In honor of Green Day
It is most possibly because of these three guys that I am still alive. I can't imagine a life without the amazing things they've brought to me. In fact, everything I'm interested in seems to flow out from my interest in their music.
Today is Billie Joe's birthday. This is the only way I can honor him, and when I'm already up to it, I will of course honor the rest of Green Day. I just found this day to be a perfect day to try to express myself. This is a commitment to my love for this amazing band. I owe them so much.
If you'd go back almost three years in time, you wouldn't find the same person at all. I was eleven years old, and not too familiar with music. Like many others, I listened to music, but I never had a passion for it. What would usually rule my stereo was Britney Spears, the latest compilation of Idol or pop music from the charts. I never contemplated or questioned the music, because my interest was simply not big enough. I remember having dreams of becoming a pop star, though. I remember this one time when I told my dad that I really wanted to be a pop star, and that I had to start preparing for it early. Dad said 'it's better to commit yourself to something you love, and something you're good at'. I'm sure that if I'd tell him almost the same thing today; 'dad, I want to play music for the rest of my life', he'd tell me to go for it. Because I have found something that I love now. Something that I love, and something that I'm good at.
I remember that morning in January 2005. The stereo in my room played 'the latest hits'. And there it was; Boulevard of Broken Dreams by a little band called Green Day. It was stunning to me. A few weeks later, I got more familiar with their music at a talent contest, where I heard American Idiot. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not, since there was such a big step between it and what I usually listened to. At a school trip further on, one of my friends brought cds to the bus. What, if not the entire American Idiot album? We listened to it, and I immediately decided to get that record as soon as possible!
In the beginning of July the same year, my family went traveling around Europe. The day we reached Berlin, Green Day played at the Live 8 concert. I wasn't lucky enough to actually see it, (oh, I did see the workers put the stage down) but my interest grew even more. Perhaps it was fate? ;] In Andorra, I got American Idiot. I remember how I kept looking down that plastic bag, really excited to listen to it. I had brought Britney Spears cds in the car, but as soon as I got the American Idiot cd, I never listened to my 'old sense of music' again. American Idiot took over my life for months. As soon as it had played its last track, I'd replay it! Further on in our journey, in Spain, I only went to the beach for one or two hours; then I went to the hotel room again to listen to American Idiot.
The rest of the summer holidays went on just like that. I'd play it over and over.
My next step was Dookie. I heard from others that I wouldn't like it, because it was not like American Idiot. That was bullshit; I loved Dookie. As soon as I got money, I bought a new Green Day cd. I began looking for interviews, videos, photos, facts and such things.
Their songs are touching in a fantastic way, make me think and do what I can to change situations I'm not fond of. They inspired me to let out of my feelings through music, to find my own place around and live my life to the fullest. I picked up playing guitar and discovered that I'm a rather good singer, and I had a band for one and a half year. I adore Green Day's contact with the audience, their ability to create amazing music, the way they bring people hope and happiness... I can't put words to my feelings.
Through playing guitar, I began writing more songs, and through writing songs, I began writing novels and poems, which I wanted to illustrate by taking pictures, so I got into photography, and so on. Everything that interests me today, flows from Green Day. Thanks to them, I am a creative person, I've gotten more goal-oriented, I know what I want and I know how to get it. In times of doubt, I put on a Green Day record, and with no exaggeration here at all - it helps. Green Day is simply connected with life to me.
So what do I want to be when I'm older? I want to be just like Green Day. I want to come from nowhere special, make music that nobody's ever heard before, inspire people to live, to fight for their rights, to stand up for themselves and to stay strong. I want to make amazing live shows, just like them. I want to write outstanding lyrics. I want to be unique, funny and smart. And I know that if luck's on my side, I can do it! Because I've found something I'm good at now. Something that I love.
I adore those guys.
=D
waiting_a_long_time, February 18th, 2008 at 03:14:56am
A-f*cking-men.
My story of how I got into Green Day is very similar to this one. They have changed my life and they will always be my favourite band. I'm definitely not the same person I was three years ago and I am thankful for that. They came into my life at the perfect time & I don't know where the heck I'd be without them.
Anyways, good luck I hope you accomplish all your goals. =)
threeam., February 17th, 2008 at 08:26:11pm
wow, amazing.
I can totally see my self in this blog.
I found them in a bit different way,
but they have done the same things for me. i've gotten into so many forms of art that i would never have thought iwould have liiked.
they've completely changed who i am, and i'm so thankful for them. they've given me a chance at life basically.
they'll always be my favourite band<333
Bubble Wrap., February 17th, 2008 at 02:20:08pm
Gay Nerd. :D
Ah lurve them.
Good blog. :D:D
I like that picture..
<.<
>.>
captain america, February 17th, 2008 at 01:47:38pm
WOW! this is AMAZING! THIS IS THE REASON FOR GREEN DAY THIS IS WHY WE ALL LOVE THEM.
this is an awesome blog!
Good job, I cannot speak I've lost my voice I'm speechless and redundant.
Lame I Know XD
Drummergirl, February 17th, 2008 at 12:14:53pm
Keep your way. Hope that in the future I will have your records played in my car (and hope it will be a nice car)
talaan, February 17th, 2008 at 11:16:24am
Amazing blog!
Green Day are a unique band. They have changed their fans lives in big and small ways. They may not have necessarily(?) saved peoples lives but they have had a big impact. That is why I love them so much.
Sarah!, February 17th, 2008 at 08:50:28am