Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987 in East Bay, California. Known for bringing punk rock into mainstream music, the band is often credited with revitalizing and popularizing the genre in the 1990s. Founded by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt, they have become one of the best-selling music acts of all time, with hit albums like Dookie and American Idiot that cemented their legacy as a powerhouse in rock music. Their energetic performances and politically charged lyrics have earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim worldwide.
Green Day Career Highlights
1987 Green Day is formed by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt under the name "Sweet Children." Drummer John Kiffmeyer joins shortly after.
1989 The band changes its name to Green Day and releases their debut EP, 1,000 Hours, on the independent Lookout! Records.
1990 Debut studio album, 39/Smooth, is released on Lookout! Records. Tre Cool replaces John Kiffmeyer on drums, solidifying the classic lineup.
1994 Dookie is released under Reprise Records, reaching mainstream success with hits like "Basket Case" and "When I Come Around." Dookie sells over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone, marking their breakthrough.
1995 Release of Insomniac, which continues their success with a darker tone. The album goes double platinum.
1997 Nimrod is released, featuring the hit single "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," which becomes one of their most enduring songs.
2000 Release of Warning, showing a shift towards pop punk and acoustic sounds, though it receives mixed reviews initially.
2002 Compilation album Shenanigans is released, featuring B-sides and rarities. Green Day begins work on a new album.
2004 American Idiot, a rock opera, is released to critical and commercial acclaim, sparking a political and cultural conversation. The album wins multiple awards and is eventually adapted into a Broadway musical.
2009 21st Century Breakdown is released, following the success of American Idiot with another conceptual theme.
2012 Green Day releases a trilogy of albums: ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!, experimenting with various rock styles but receiving mixed reviews.
2015 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their influence on rock and punk music.
2016 Release of Revolution Radio, marking a return to politically charged themes and traditional punk sound.
2020 Father of All... is released, featuring a garage rock-inspired sound.
Green Day Band Members
- Billie Joe Armstrong: Lead vocals, guitar (1987–present)
- Mike Dirnt: Bass, backing vocals (1987–present)
- Tre Cool: Drums, percussion (1990–present)
- Former Members:
- John Kiffmeyer (Al Sobrante): Drums (1987–1990)
Green Day Grammy Awards
1995 Best Alternative Music Album for Dookie
2005 Record of the Year for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
2005 Best Rock Album for American Idiot
2010 Best Rock Album for 21st Century Breakdown
3 Most Famous Green Day Songs
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
- Basket Case
- American Idiot
Green Day Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
2003 Armstrong is arrested for DUI in Berkeley, California.
2012 During a performance at the iHeartRadio Festival, Armstrong has an on-stage meltdown, smashing his guitar in frustration over a shortened set.
2019 Collaborated with Fall Out Boy and Weezer for the "Hella Mega Tour," a joint tour that garnered attention for bringing together major rock acts.
Green Day ratings
