Who are Green Day’s fans?
Written and captured by Chris Bethell
Green Day has been a favorite among punk music lovers for many years. From their early days with the album Dookie to their more recent work with American Idiot, they have connected with fans on a deep level. This week, they are touring the UK with a show that includes all the songs from their classic albums, as well as some new tracks from Saviors.
But who truly supports Green Day? We ventured to Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester to locate them and discover for ourselves...
How many years have you been a fan of Green Day? "For a long time! Probably around 10 or 11 years - or maybe since I was around 10 or 11. I believe I discovered them through Kerrang!, you know?!"
What was the initial song you heard?"It was definitely a track from American Idiot. I adore that album."
Which one is superior: Dookie or American Idiot? "American Idiot, for sure."
"What song do you like best on the album?"I'm a big fan of St. Jimmy. Or maybe Holiday!"
What is it that appeals to you about their music, and why do you continue to listen to them? "Their music has a timeless quality - it's lively, has a great sound, and it's effortlessly enjoyable to listen to."
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? "I mainly listen to punk music - I'm a big fan of The Clash. I also enjoy some harder core music like Enzyme."
"What's your outfit for today?" "I'm wearing some ripped tights, my old shorts that I've had forever, and too many belts,".
How many years have you been a fan of Green Day? "Oh wow, for as long as I can recall! I've been a fan since the early 2000s, I think."
How did you come across them? "Honestly, I was really into Kerrang! at the time, so I was into 2000s emo music. I believe Basket Case was the first song that caught my attention, I just really loved it."
"Which do you prefer, American Idiot or Dookie?" "Oh, I still have to go with Dookie, for sure."
What Green Day song do you like the most? "I would say probably Basket Case! It was the song that introduced me to their music and it always reminds me of good times."
Which other music groups do you enjoy listening to? I like Offspring and Limp Bizkit, as well as anything with a 2000s sound. Whenever I hop in the car, I put on 2000s Kerrang! and I'm good to go.
What is it about Green Day that has captured your attention and led you to be here today? "Their music is so energetic and I believe they still have a modern sound. I continue to enjoy their music even though I am 50 years old. My daughter doesn't seem to know who they are."
Can you describe your outfit to us? "I have on a jacket from Reason, a brand based in New York City. The T-shirt I'm wearing is purple and from Hollister. And I'm also wearing some distressed jeans."
How long have you liked Green Day? "Since I was 11, so around 17 years! My close friend back then had an older brother who was really into skateboarding and Green Day. I wanted to impress him, so I pretended to also be a fan of Green Day. It continued from there."
What were the initial songs you were listening to?"Pretty much all of them! I think it was American Idiot, time-wise - that was the one that got me interested in them so it holds a special place in my heart."
Would you choose American Idiot instead of Dookie? "Yes!"
"What bands do you enjoy listening to?" "I like Beartooth, Tyler Childers, Parkway Drive... I listen to a variety of artists, to be honest!"
"And what clothes do you have on?" "I'm dressed in Kerrang!, obviously! You have to show support!"
How many years have you been a fan of Green Day? Jo: "I started listening to them around 1997, when Nimrod was released, and I went to see them perform at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall. I had been a fan for about a year before that. The concert was decent, but I think they have improved over the years. I'm still attending their shows, so they must be doing something right!"
What do you like the most about Green Day? Alison: "Billie Joe!" Jo: "Definitely Billie Joe!"
Did everyone see them before? Tinkerbell shared that this was her first time seeing them. She mentioned that she had tried a few times in the past, but they always ended up cancelling. She expressed her excitement to finally be able to see them in person.
Who else do you like to enjoy music from? Tinkerbell mentioned that she enjoys listening to Stiff Little Fingers and Foo Fighters, with the latter being a recent concert they attended. Alison mentioned that she skipped the Foo Fighters concert to see Mr. Bungle instead.
What are you looking forward to the most tonight? Niamh: "I was really looking forward to hearing 21st Century Breakdown, but I don't think they'll be playing it." Tinkerbell: "I can't wait for the whole thing. I'm excited for everything."
Who do you prefer: Green Day's "Dookie" or "American Idiot"? Jaqueline chooses "Dookie," while Allison is undecided. Niamh votes for "American Idiot," and Tinkerbell agrees, praising it as the only album with consistently great songs.
What outfit do you have on? Jo: "This hat was given to me by the lady with pink hair." Tinkerbell: "If the hat suits you!"
I started listening to Green Day around 2007, when my friend downloaded Dookie onto my iPod. That really got me hooked. I was also influenced by Kerrang! and Scuzz, especially during the American Idiot era. It was a great time for Green Day fans.
What makes you keep tuning in to them? "I don't know! I just found myself continuing to listen to them, you know, like everything else."
"What other music do you enjoy?" "I listen to a ton of country music like Tyler Childers and also a lot of metalcore like Killswitch Engage."
Have you ever seen Green Day before?"No, I saw them at the Hella Mega Tour, and it was fantastic."
"Hey, what outfit are you sporting today?" "I'm wearing a Malevolence hoodie and showing off my legs!"
Are you two married? How much of a role has Green Day played in your relationship?Robert: "We've been together for 10 years now!"Amel: "Green Day is such a big part of our lives! I'm a little bit obsessed with them."
Can you recall when you first became a fan of them? Amel: "Definitely! When I was around 13 years old, I listened to Boulevard Of Broken Dreams for the first time. It completely amazed me. That year, I even performed it at my high school talent show. My music teacher learned to play it on the piano and I had a ballet dancer accompanying me – at 13 years old, I was singing my heart out. The more I listened to their music, the more I became addicted." Robert: "I was around the same age. I had never been interested in music before that moment. Suddenly, they caught my attention and changed everything."
What music groups did Green Day introduce you to?Robert: "A little bit of everything. It's hard to think of them all on the spot! Fall Out Boy, Paramore."Amel: "I got into The Ramones! I was really into the emo scene in the 2000s. I even had big hair and all."
Can you tell us about your outfit? Amel: "He's wearing a shirt that's just like mine, I had it custom made by Angels Of Anarchy. I've got on some Converse sneakers. We're matching and looking very cute. I also created these earrings – we went to the Saviors listening party and I made these earrings using some items I got from the event! You can also see my tattoo, it's going to eventually be a full sleeve. The hand grenade is here and Billie Joe is here because he's the most important man in my life. Sorry, Robert! He came first."
How long have all of you been fans of Green Day? Kate: "For about 25 years – a ridiculous amount of time! I must have been around 10 or 12 when Dookie was released." Charlene: "I remember being told, 'You shouldn't listen to that music, it's not very appropriate,' and I thought, 'Screw you, mom and dad! I'll listen to it as much as I want.'" Kate: "The first time I saw them was in 2002, right here at Old Trafford. That's twenty-two years ago with No Doubt. Gwen Stefani climbed up the railings on the side of the stage because she's awesome. I absolutely adore her." Emily: "I feel like I was there with you when I first discovered them."
What's the Green Day song you like the most? Kate: "I really like Hitchin' A Ride." Charlene: "My favorite has changed - now it's Dilemma because I can connect with it."
Who are some other bands you enjoy listening to? Charlene: "I always gravitate towards Metallica or Slipknot, for something with a heavier sound. But I also appreciate the political messages in Green Day’s music, they’re entertaining. I admire how they can cover a range of topics, from personal experiences to critiquing political figures like George Bush." Kate: "I'm really impressed with Bring Me's latest album, it's fantastic. Also, Boston Manor and Don Broco are really high on my list right now." Emily: "Hey, stop taking all my answers! Don Broco is definitely among my top favorites."
How do Green Day impact you? Charlene: "For me, it represents defiance – standing up for your convictions." Emily: "It evokes nostalgia for me." Kate: "Green Day symbolizes my adolescence and joy and my early years of life. My teenage era!"
Tell us about your outfit. Kate: "I love Hellflower! It's a great British brand that is not very well known. I love their clothes, especially the one that says 'Going to hell'." Emily: "I always wear Dickies and Vans. They are my go-to brands." Charlene: "I used to wear Dr. Martens and Henry Holland, but I think Henry Holland no longer exists." Emily: "I really like my flamingo jacket." Charlene: "I keep looking for Henry Holland clothes on Vinted."
