Although this "American rock" trio got its start in punk rock music more than 20 years ago, it's still one of the most popular groups in that genre and it's credited with popularizing punk rock music in America. The band consists of Mike Dirnt (bass guitar and vocals); Tre Cool (drums and percussion); and Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar). Green Day, known early on as "Sweet Children," had its first gig at a barbecue restaurant in Vallejo, California, where Armstrong's mother worked. It wasn't long before a record producer saw the group perform and signed them to a label. On May 15, 2009, Green Day's new album "21st Century Breakdown" was released worldwide.
