Green Day, formed in 1987 in California, is an American rock band known for their breakout album "Dookie" (1994). The band consists of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool. Along with other California-based punk bands, Green Day helped popularize punk rock music in the United States.
In a move that sparked controversy, Wal-Mart refused to carry '21st Century Breakdown' due to its Parental Advisory sticker. The retail giant requested a censored version, but Green Day declined, defending their artistic integrity. They saw this as censorship, drawing parallels to the restrictive climate of 1953. This event ignited a debate about artistic freedom and corporate influence in the music industry.
Green Day has a song titled "1981" though the significance of the year is unknown.
In 1983, Social Distortion, a band that influenced Green Day, released their debut album 'Mommy's Little Monster' which featured the song "Another State of Mind". Green Day later covered this song.
Sweet Children, later known as Green Day, performed their first live show on October 17, 1987, at Rod's Hickory Pit in Vallejo, California.
In 1987, Green Day, originally called Sweet Children, was formed in Rodeo, California by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt.
The "Turn It Around!" double seven-inch compilation record, cited as an influence by Billie Joe Armstrong, was released in 1987.
Drummer John Kiffmeyer joined Sweet Children, and bassist Sean Hughes left, leading Mike Dirnt to switch from guitar to bass in 1988.
Larry Livermore, owner of Lookout! Records, signed Sweet Children in 1988, marking a significant step in their early career.
Green Day released their debut extended play, "1,000 Hours," in April 1989 under Lookout! Records.
The band, formerly known as Sweet Children, officially changed their name to Green Day in 1989.
Green Day released their debut studio album, "39/Smooth," and two extended plays, "Slappy" and "Sweet Children," in 1990.
In 1990, Tré Cool joined Green Day, replacing John Kiffmeyer as the drummer.
Green Day released their album 'Kerplunk' in 1991. It went on to become one of the bestselling independent albums.
Green Day released their second studio album, "Kerplunk," in 1991, featuring Tré Cool as the drummer.
Lookout! Records re-released "39/Smooth" as "1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours" in 1991, combining tracks from previous releases.
Since 1991, Green Day members have been involved in various side projects, collaborating with other musicians and exploring different musical styles.
Green Day toured extensively in 1992, gaining recognition and expanding their fanbase.
On September 3, 1993, Green Day played their final show at 924 Gilman Street under the alias Blair Hess before being banned due to their major label signing.
Green Day supported Bad Religion as an opening act for their Recipe for Hate Tour for a significant portion of 1993.
Green Day released their album "Dookie" in February 1994. The album was a commercial success, driven by popular MTV airplay of their songs.
During a Green Day performance at Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston on September 9, 1994, a riot erupted, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. The concert was cut short due to the escalating chaos.
Green Day released 'Dookie' in 1994, an album that would become pivotal in popularizing punk rock and earn critical acclaim.
Green Day released their major-label debut album, "Dookie," in 1994, propelling them to mainstream success.
Green Day performed at Woodstock 1994.
Following the success of "J.A.R.", Green Day released their fourth studio album, "Insomniac", in the fall of 1995. The album, known for its darker themes, received generally positive reviews from critics.
Green Day released their fourth studio album, "Insomniac," in 1995.
Green Day's "Dookie" won a Grammy Award and earned multiple MTV Video Music Award nominations in 1995. However, the band's success was met with mixed reactions, with some accusing them of selling out.
In August 1996, members of Green Day refuted comparisons to bands like the Buzzcocks and the Dickies, stating that they became familiar with these bands later in their musical journey.
In an August 1996 interview with Guitar World, Billie Joe Armstrong discussed his introduction to punk rock, citing bands like D.O.A., the Dead Kennedys, and T.S.O.L.
After a short hiatus in 1996, Green Day began working on their next album, "Nimrod", aiming for a sound that differed from their previous works.
Despite commercial success, Green Day faced challenges in 1996. The band canceled a European tour, citing exhaustion, leading to a temporary break.
Green Day released "Nimrod" in October 1997, marking a departure from their signature sound with its experimental and diverse musical styles.
Green Day released their fifth studio album, "Nimrod," in 1997.
Green Day spent much of 1998 touring extensively to support their album "Nimrod".
In 1999, Jason White became a supporting member of Green Day, contributing as a guitarist during their live performances.
In a 1999 interview with Spin magazine, Billie Joe Armstrong discussed the band's departure from the punk scene, emphasizing their need to evolve and move forward.
Green Day released their folk-punk album "Warning" in 2000 and showed their support for artists facing eviction in San Francisco by performing a free concert in November 2000.
Green Day released their sixth studio album, "Warning," in 2000.
Green Day last played "Church on Sunday" and "Warning" in 2001 until a surprise set in Chicago in 2022.
Green Day received recognition for their work in 2001 by winning eight awards at the California Music Awards, including Outstanding Album and Outstanding Group.
In 2001, Billie Joe Armstrong admitted that he considered "Green Day" to be "the worst band name in the world," highlighting his humor and self-awareness.
Despite releasing "Minority" and touring, Green Day faced a decline in popularity in 2001, with "Warning" being their first album to not reach triple platinum sales.
Green Day co-headlined the Pop Disaster Tour with Blink-182 in the spring of 2002, a significant event in both bands' careers.
Green Day collaborated with Iggy Pop in November 2003 on two tracks for his album "Skull Ring", demonstrating their musical versatility and willingness to work with other artists.
In 2003, Green Day faced a setback when their recordings for "Cigarettes and Valentines" were stolen. The band chose to start anew instead of re-recording. Around this time, rumors of a Green Day side project called The Network began circulating.
Green Day's cover of "I Fought the Law" was featured in an iTunes commercial aired during Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1, 2004, showcasing their music to a wide audience.
Green Day achieved a significant milestone in September 2004 with the release of "American Idiot", which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, marking their first album to reach this position.
Green Day released the rock opera "American Idiot" in 2004, achieving significant success with a younger audience.
On August 1, 2005, Green Day made a significant business decision by rescinding the master rights to their pre-'Dookie' material from Lookout! Records. The band cited a breach of contract related to unpaid royalties as the reason for their action. This move demonstrated their commitment to protecting their artistic and financial interests.
Green Day released 'Bullet in a Bible' on November 15, 2005, a live CD and DVD set capturing their performances at the Milton Keynes National Bowl in England. The DVD provided fans with behind-the-scenes footage, showcasing the band's preparation for their shows during the 'American Idiot' tour.
In 2005, Green Day's album 'American Idiot' achieved significant recognition. It won the Grammy for Best Rock Album and received six other nominations, including Album of the Year. The album also propelled the band to win seven awards out of eight nominations at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. The single 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' won six of those awards and later received a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2006.
On January 10, 2006, Green Day's popularity was affirmed when they received the People's Choice Award for favorite musical group or band. This accolade highlighted their connection with fans and their continued success in the music industry.
Green Day began working on new material in January 2006. This marked the start of a creative period that would eventually lead to their album '21st Century Breakdown'.
In September 2006, Green Day teamed up with U2 and renowned producer Rick Rubin to record a cover of "The Saints Are Coming" by the Skids. The project aimed to raise funds for Music Rising, a charity supporting musicians who lost their instruments during Hurricane Katrina, and to highlight the disaster's anniversary.
In December 2006, Green Day joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to launch a website dedicated to raising awareness about America's dependence on oil.
In 2006, Noel Gallagher, guitarist of Oasis, lightheartedly accused Green Day of plagiarizing their song "Wonderwall" with "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."
On July 23, 2007, Green Day released their rock rendition of "The Simpsons Theme" as a single, following their cameo appearance in "The Simpsons Movie" where they performed it.
By October 2007, Billie Joe Armstrong had already written 45 songs, showcasing his prolific songwriting abilities. These songs were considered for their upcoming album.
In 2007, 'Kerplunk' was included in Blender's list of the 100 greatest indie albums.
Green Day, under the pseudonym Foxboro Hot Tubs, released the album "Stop Drop and Roll!!!" on May 20, 2008.
In October 2008, videos of Green Day recording with producer Butch Vig surfaced on YouTube. These videos provided fans with a glimpse into the making of their new album, building anticipation for the release.
Green Day received a Grammy Award nomination in 2008 for their cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero." The song, featured on the album "Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur," was performed by the band on the season finale of American Idol. However, the award went to the White Stripes' "Icky Thump."
In 2008, Green Day explored a new musical direction by forming the garage-rock-inspired side project, Foxboro Hot Tubs. They released their debut album, 'Stop Drop and Roll!!!', and embarked on a mini-tour to promote it, performing at intimate venues in the Bay Area, showcasing their versatility and passion for music.
After three years and recording sessions in four studios, Green Day completed the recording of '21st Century Breakdown' in April 2009. This marked the culmination of their extensive creative process.
Green Day released '21st Century Breakdown' on May 15, 2009, marking their eighth studio album. The album was met with generally positive reviews, receiving an average rating between three and four stars from critics, further solidifying their place as a leading rock band.
Green Day embarked on their '21st Century Breakdown World Tour' in July 2009. The tour commenced in North America and continued globally throughout 2009 and early 2010, bringing their music to fans worldwide.
On September 15, 2009, Green Day's rock opera "American Idiot," adapted into a one-act stage musical in collaboration with director Michael Mayer, premiered at the Berkeley Rep.
October 2009 saw the opening of a Green Day art exhibition at StolenSpace Gallery in London. The exhibition showcased artworks inspired by each song on their album "21st Century Breakdown." The band and their manager, Pat Magnarella, supported the project, aiming to promote the artists and their connection to street art.
'American Idiot' continued to garner acclaim in 2009. Kerrang! named it the best album of the decade, reflecting its significant impact. NME and Rolling Stone also recognized its influence, ranking it 60th and 22nd, respectively, on their best-of-the-decade lists.
Green Day began working with director Michael Mayer and members of the 'Spring Awakening' team to develop a stage adaptation of 'American Idiot' in 2009. This collaboration aimed to translate the album's themes and energy into a theatrical experience.
Green Day released their eighth studio album, "21st Century Breakdown," in 2009, achieving chart-topping success.
In 2009, a Green Day-themed video game, 'Green Day: Rock Band', was announced at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. Following the success of 'The Beatles: Rock Band', this game allowed fans to interact with the band's music in a new way. It featured full albums like 'Dookie', 'American Idiot', and '21st Century Breakdown', along with a selection of other songs from their discography.
On January 31, 2010, '21st Century Breakdown' won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 52nd Grammy Awards. This win solidified the album's critical acclaim and its significance in the rock music landscape.
The 'American Idiot' musical premiered on Broadway on April 20, 2010, following a successful run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The musical expanded on the album's narrative, introducing new characters and storylines. Green Day released a soundtrack to accompany the musical, featuring the new song 'When It's Time'.
Green Day released 'When It's Time', a new song from the 'American Idiot' musical soundtrack, as a single in June 2010. This release allowed fans who may not have seen the musical to experience the new material.
In June 2010, Billie Joe Armstrong acknowledged the Ramones as an influence, contrasting his previous statements from August 1996.
In an October 2010 interview, Mike Dirnt revealed that Green Day had completed writing their ninth studio album. This announcement, along with news of a live album, built anticipation for new music from the band.
By December 2010, '21st Century Breakdown' had sold an impressive 1,005,000 copies in the US. This milestone demonstrated the album's commercial success and enduring popularity among fans.
A stage adaptation of Green Day's album 'American Idiot' premiered on Broadway in 2010 and was later nominated for three Tony Awards.
A stage adaptation of Green Day's album "American Idiot" premiered on Broadway in 2010.
On March 22, 2011, Green Day released 'Awesome as Fuck', a live CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray set. The album captured their '21st Century Breakdown World Tour' and included the previously unreleased song 'Cigarettes and Valentines', a treat for fans.
On April 13, 2011, a film version of the musical "American Idiot" was confirmed, with Michael Mayer directing. Green Day, Pat Magnarella, Playtone, and Tom Hulce were set to produce.
Billie Joe Armstrong formed the family band The Boo in late December 2011, recording a Christmas album for close friends and family.
Green Day, under the guise of Foxboro Hot Tubs, performed secret shows in late 2011. Their setlists predominantly featured unheard material, hinting at new musical directions and exciting fans.
Rolling Stone voted Green Day as the best punk rock band of all time in 2011.
Green Day returned to the studio in February 2012 to begin recording their ambitious album trilogy, '¡Uno!', '¡Dos!', and '¡Tré!'. This marked a departure from their usual album format and a bold artistic statement.
During their performance at the iHeartRadio music festival on September 21, 2012, Billie Joe Armstrong became upset, believing their set time was being shortened. He expressed his frustration on stage, smashing his guitar and making derogatory remarks about the festival and Justin Bieber. The band later apologized, citing Armstrong's struggles with substance abuse, and he entered rehab.
On December 7, 2012, Green Day released their third album in the trilogy, ¡Tré!, concluding the series of album releases.
Green Day released the final album in their trilogy, "¡Tré!," in December 2012.
In 2012, Rolling Stone further solidified 'American Idiot's' place in music history by ranking it 225th on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This recognition highlighted the album's lasting impact and influence on the music industry.
Producer Rob Cavallo worked on his first Green Day album since ¡Tré! for their new album expected to be released in 2023.
On January 22, 2013, Green Day excited fans by announcing a documentary about the making of their trilogy albums, titled ¡Cuatro!.
On January 23, 2013, the release of "Broadway Idiot," a documentary chronicling Billie Joe Armstrong's journey from punk rock to Broadway, was announced.
The trailer for "Broadway Idiot" was released on January 30, 2013.
Green Day embarked on their 99 Revolutions Tour on March 10, 2013, to support their trilogy albums, ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!.
"Broadway Idiot" premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 15, 2013.
Green Day released their documentary, ¡Cuatro!, on DVD on April 9, 2013, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their trilogy albums.
Rumors about The Network being a Green Day side project were confirmed in 2013.
Green Day surprised fans with a treat for Record Store Day on April 19, 2014, releasing Demolicious, a compilation album featuring alternate versions and demos of songs from their trilogy albums.
Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2015.
Green Day returned to the stage on April 16, 2015, after a year-long hiatus, marking their comeback with a special performance.
A monumental moment in Green Day's career arrived on April 18, 2015, when they were inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in music history.
Fans got a taste of what was to come when Rob Cavallo revealed on April 24, 2015, that Green Day was back in the studio, working on their twelfth studio album.
Green Day spread holiday cheer on December 24, 2015, with the surprise release of their Christmas song, "Xmas Time of the Year."
Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, marking a significant milestone in their career.
Green Day marked their return with a bang on August 11, 2016, by dropping the first single, "Bang Bang," from their upcoming album, Revolution Radio.
On October 7, 2016, Green Day released their highly anticipated twelfth studio album, Revolution Radio, which quickly became a fan favorite.
Green Day used their platform at the American Music Awards in November 2016 to make a powerful political statement against the election of Donald Trump, chanting "No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA" during their performance of "Bang Bang."
Green Day made amends with iHeartRadio and played an album release party for their 2016 release, "Revolution Radio."
Green Day released their eleventh studio album, "Revolution Radio," in 2016, marking their third album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
On July 7, 2017, an acrobat tragically fell to his death from a cage above the stage at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, where Green Day was scheduled to headline. The band stated they were unaware of the accident until after their performance and would likely have canceled had they known.
Green Day treated fans to a musical retrospective on November 17, 2017, with the release of their second greatest hits compilation album, God's Favorite Band.
Green Day took on the role of executive producers for "Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk" (2017), a comprehensive documentary exploring the San Francisco Bay area punk scene from the late 1970s to the 1990s.
In January 2018, members of Green Day, along with their audio engineer and tour manager, formed the band the Coverups, performing covers of classic rock and alternative rock songs.
Green Day made a piece of their history available to fans on April 13, 2019, with the first-ever vinyl release of their legendary Woodstock 1994 performance.
Green Day, alongside Fall Out Boy and Weezer, announced the epic Hella Mega Tour on September 10, 2019, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation.
Green Day entered a new arena on September 30, 2019, signing a two-year agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL), merging the worlds of music and sports.
Green Day turned up the heat on October 9, 2019, with the release of "Fire, Ready, Aim," the second single from their upcoming album.
Green Day returned to the iHeartRadio Music Festival in 2019, supporting their album "Father of All Motherfuckers."
On January 16, 2020, Green Day dropped "Oh Yeah!," the third single from their upcoming album, further fueling the anticipation for their new music.
Green Day's highly anticipated thirteenth studio album, Father of All Motherfuckers, finally hit the airwaves on February 7, 2020, marking a new chapter in their musical journey.
In February 2020, Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that plans for the "American Idiot" film adaptation had been "pretty much scrapped," without elaborating on the reasons.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of Green Day, offered a glimmer of hope to fans on April 6, 2020, by revealing that he had written six new songs while in isolation, hinting at future musical endeavors.
Green Day paid homage to the iconic band Blondie on May 21, 2020, with the release of their cover of "Dreaming," showcasing their musical versatility.
Green Day's secret side project, the Network, stirred excitement among fans on October 30, 2020, by teasing upcoming activity with a cryptic video titled "The Prophecy."
The Network, shrouded in mystery and rumored to involve members of Green Day, released their first song in 17 years on November 2, 2020, titled "Ivankkka Is a Nazi."
The Network, keeping fans on the edge of their seats, surprised the world on November 20, 2020, with the release of their EP, Trans Am, adding fuel to the speculation about their connection to Green Day.
The Network unleashed their second album, Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So!, on December 4, 2020, leaving fans to decipher its message and ponder the band's true identity.
The band "The Network" released their album "Money Money 2020" in 2020.
Green Day released their twelfth studio album, "Father of All Motherfuckers," in 2020.
Green Day injected a much-needed dose of energy into 2021 with the release of their single "Here Comes the Shock" on February 21st.
Green Day added to their musical repertoire on May 17, 2021, with the release of their single "Pollyanna," captivating listeners with their signature sound.
The long-awaited Hella Mega Tour, featuring Green Day alongside Fall Out Boy and Weezer, finally kicked off in the United States in September 2021, giving fans an unforgettable summer concert experience.
On November 5, 2021, Green Day unveiled "Holy Toledo!," another testament to their enduring ability to craft infectious punk rock anthems.
Green Day shared their musical prowess with the release of their fourth live album, BBC Sessions, on December 10, 2021, capturing the raw energy of their live performances.
In 2021, Billie Joe Armstrong expressed his disapproval of the "pop-punk" label often attached to Green Day in a Vulture magazine interview. While acknowledging the band's melodic punk style, he emphasized their left-of-center identity and history of performing alongside hardcore bands from the Bay Area.
The Hella Mega Tour made its way across the pond in July 2022, bringing the electrifying performances of Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer to eager UK fans.
Green Day was announced as a headliner for the fifth annual Innings Festival in Arizona on October 26, 2022.
Green Day confirmed that they were in the studio, working on a new album in November 2022.
Green Day debuted a new song titled "1981" during their live set at Festival d'été de Québec on July 16, 2023.
Green Day was announced as the halftime entertainment for the 110th Grey Cup on September 30, 2023.
Green Day treated fans to a live debut of their song "The American Dream Is Killing Me" at a show in Las Vegas on October 19, 2023.
Green Day performed "Look Ma, No Brains!" live for the first time at the When We Were Young Festival on October 22, 2023.
Green Day launched a new website, "The American Dream Is Killing Me," on October 24, 2023, featuring a video teasing new music.
Green Day released "Look Ma, No Brains!", the second single from their album 'Saviors', on November 2, 2023.
On December 4, 2023, Green Day announced the release of their third single, "Dilemma", from the album 'Saviors'.
Green Day released "Dilemma", the third single from their album 'Saviors', on December 7, 2023.
Green Day released "One Eyed Bastard", the fourth single from their album 'Saviors', on January 5, 2024.
Green Day surprised commuters with a performance in a New York subway station on January 16, 2024, to promote their upcoming album and tour. They were joined by Jimmy Fallon.
Green Day released their album 'Saviors' along with a music video for the song "Bobby Sox" on January 19, 2024.
Green Day released a music video for "Corvette Summer" from the album 'Saviors' on July 23, 2024.
As of 2024, Green Day had sold approximately 75 million records worldwide, solidifying their status as one of the best-selling music artists.
By 2024, Green Day had sold roughly 75 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards and accolades, including five Grammy Awards.
Green Day released their thirteenth studio album, "Saviors," in 2024.
Green Day will embark on a US tour in 2024 with the Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and the Linda Lindas.