrong.
2016: Armstrong supports Bernie Sanders and later Hillary Clinton in the presidential election
In the 2016 presidential race, Billie Joe Armstrong initially backed Bernie Sanders but later shifted his support to Hillary Clinton following Sanders' loss in the Democratic primaries.
July 2017: Formation of The Armstrongs
In July 2017, Billie Joe Armstrong formed the supergroup The Armstrongs with Tim Armstrong of Rancid.
August 2017: Closure of Adeline Records
In August 2017, Adeline Records, a record company founded by Billie Joe Armstrong in 1997, shut down after two decades.
August 2017: Adeline Records closes
Co-founded by Billie Joe Armstrong in 1997, Adeline Records, a rock and punk rock record label, closed in August 2017.
2017: Armstrong expresses his political views in a Rolling Stone interview
Billie Joe Armstrong articulated his political stance in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, identifying as an independent and voicing criticism of Donald Trump.
April 2018: Formation of The Longshot and Release of "Love Is for Losers"
Billie Joe Armstrong formed the rock band The Longshot in April 2018, and they released their debut album, "Love Is for Losers," on April 20th. The band, consisting of Armstrong, Kevin Preston, David S. Field, and Jeff Matika, announced a subsequent summer tour.
June 2018: Armstrong receives honorary citizenship of Viggiano, Italy
In June 2018, Billie Joe Armstrong was granted honorary citizenship of Viggiano, Italy, the town where his paternal great-great-grandparents originated.
2019: Collaboration on Jesse Malin's "Sunset Kids" Album
Billie Joe Armstrong collaborated with Jesse Malin on his album "Sunset Kids" in 2019, co-writing and performing the track "Strangers & Thieves."
2019: MXR releases the Dookie Drive pedal
In 2019, guitar pedal manufacturer MXR released the Dookie Drive, a signature overdrive pedal designed to emulate Billie Joe Armstrong's signature dual-Marshall amplifier setup. The pedal was later rebranded as the FOD Drive.
February 2020: Release of "Father of All Motherfuckers"
Green Day released their thirteenth studio album, "Father of All Motherfuckers," in February 2020.
2020: Armstrong supports Bernie Sanders and later Joe Biden in the presidential election
Billie Joe Armstrong's political engagement continued in the 2020 presidential election, initially supporting Bernie Sanders before endorsing Joe Biden after Sanders' primary defeat.
2020: Allegations of sexual misconduct surface against Joey Armstrong
In 2020, allegations of sexual misconduct and coercion were made against Joey Armstrong, Billie Joe Armstrong's son, leading to his departure from the band SWMRS.
2020: The Network's Return and New Albums
The Network became active again in 2020, releasing two albums: "Money Money 2020" and "Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So!"
2022: Release of Epiphone Version of Armstrong's Signature Les Paul Junior
Expanding the accessibility of his signature guitar, an Epiphone version of Billie Joe Armstrong's Gibson Les Paul Junior was released in 2022, offering a more affordable option for fans and aspiring musicians.
January 19, 2024: Release of "Saviors"
Green Day's fourteenth studio album, "Saviors," was released on January 19, 2024.