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 (1994), achieved massive success, selling over 20 million copies in the US and credited with reigniting mainstream interest in punk rock.
1983: Release of Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion
In 1983, Social Distortion released their debut album, Mommy's Little Monster, which Green Day would later cover the song "Another State of Mind" as a bonus track for 21st Century Breakdown.
October 17, 1987: First Live Performance
On October 17, 1987, Sweet Children had their first live performance at Rod's Hickory Pit in Vallejo, California.
1987: Turn It Around! compilation record
In 1987 Billie Joe Armstrong started getting into punk rock with the "Turn It Around!", a double seven-inch compilation record put out by Maximumrocknroll.
1987: Formation of Desecrated Youth
In 1987, Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt, along with Sean Hughes and Raj Punjabi, formed the band Desecrated Youth in Rodeo, California.
1987: Green Day formed in Rodeo, California
In 1987, Green Day was formed in Rodeo, California, by lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt.
1988: Signed by Lookout! Records
In 1988, Green Day was signed to Lookout! Records after Larry Livermore saw them play an early gig.
1988: John Kiffmeyer joins the band
In 1988, John Kiffmeyer joined Sweet Children, replacing Raj Punjabi on drums, and Sean Hughes left the band, leading Mike Dirnt to switch to bass.
April 1989: Release of 1,000 Hours and name change to Green Day
In April 1989, Green Day released their debut extended play 1,000 Hours, and changed their name from Sweet Children to Green Day to avoid confusion with another band.
1989: Sweet Children Rebrands as Green Day
In 1989, the band Sweet Children changed its name to Green Day, becoming part of the Bay Area punk scene.
1990: Tré Cool replaces John Kiffmeyer
In 1990, John Kiffmeyer was replaced by Tré Cool as the drummer. Also in 1990, Green Day released their first album 39/Smooth with Lookout! Records.
1990: Tré Cool joins Green Day
In 1990, Tré Cool joined Green Day as the drummer.
1990: Release of 39/Smooth and tour
In early 1990, Green Day's debut studio album 39/Smooth was released by Lookout! Records. Also in 1990, Green Day recorded two extended plays later that year, Slappy and Sweet Children. In late 1990, Kiffmeyer left the band.
1991: Release of Kerplunk
In 1991, Green Day recorded their second studio album Kerplunk.
1991: Release of 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours
In 1991, Lookout! Records re-released Green Day's 39/Smooth as 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours, adding songs from their first two EPs, Slappy and 1,000 Hours.
1991: Green Day Members Branch Out
Since 1991, members of Green Day have branched out into various side projects with other musicians, including Pinhead Gunpowder, the Frustrators, and the Network.
1992: European tour
In 1992, Green Day went on tour for most of the year and played shows overseas in Europe.
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: Kerplunk success and Recipe for Hate Tour
In 1993, Green Day's album Kerplunk had sold 50,000 copies in the US, and they supported Bad Religion on their Recipe for Hate Tour.
February 1994: Dookie Release
In February 1994, Green Day released their album Dookie, which became a commercial success due to MTV airplay.
September 9, 1994: Mayhem at Hatch Memorial Shell performance
On September 9, 1994, mayhem broke out during Green Day's performance at Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston, resulting in injuries and arrests.
1994: Dookie hailed as best album of the year
In 1994, Green Day's album Dookie was cited by Fuse as the most important pop-punk album of all time, the best alternative album of 1994 by Rolling Stone, and as one of the best punk rock albums of all time by Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, Revolver, and LA Weekly.
1994: Dookie's Breakout Success
In 1994, Green Day's major-label debut album, Dookie, was released through Reprise Records, achieving breakout success.
1994: New Years Rev, inspired by the Exploits of the Band
In 1994, The film, New Years Rev, is inspired by the true exploits of Green Day prior to their mainstream breakthrough. Production of the film was said to be underway in the US state of Oklahoma.
1995: Release of J.A.R. and Insomniac
In 1995, Green Day released the single J.A.R. for the Angus soundtrack, and the album Insomniac.
1995: Dookie wins a Grammy
In 1995, Green Day's album Dookie won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album, and the band was nominated for nine MTV Video Music Awards.
August 1996: Armstrong Discusses the Ramones
In August 1996, Armstrong stated bands like the Ramones are bands he listened to later.
August 1996: Billie Joe Armstrong talks about punk rock discovery
In August 1996, Billie Joe Armstrong told Guitar World he "can remember a few different instances" of when he first discovered punk rock through D.O.A. and the Dead Kennedys.
1996: Brief Hiatus
Following a brief hiatus in 1996, Green Day began work on their next album in 1997.
1996: American Music Awards Nominations and Canceled Tour
In 1996, Green Day received nominations at the American Music Awards and had nominations for the video for "Walking Contradiction" at the Grammys, but abruptly canceled a European tour due to exhaustion.
October 1997: Release of Nimrod
In October 1997, Green Day released their experimental album Nimrod, which featured a variety of music genres.
1997: Release of Nimrod
In October 1997, Green Day released their fifth studio album Nimrod, which reached double platinum status.
1998: Nimrod Tour
In late 1997 and most of 1998, Green Day embarked on a tour in support of Nimrod.
1999: Armstrong's Reflection on Punk Scene
In 1999, Billie Joe Armstrong reflected on the band's decision to leave the punk scene after signing with Reprise Records.
1999: Jason White begins supporting Green Day
In 1999, Jason White began supporting Green Day during concerts as guitarist.
1999: Shenanigans and Austin Powers
In 1999, the song "Espionage" was featured in the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
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, which achieved gold status.
2001: Armstrong's admission on the name Green Day
In 2001, Armstrong admitted that he considered the band name Green Day to be 'the worst band name in the world'.
2001: Independent Tour and Critical Reception of Warning
In 2001, Green Day launched an independent tour to support the album Warning. Critics' reviews of the album were varied.
2001: Awards and Nominations
In 2001, Green Day won eight awards at the California Music Awards and had "Espionage" nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
2002: Writing and Recording Cigarettes and Valentines
During the Summer and Fall of 2002, Green Day wrote and recorded material for an album tentatively titled Cigarettes and Valentines.
2002: Pop Disaster Tour
In Spring 2002, Green Day co-headlined the Pop Disaster Tour with Blink-182, documented on the DVD Riding in Vans with Boys.
August 2003: Cigarettes and Valentines set to release
In August 2003, Cigarettes and Valentines was originally going to be released, but the band decided to create American Idiot instead.
2004: Release of American Idiot
In 2004, Green Day released their seventh album, a rock opera called American Idiot, which was popular with a younger generation.
September 2006: Green Day Collaborates with U2 for "The Saints Are Coming"
In September 2006, Green Day collaborated with U2 and producer Rick Rubin to record a cover of "The Saints Are Coming" by The Skids. The song was recorded to benefit Music Rising, which supports musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.
December 2006: Green Day and NRDC Partner to Raise Awareness on Oil Dependency
In December 2006, Green Day and the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) launched a website in partnership to raise awareness about America's dependency on oil.
2006: Noel Gallagher Complains About "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
In 2006, Noel Gallagher of Oasis jokingly complained that Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" ripped off his song "Wonderwall".
July 23, 2007: Green Day Releases "The Simpsons Movie" Theme
On July 23, 2007, Green Day's version of "The Simpsons" theme song, which they performed in a cameo role in "The Simpsons Movie", was released as a single.
2007: Kerplunk Listed in 100 greatest indie albums
Green Day's album Kerplunk was also listed in a 2007 ranking of the 100 greatest indie albums by Blender.
May 20, 2008: Foxboro Hot Tubs Release Stop Drop and Roll!!!
On May 20, 2008, Green Day released the album "Stop Drop and Roll!!!" under the name Foxboro Hot Tubs, a project used for booking secret shows.
2008: Grammy Nomination
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 premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, marking a significant expansion of their work into theater.
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 the StolenSpace Gallery in London, showcasing artwork created for each song on the album.
2009: Release of 21st Century Breakdown
In 2009, Green Day released their eighth studio album 21st Century Breakdown.
June 2010: Armstrong cites the Ramones as an influence
In June 2010, Armstrong cited the Ramones as an influence, and said his "range of favorite songwriters goes anywhere from the Sex Pistols to Lennon–McCartney".
2010: American Idiot Debuts on Broadway
In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway and was nominated for three Tony Awards.
2010: American Idiot Stage Adaptation Debuts on Broadway
In 2010, a stage adaptation of Green Day's album American Idiot debuted on Broadway. This marked a significant transition of their music into a theatrical format.
April 13, 2011: Film Version of American Idiot Confirmed
On April 13, 2011, it was confirmed that a film version of American Idiot was in the works with Michael Mayer, the director of the Broadway musical, set to direct.
December 2011: Armstrong Forms Family Band The Boo
In late December 2011, Billie Joe Armstrong formed a family band called The Boo, which recorded a one-off Christmas record for friends and family.
2011: Green Day voted best punk rock band of all time
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, Billie Joe Armstrong stopped Green Day's performance of "Basket Case" at the iHeartRadio music festival due to perceived time constraints. Angered, Armstrong ranted, smashed his guitar, and walked off stage. He then went to rehab for abuse of alcohol and prescription pills.
December 2012: Release of 'Tré!' album
In December 2012, Green Day released their twelfth studio album '¡Tré!', completing the trilogy of albums released in 2012.
January 23, 2013: "Broadway Idiot" Documentary Announced
On January 23, 2013, it was announced that the documentary "Broadway Idiot", chronicling Armstrong's journey to Broadway and the production of the American Idiot musical, would be released.
January 30, 2013: "Broadway Idiot" Documentary Trailer Released
On January 30, 2013, a trailer was released for the documentary "Broadway Idiot", which follows Billie Joe Armstrong's journey from punk rock to Broadway with the "American Idiot" musical.
March 15, 2013: "Broadway Idiot" Documentary Premiered
On March 15, 2013, the documentary "Broadway Idiot", showcasing Billie Joe Armstrong's journey from punk rock to Broadway and the making of the American Idiot musical, premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
April 2015: Green Day Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In April 2015, Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking their first year of eligibility. This event acknowledged their significant impact and influence on rock music.
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.
2016: Armstrong alters lyrics
In 2016, Armstrong began altering lyrics during live performances to criticize members of the Trump Administration.
2016: Green Day Plays Album Release Party for Revolution Radio
In 2016, Green Day played an album release party for their album Revolution Radio, making amends with Clear Channel after the 2012 incident.
2016: Release of Revolution Radio
In 2016, Green Day released their thirteenth studio album Revolution Radio, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
2016: Lee Kirk had previously worked with Billie Joe Armstrong
In 2016, Lee Kirk had previously worked with Billie Joe Armstrong on the 2016 Ordinary World, which the latter had made an appearance in.
2016: Green Day most profane rock band according to Musixmatch study
In 2016, a study conducted by Musixmatch found that Green Day used profanity the most among the rock music artists included in the study.
July 7, 2017: Green Day Headlines Mad Cool Festival After Accident
On July 7, 2017, Green Day headlined Mad Cool festival in Madrid, approximately 20 minutes after an acrobat fell from a cage above the stage and died. The band stated they were unaware of the accident before their set.
2017: Green Day Executive Producers of "Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk"
In 2017, Green Day served as executive producers for the documentary film "Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk", which explores the San Francisco Bay area punk scene from the late 1970s to the 1990s.
January 2018: Armstrong, Dirnt and White Form The Coverups
In January 2018, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Jason White started playing in the band The Coverups, along with Green Day audio engineer Chris Dugan and tour manager Bill Schneider. The Coverups play covers of classic rock and alternative rock bands.
April 13, 2019: Woodstock 1994 vinyl release
On April 13, 2019, Green Day released their Woodstock 1994 performance on vinyl for Record Store Day. The release includes all 9 songs played live, as well as audio of the mud fight that ensued.
September 10, 2019: Hella Mega Tour Announcement and "Father of All..." release
On September 10, 2019, Green Day announced the Hella Mega Tour with Fall Out Boy and Weezer, also on the same day, they released the single "Father of All..." from their upcoming album, Father of All Motherfuckers. The band also announced they would be leaving Reprise Records after the album's release.
September 30, 2019: Agreement with the National Hockey League
On September 30, 2019, Green Day signed a two-year agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL).
October 9, 2019: "Fire, Ready, Aim" single release
On October 9, 2019, Green Day released "Fire, Ready, Aim", which is the second single from the album Father of All Motherfuckers.
2019: Green Day Returns to iHeartRadio Festival
In 2019, Green Day returned to the iHeartRadio Festival to support their album Father of All Motherfuckers, making amends with the company after the 2012 incident.
January 16, 2020: "Oh Yeah!" single release
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 album, Father of All Motherfuckers, and also released "Meet Me on the Roof" as the album's fourth single.
February 2020: Plans for American Idiot Film Adaptation Scrapped
In February 2020, Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that plans for a film adaptation of the American Idiot stage musical had been "pretty much scrapped".
April 6, 2020: Armstrong reveals writing new songs
On April 6, 2020, Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that he had written six songs and intended to record new music with Green Day once the COVID-19 pandemic had passed.
May 21, 2020: Release of Blondie's "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 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, 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: Release of Father of All Motherfuckers
In 2020, Green Day released their fourteenth studio album Father of All Motherfuckers.
February 2021: "Here Comes the Shock" announced
In February 2021, Green Day announced a single titled, "Here Comes the Shock".
February 21, 2021: "Here Comes the Shock" single released
On February 21, 2021, Green Day released the single "Here Comes the Shock".
May 17, 2021: "Pollyanna" single released
On May 17, 2021, Green Day released the single "Pollyanna".
September 2021: Hella Mega Tour in the United States
The reshuffled Hella Mega Tour took place in the United States from July to September 2021.
November 5, 2021: "Holy Toledo!" single released
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: BBC Sessions live album released
On December 10, 2021, Green Day's fourth live album, BBC Sessions, was released.
2021: Armstrong Condemns Pop-Punk Label
In 2021, Billie Joe Armstrong expressed his dislike for the "pop-punk" label, stating he never considered himself a pop artist, during a Vulture magazine interview.
July 2022: Hella Mega Tour in the United Kingdom
The reshuffled Hella Mega Tour took place in the United Kingdom in June and July 2022.
October 26, 2022: Green Day Headlining Innings Festival
On October 26, 2022, Green Day was announced as a headliner for the fifth annual Innings Festival in Arizona.
November 2022: Recording new album
In November 2022, Green Day stated they were recording a new studio album.
July 16, 2023: Live Performance of "1981"
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: Green Day to perform at Grey Cup Halftime Show
On September 30, 2023, it was announced that Green Day will perform during the halftime show 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 the upcoming album during the When We Were Young Festival.
November 2, 2023: "Look Ma, No Brains!" Single Release
On November 2, 2023, Green Day released "Look Ma, No Brains!" as the second single from their upcoming album.
December 4, 2023: "Dilemma" Single Announcement
On December 4, 2023, Green Day announced the release of their third single, "Dilemma."
December 7, 2023: "Dilemma" Single Release
On December 7, 2023, Green Day released their third single, "Dilemma."
January 5, 2024: "One Eyed Bastard" Single Release
On January 5, 2024, Green Day released "One Eyed Bastard", the fourth single from their new album.
January 16, 2024: Surprise Subway Performance with Jimmy Fallon
On the evening of January 16, 2024, Green Day performed in the New York subway system's 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station with Jimmy Fallon, playing songs like "Look Ma, No Brains", "Basket Case", and "American Idiot".
January 19, 2024: Release of "Saviors" album and "Bobby Sox" Music Video
On January 19, 2024, Green Day released their new album "Saviors," and a music video for "Bobby Sox" simultaneously.
July 23, 2024: "Corvette Summer" music video release
On July 23, 2024, Green Day released a music video for their song "Corvette Summer".
September 20, 2024: Armstrong Criticizes Las Vegas
On September 20, 2024, during a show at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Billie Joe Armstrong criticized Las Vegas and A's owner John Fisher over the Athletics leaving Oakland. Two Las Vegas radio stations subsequently banned Green Day's music.
2024: Album Sales and Grammy Nominations
As of 2024, Green Day has sold roughly 75 million records worldwide and has been nominated for 20 Grammy Awards, winning five.
2024: Roughly 75 Million Records Sold
As of 2024, Green Day has sold roughly 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the highest-selling artists of all time.
2024: Release of Saviors
In 2024, Green Day released their fifteenth studio album Saviors.
2024: Musk Mocks Green Day
In early 2024, Elon Musk mocked Green Day on X (formerly Twitter), calling their commentary "milquetoastedly raging for it".
January 2025: Green Day Criticizes Elon Musk
In January 2025, while touring in South Africa, Green Day adapted the lyrics of "American Idiot" to criticize Elon Musk during their Calabash Festival performance in Johannesburg.
January 30, 2025: FireAid Benefit Concert
On January 30, 2025, Green Day opened for the FireAid benefit concert, hosted by both Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, opening with a duet of "Last Night on Earth" with Billie Eilish.
February 10, 2025: Live Nation Productions Announce Comedy Film "New Years Rev"
On February 10, 2025, Live Nation Productions announced a comedy film titled "New Years Rev", a coming-of-age tale inspired by the band's experiences before their 1994 breakthrough. Green Day members are producing and will appear in the film.
April 9, 2025: Announcement of Saviors Deluxe Edition
On April 9, 2025, Green Day announced the deluxe edition of Saviors, titled in French Saviors (Édition De Luxe), with "Smash It Like Belushi" released as the first single.
May 1, 2025: Green Day Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On May 1, 2025, Green Day received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring their contributions to music and popular culture.
May 2, 2025: "Ballyhoo" Single Release
On May 2, 2025, Green Day released "Ballyhoo" as the second single from the Saviors deluxe edition.
May 23, 2025: Deluxe Album Release and "One Eyed Bastard" Video
On May 23, 2025, the deluxe edition of Saviors, and an official music video for "One Eyed Bastard", were released.
September 12, 2025: Film Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival
On September 12, 2025, a film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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