Green Day hails from the sun drenched punk scene in Rodeo, California, formed during the early teens of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and guitarist Mike Dirnt. Tre Cool, drummer, was a later addition. 1,000 Hours, their first EP, was released in 1989 to a critical success which was followed with 1992's 'Kerplunk'- leading to a record deal with Reprise. Dookie, released in 1994 was a major spawner of hits such as 'Longview', 'Basket Case' and 'When I Come Around', selling a cumulative 8 million records nationwide and earning two Grammy Awards. Headlining at Woodstock '94, their mud drenched mosh pit set the tone for the rest of the concert, and like Little Richard following Jerry Lee Lewis after the piano was set on fire, the rest of the show had a very tough act to follow.

With 1995s less popular Insomniac release, Green Day receded into the studio to record Nimrod, which featured their most popular song to date, 'Time Of Your Life', a commencement song standard that year and for many thereafter. With its release in 1997, they set new standards for themselves and other musicians in the now burgeoning punk scene.