History of Green Day in Timeline
Green Day is an American rock band formed in 1987 by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt, with Tré Cool joining in 1990. Their major-label debut album, Dookie, released in 1994, achieved widespread success, selling over 20 million copies in the U.S. Green Day is recognized for revitalizing mainstream interest in punk rock in the United States, alongside other California bands.
1983: Social Distortion release Mommy's Little Monster
In 1983, Social Distortion released their debut album, Mommy's Little Monster. Green Day would later cover the song "Another State of Mind" from this album as a bonus track for 21st Century Breakdown.
October 17, 1987: First Live Performance as Sweet Children
On October 17, 1987, Sweet Children, the band that would become Green Day, performed their first live show at Rod's Hickory Pit in Vallejo, California.
1987: Green Day Formation
In 1987, Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt formed the band Blood Rage in Rodeo, California. This marked the beginning of what would eventually become Green Day, a band that would re-popularize mainstream interest in punk rock in the U.S.
1987: Armstrong Influenced by Turn It Around!
In 1987, Billie Joe Armstrong started getting into punk rock with Turn It Around!, a double seven-inch compilation record put out by Maximumrocknroll.
1988: Signing with Lookout! Records
In 1988, Green Day signed with Lookout! Records after Larry Livermore saw them play an early show.
1988: Changes in Band Lineup
In 1988, John Kiffmeyer joined Armstrong and Dirnt, replacing Raj Punjabi. Bassist Sean Hughes also left the band, which led to Dirnt switching from guitar to bass.
April 1989: Release of 1,000 Hours EP
In April 1989, Green Day released their debut extended play, 1,000 Hours, on Lookout! Records.
1989: Band Name Change to Green Day
In 1989, the band changed its name to Green Day. Before this, the band was named Blood Rage, and then Sweet Children.
1990: Tré Cool Joins Green Day
In 1990, Tré Cool joined Green Day as the band's drummer. This solidified the lineup that would later achieve major success with the album Dookie. Also in 1990, Green Day's first album, 39/Smooth was released on Lookout! Records.
1990: Release of 39/Smooth and Departure of Kiffmeyer
In early 1990, Green Day released their debut studio album, 39/Smooth. Later in 1990, drummer John Kiffmeyer left the band and was replaced by Tré Cool.
1991: Release of Kerplunk
In 1991, Green Day released their album Kerplunk.
1991: Re-release of 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours
In 1991, Lookout! Records re-released 39/Smooth as 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours, adding songs from the band's first two EPs.
1991: Green Day Members Start Side Projects
Since 1991, members of Green Day started branching out into other projects with various musicians, including Pinhead Gunpowder, the Frustrators, and the Network.
1992: Extensive Touring
Throughout 1992, Green Day embarked on an extensive tour, including several shows in Europe, expanding their fanbase and reach.
September 3, 1993: Last Show at 924 Gilman
On September 3, 1993, Green Day played their last show at 924 Gilman under the pseudonym Blair Hess, before being banned permanently due to signing with a major label.
1993: Opening Act for Bad Religion
In 1993, Green Day supported Bad Religion on their Recipe for Hate Tour, further exposing them to a wider audience.
February 1994: Release of Dookie
In February 1994, Green Day released the album Dookie. Extensive MTV airplay for the videos of the songs "Longview", "Basket Case", and "When I Come Around" propelled it to commercial success.
September 9, 1994: Mayhem at Hatch Memorial Shell Performance
On September 9, 1994, a Green Day performance at Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston resulted in mayhem, with 100 people injured and 45 arrested after the band's set was cut short.
1994: Dookie Receives Accolades
In 1994, Green Day's Dookie album was recognized by Rolling Stone as the best alternative album of the year.
1994: Breakthrough Success with Dookie
In 1994, Green Day's major-label debut album, Dookie, was released through Reprise Records. It became a breakout success, selling over 20 million copies in the U.S. and propelling the band to mainstream recognition.
1994: New Years Rev is inspired by Green Day's 1994 exploits
The upcoming Live Nation comedy film New Years Rev, which was announced on February 10, 2024, is described as a "coming-of-age tale" inspired by the true exploits of the band prior to their mainstream breakthrough in 1994.
1995: Release of JAR and Insomniac
In 1995, Green Day released "J.A.R." for the Angus soundtrack. The band's fourth studio album, Insomniac, was also released in Fall 1995 as a darker and heavier response to their newfound popularity.
1995: Release and Success of Insomniac
In 1995, Green Day released the album Insomniac. Although it did not reach the heights of Dookie, it was still a success, achieving double platinum status.
1995: Grammy Win and Hostility in East Bay
In 1995, Green Day's Dookie won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album. Following Dookie's success, the band faced hostility in their home of the East Bay, as well as accusations of selling out levied against other local bands.
August 1996: Armstrong Discusses Early Influences
In August 1996, Armstrong mentioned bands like the Ramones as bands he listened to later in his career.
1996: Brief Hiatus
Following a brief hiatus in 1996, Green Day began working on its next album in 1997.
1996: American Music Awards Nominations and Cancelled Tour
In 1996, Green Day received award nominations for Favorite Artist, Favorite Hard Rock Artist, and Favorite Alternative Artist at the American Music Awards. The band also abruptly cancelled a European tour, citing exhaustion.
October 1997: Release of Nimrod and Guest Appearance
In October 1997, Green Day released Nimrod. The band also made a guest appearance in an episode of King of the Hill in 1997.
1997: Release of Nimrod
In October 1997, Green Day released Nimrod, an experimental album that included the hit song "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)".
1998: Nimrod Tour
In late 1997 and most of 1998, Green Day embarked on a tour in support of Nimrod.
1999: Armstrong Reflects on Leaving the Punk Scene
In 1999, Armstrong reflected on the decision to leave the punk scene, stating that he couldn't go back regardless of their success or failure, and that he had to move forward.
1999: Espionage Featured in Austin Powers
In 1999, Green Day's "Espionage" was featured in the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
1999: Jason White Supports the Band
In 1999, Jason White began supporting Green Day during concerts as a guitarist.
November 2000: Free Concert at San Francisco City Hall
In November 2000, Green Day performed a free concert on the steps of San Francisco's City Hall to protest the eviction of artists.
2000: Release of Warning
In 2000, Green Day released their sixth studio album, Warning. The album was successful, but less so than previous albums.
2001: California Music Awards Wins
At the 2001 California Music Awards, Green Day won all eight of the awards for which they were nominated, including Outstanding Album for Warning and Outstanding Group.
2001: Armstrong admits band name consideration
In 2001, Armstrong admitted he considered the band name to be "the worst band name in the world".
2001: Warning Tour
In 2001, Green Day launched an independent tour to support the album Warning.
2002: Pop Disaster Tour
In Spring 2002, Green Day co-headlined the Pop Disaster Tour with Blink-182, which was documented on the DVD Riding in Vans with Boys.
2004: Release of American Idiot
In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera American Idiot, which found popularity with a younger generation and sold six million copies in the U.S.
September 2006: Green Day Collaborates with U2 for Music Rising
In September 2006, Green Day collaborated with U2 and producer Rick Rubin to record a cover of the song "The Saints Are Coming" to benefit Music Rising, an organization to help raise money for musicians' instruments lost during Hurricane Katrina.
December 2006: Green Day and NRDC Open Website for Oil Dependency Awareness
In December 2006, Green Day and the NRDC opened a website in partnership to raise awareness on America's dependency on oil.
2006: Noel Gallagher Complains About Green Day
In 2006, Noel Gallagher of Oasis semi-jokingly complained that Green Day had ripped off his song "Wonderwall" with "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".
July 23, 2007: Green Day Releases The Simpsons Movie Theme Song
On July 23, 2007, Green Day's rock version of The Simpsons theme song was released as a single. The band had appeared in a cameo role in The Simpsons Movie.
2007: Kerplunk Listed Among Greatest Indie Albums
In 2007, Kerplunk was listed in a ranking of the 100 greatest indie albums by Blender.
May 20, 2008: Release of Stop Drop and Roll!!! by Foxboro Hot Tubs
On May 20, 2008, Green Day released the album "Stop Drop and Roll!!!" under the name Foxboro Hot Tubs, which the band uses to book secret shows.
2008: Green Day Nominated for Grammy Award
In 2008, Green Day's cover of "Working Class Hero" was nominated for a Grammy Award but lost to the White Stripes' "Icky Thump".
September 15, 2009: American Idiot Musical Premieres at Berkeley Rep
On September 15, 2009, the stage musical adaptation of Green Day's rock opera American Idiot, directed by Michael Mayer, premiered at the Berkeley Rep.
October 2009: Green Day Art Project Exhibited in London
In October 2009, an art project inspired by Green Day's album 21st Century Breakdown was exhibited at StolenSpace Gallery in London, with artworks created for each of the album's songs.
2009: Release of 21st Century Breakdown
In 2009, Green Day released 21st Century Breakdown, which achieved the band's best chart performance to date.
June 2010: Armstrong Cites Ramones as an Influence
In June 2010, Billie Joe Armstrong cited the Ramones as an influence and mentioned his range of favorite songwriters.
2010: American Idiot Stage Adaptation on Broadway
In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway, receiving three Tony Award nominations and winning two.
2010: Broadway Debut of American Idiot
In 2010, a stage adaptation of Green Day's album American Idiot debuted on Broadway, and was nominated for three Tony Awards.
April 13, 2011: Film Version of American Idiot Confirmed
On April 13, 2011, it was confirmed that a film version of American Idiot would be made, directed by Michael Mayer.
December 2011: Armstrong Formed Family Band Called the Boo
In December 2011, Billie Joe Armstrong formed a family band called the Boo, which recorded a one-off Christmas record for friends and family and made a few copies available in a local store.
2011: Green Day Voted Best Punk Rock Band
In 2011, Green Day was voted the best punk rock band of all time by Rolling Stone.
September 21, 2012: Armstrong's Rant and Guitar Smashing at iHeartRadio Festival
On September 21, 2012, while performing at the iHeartRadio music festival, Billie Joe Armstrong stopped performing "Basket Case" and ranted about the group's time being shortened, smashed his guitar, and walked off stage. The band's representative later apologized and stated that Armstrong would be headed to rehab for substance abuse.
December 2012: Trilogy Album Release
In December 2012, Green Day concluded the release of their album trilogy, ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!, which were released in September, November, and December respectively. The albums didn't perform as well commercially, partially due to promotion issues and Armstrong entering rehab.
January 23, 2013: Broadway Idiot Documentary Announced
On January 23, 2013, it was announced that a documentary titled Broadway Idiot would be released, showing Billie Joe Armstrong's journey from punk rock to Broadway and the production of the American Idiot musical.
January 30, 2013: Broadway Idiot Trailer Released
On January 30, 2013, a trailer was released for the documentary Broadway Idiot.
March 15, 2013: Broadway Idiot Documentary Premiered at South by Southwest Film Festival
On March 15, 2013, the documentary Broadway Idiot premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
April 2015: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In April 2015, Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
2015: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2015, Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, marking a significant milestone in their career.
2016: Green Day Makes Amends with Clear Channel
In 2016, Green Day made amends with Clear Channel and played an album release party for their album, Revolution Radio.
2016: Revolution Radio Album Release
In 2016, Green Day released Revolution Radio, which became their third album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
2016: Lee Kirk previously worked with Billie Joe Armstrong on Ordinary World in 2016
Lee Kirk, who is the writer and director of New Years Rev, had previously worked with Billie Joe Armstrong on the 2016 Ordinary World, in which Armstrong made an appearance.
July 7, 2017: Green Day Headlines Mad Cool After Acrobat's Death
On July 7, 2017, Green Day headlined Mad Cool, a festival in Madrid, about 20 minutes after an acrobat fell and died, leading to some fan upset. Armstrong said the band did not know about the accident before their set, and likely would not have played if they had.
November 17, 2017: Release of God's Favorite Band
On November 17, 2017, Green Day released their second greatest hits compilation album, God's Favorite Band. The album featured 20 of their hits, a new version of "Ordinary World" with Miranda Lambert, and a previously unreleased song titled "Back in the USA".
2017: Green Day Executive Producers of East Bay Punk Documentary
In 2017, Green Day served as executive producers of Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk, a documentary film about the San Francisco Bay area punk scene from the late 1970s to the 1990s.
January 2018: Armstrong, Dirnt and White Played in the Band the Coverups
Since January 2018, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Jason White have played in the band the Coverups along with Green Day audio engineer Chris Dugan and tour manager Bill Schneider.
April 13, 2019: Release of Woodstock 1994 Performance on Vinyl
On April 13, 2019, Green Day released their Woodstock 1994 performance on vinyl for Record Store Day. It contained all 9 songs they played live, as well as audio of the ensuing mud fight.
September 10, 2019: Announcement of the Hella Mega Tour and Release of "Father of All..."
On September 10, 2019, Green Day announced the Hella Mega Tour with Fall Out Boy and Weezer, and The Interrupters as the opening act. They also released the single, "Father of All..." from their upcoming album, Father of All Motherfuckers. Armstrong also announced the band would be parting ways with Reprise after the album's release.
September 30, 2019: Agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL)
On September 30, 2019, Green Day signed a two-year agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL).
October 9, 2019: Release of "Fire, Ready, Aim"
On October 9, 2019, Green Day released "Fire, Ready, Aim", the second single from their upcoming album, Father of All Motherfuckers.
2019: Green Day Returns to iHeartRadio Festival
In 2019, Green Day returned to the iHeartRadio Festival supporting the album Father of All Motherfuckers, years after the 2012 incident.
January 16, 2020: Release of "Oh Yeah!"
On January 16, 2020, Green Day released "Oh Yeah!", the third single from their upcoming album, Father of All Motherfuckers.
February 7, 2020: Release of Father of All Motherfuckers and "Meet Me on the Roof"
On February 7, 2020, Green Day released their thirteenth studio album, Father of All Motherfuckers. The fourth single from the album, "Meet Me on the Roof", was also released on the same day.
February 2020: Plans for American Idiot film adaptation scrapped
In February 2020, Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that the plans for a film adaptation of the American Idiot stage musical had been "pretty much scrapped".
April 6, 2020: Armstrong Reveals New Songwriting
On April 6, 2020, Billie Joe Armstrong revealed he had written six songs and intended to record new music with the band once the COVID-19 pandemic had passed.
May 21, 2020: Release of "Dreaming" Cover
On May 21, 2020, Green Day released a cover of Blondie's song, "Dreaming".
October 30, 2020: The Network Teases Upcoming Activity
On October 30, 2020, the Network, Green Day's secret side project, teased upcoming activity with a video titled "The Prophecy" and mentioned their upcoming sequel album.
November 2, 2020: The Network Releases "Ivankkka Is a Nazi"
On November 2, 2020, the Network released a music video for their first song in 17 years, named "Ivankkka Is a Nazi".
November 20, 2020: The Network Releases Trans Am EP
On November 20, 2020, after weeks of hints and Green Day denying involvement, the Network released an EP titled Trans Am.
December 4, 2020: The Network Releases Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So!
On December 4, 2020, the Network released their second album, Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So!.
2020: Father of All Motherfuckers Album Release
In 2020, Green Day released the album Father of All Motherfuckers.
February 21, 2021: Release of "Here Comes the Shock"
On February 21, 2021, Green Day released a single titled "Here Comes the Shock".
May 17, 2021: Release of "Pollyanna"
On May 17, 2021, Green Day released the single "Pollyanna".
November 5, 2021: Release of "Holy Toledo!"
On November 5, 2021, Green Day released the single "Holy Toledo!", which was also featured in the soundtrack of the 2021 film Mark, Mary & Some Other People.
December 10, 2021: Release of BBC Sessions
On December 10, 2021, Green Day's fourth live album, BBC Sessions, was released.
2021: Armstrong Condemns "Pop-Punk" Labeling
In 2021, Billie Joe Armstrong condemned the band's labeling as "pop-punk" by critics in a Vulture magazine interview, stating that he never really liked that term.
October 26, 2022: Green Day Announced as Headliner for Innings Festival
On October 26, 2022, Green Day was announced as a headliner for the fifth annual Innings Festival in Arizona.
July 16, 2023: Live Performance of "1981" at Festival d'été de Québec
On July 16, 2023, Green Day played a new song titled "1981" during their live performance at Festival d'été de Québec.
September 30, 2023: Announcement as Halftime Show at the 110th Grey Cup
On September 30, 2023, it was announced that Green Day would be the halftime show performer at the 110th Grey Cup.
October 22, 2023: Performance of "Look Ma, No Brains!" at When We Were Young Festival
On October 22, 2023, Green Day played another song, titled "Look Ma, No Brains!", from their upcoming album during the When We Were Young Festival.
October 24, 2023: New album teased on website.
On October 24, 2023, a circled date on their new website lead to fans to believe the release of a new album was imminent.
November 2, 2023: Release of "Look Ma, No Brains!"
On November 2, 2023, Green Day released "Look Ma, No Brains!", the second single from the upcoming album, Saviors.
December 4, 2023: Announcement of "Dilemma"
On December 4, 2023, Green Day announced the upcoming release of their new single, "Dilemma".
December 7, 2023: Release of "Dilemma"
On December 7, 2023, Green Day released "Dilemma", the third single from their upcoming album, Saviors.
January 5, 2024: Release of "One Eyed Bastard"
On January 5, 2024, Green Day released "One Eyed Bastard", the fourth single from the album Saviors.
January 16, 2024: Surprise Performance in New York Subway
On the evening of January 16, 2024, Green Day gave a surprise performance in the Rockefeller Center subway station in New York, joined by Jimmy Fallon. They played "Look Ma, No Brains", "Basket Case", and "American Idiot".
January 19, 2024: Release of Saviors and "Bobby Sox" Music Video
On January 19, 2024, Green Day released their new album, Saviors, and simultaneously released a music video for the song "Bobby Sox".
February 10, 2024: Live Nation Productions Announces Green Day Inspired Comedy Film
On February 10, 2024, Live Nation Productions announced the development of New Years Rev, a comedy film inspired by Green Day's early exploits. The band members, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool will also be producers and appear in the film.
July 23, 2024: Release of "Corvette Summer" Music Video
On July 23, 2024, Green Day released a music video for "Corvette Summer".
September 20, 2024: Armstrong Criticizes Las Vegas and Athletics Owner During Concert
On September 20, 2024, during a show at Oracle Park, Billie Joe Armstrong expressed anger over the Athletics leaving Oakland, criticizing Las Vegas and A's owner John Fisher, leading to two Las Vegas radio stations banning Green Day's music.
2024: Record Sales and Grammy Nominations
As of 2024, Green Day had sold roughly 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists. They have been nominated for 20 Grammy Awards and won five.
2024: Green Day's Record Sales
As of 2024, Green Day has sold roughly 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the highest-selling artists of all time.
January 30, 2025: Opening Performance at FireAid Benefit Concert
On January 30, 2025, Green Day opened for the FireAid benefit concert. The band opened with a duet of "Last Night on Earth" with Billie Eilish, followed by "Still Breathing", and "When I Come Around".
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