"Green Day", the iconic American rock band, originated in the vibrant East Bay of California in 1987, when lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist/backing vocalist Mike Dirnt joined forces. Originally known as Blood Rage and later as Sweet Children, the band was an integral part of the late 1980s/early 1990s Bay Area punk scene, emerging from the legendary 924 Gilman Street club in Berkeley, California.
During their early years, Green Day released music through the independent record label Lookout! Records. However, their breakthrough came in 1994 with their major-label debut, "Dookie," under Reprise Records. This album became a massive success, selling over 10 million copies in the United States alone, and played a significant role in popularizing punk rock in the mainstream alongside fellow California punk bands.
While subsequent albums like "Insomniac" (1995), "Nimrod" (1997), and "Warning" (2000) didn't quite match the colossal success of "Dookie," they still achieved considerable acclaim, with the first two reaching double platinum status.
Green Day's pivotal release was "American Idiot" (2004), a rock opera that resonated with a younger generation, selling six million copies in the U.S. Their follow-up, "21st Century Breakdown" (2009), marked a chart-topping achievement.
The band's extensive career includes a trilogy of albums released in 2012 and their twelfth studio album, "Revolution Radio" (2016), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2020, they released "Father of All Motherfuckers."
Green Day's remarkable journey led them to induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. The band has also been involved in various side projects, such as Pinhead Gunpowder, The Network, Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Longshot, and The Coverups, in addition to their individual solo pursuits.
With an estimated 75 million records sold worldwide and multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Album for "Dookie" and Best Rock Album for "American Idiot" and "21st Century Breakdown," Green Day has solidified their place as one of the world's best-selling and influential rock acts. Their impact on punk and rock music remains enduring and celebrated.
