Jet Taman Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 So I've been a fan of Green Day since I saw them at age 17 at Lollapalooza 94 and I have so many quirky funny stories that have happened in my life that involve Green Day including Woodstock, asking my wife to marry me at a Green Day show, turning Green Day music into educational music, tattoos, funerals, graduations, BJ guitars, etc. and still after all these things I still have yet to shake hands/meet/get my picture taken with Billie but it seems every other Green Day fan has. The message of the book is my take on the ol' "Life is a journey, not a destination". It will be just something I do for my own sake so that my grandkids can read it, but I want to get it bound nicely and make it look like a "real" book and I want to give some copies to my friends, a few Green Day fans that I've met and become friends with along the way (some who have shared in these stories), and maybe even Billie Joe himself. So in between each chapter, I'd like to include one of your stories of how you got to meet Billie Joe. Was it by circumstance? Did you wait long? etc. You can post it here (I know there is a post about meeting Billie on the boards, but some people may not be on here anymore and there may be some new stories and if you post, you'd be willing to have your story included) Like I said, I'm not going to be selling these on Amazon or anything, I don't really need to hear any body say I suck or I'm a loser, it's just that writing a book is on my bucket list and I want you to be a part of it. And, mods, I'm not trying to spam or anything my book. I just wanted some help from some real Green Day fans. Thanks guys... you can also email me at justinuws@gmail.com Here's my Prologue rough draft.... First of all, I need to assure you that I am not a stalker fan. I've heard of "Deadheads" who followed the Grateful Dead around every concert of every tour and have seen Jerry Garcia and his band hundreds of times. Hopefully when the legend passed away, they got jobs. ... I'm not the type of fan that knows every little detail about Green Day—when the band members were born, where they live, or what blood type they are. I know there are some (fill in the latest boy band/boy singer here) fans that know all of that information. Hopefully those fans know just as much about what they're learning in middle school as what they know about their tween crush. ... I am simply a fan of Green Day that has seen them once or twice on each tour they have gone on since 1994. I've had brief encounters and passings by with members. Sure, I have all of their CD's, and among my friends, Green Day is almost synonymous with me, but I wouldn't put myself on the list of obsessed Green Day fans. ... So much has happened in my life that involves Green Day that it’s become a quest of mine to meet Billie Joe and try in some miniscule way to give back all that he’s given to me. One of the appeals of meeting Billie Joe is the same reason that Green Day is one of my favorite bands in the first place—they are, or at least they seem to be, accessible. Billie Joe brings fans up onstage during concerts and has them sing with him, dance with him, play guitar with him, and he's given guitars out to some fans while on stage. ... Bands that have such worldwide recognition like Green Day does, are almost considered Rock Gods—bands that you only will see on TV or on stage , or maybe backstage if you're a willing groupie. Groupies don't even seem to exist at a Green Day show and never really have. All of the members of Green Day got married at an early age (albeit Billie is the only one still in his original marriage) and I don’t ever remember security coming out to “pick and choose” girls to come back to meet the band. I think that's why I never really got into the whole Motley Crue/Poison/Guns -n- Roses scene. I think there was a tinge of jealousy that I would never be like those “Hair Band” guys. I would never get the hot girls, or have the long hair, or get away with wearing tight animal print spandex pants. ... But with Green Day, there is a certain appeal that these guys are just regular guys, who wear whatever was in their hamper that morning, spend less than a minute fixing however their hair turned out that morning, and just drink beer and have fun playing music on stage. ... Green Day has sold out arenas as much as bands like Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones have, and their live shows consist of fireworks, confetti explosions, and t-shirt cannons. The grandiose show that Green Day puts on night after night makes it seem like they are untouchable, unreachable, and larger than life rock stars, but yet I go on any Green Day fan internet site and I see people with pictures of themselves with Billie Joe, Mike, and Tre. So why can't I be that fan that gets a picture with these larger than life rock stars? Why can't I be at the right place at the right time like all these people on the Green Day fan sites? Why can’t I be the one coming up on stage with Billie, I mean after all, I can play nearly every single Green Day song on guitar. ... After almost every time I've seen Green Day, someone has asked me, "So how was the show?" and I'm sure expected to hear, "Oh it was cool, they played ‘Basketcase’", but instead heard a story that eventually became a chapter in my life—from brief encounters to rib crushing front row spots to proposing to my girlfriend at a Green Day concert and so on and so on. Every show became an adventure. ... These are my adventures… ...These are my Green Days…
Bundita Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 Great job, I love the prologue, i can't wait to see the final product unfortunately, despite the fact that I have been a Green Day fan since I was 6, I've never been able to meet billie before. I tried so many times, but my time hasn't come yet to meet any of the band members i have every gd cd and vinyl. that is so sweet that you asked your wife to marry you during waiting awesome job! i bet that book will be awesome as F**K
mallorymaloney Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 I haven't met Billie Joe, either --- Not really. I gave him this rose, letter, and pin, though, on the 26th of January, while he was accepting flowers and other small gifts onstage after the evening's American Idiot Broadway show: But we've never exchanged words, only glances here and there at various events, sadly.
gdpony Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 I really like your idea and I'm looking forward to reading your book! And I hope you get to meet him one day
Tre_Gina Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 sounds interesting! I would like to hear all your stories too.
Disapperingirl Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 This seems a great project! But I'm sorry, if I'll ever have the chance to meet Billie Joe (and before that, to go to a Green Day concert ) I'll tell you my story! 'Til now i don't really have anything interesting to say, only dreams and not reality
TaylorKlinke Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 I met Billie Joe on July 10, 2009 in Fargo, North Dakota - at a meet and greet before their concert. Hot Topic at West Acres Mall was hosting the event and only 300 people got wristbands. Luckily I had a cousin who lived in town who went and got me one.The morning of, I woke up at like 8:00am from excitement and headed to the mall around 11:00AM. I got in line around 11:30AM and we waited for Green Day to get there...at like 2:30PM. I was probably like 25th in line. I just remember them leading us into Hot Topic and as I got closer to the table Green Day was seated at...I was trying to take it all in so I could remember that moment forever. Green Day's been my life since 2004 and thinking about them just makes me want to cry because their music has probably literally saved my life. Whenever I felt alone in high school, I turned on American Idiot and they were always there for me. Today when I feel alone, I turn on Green Day and automatically feel so much better. As I was right by the table, next in line, I was trying to think of what to say/do. First was Mike and I'm like "Hey Mike! How are you?" And he's like "Hey! I'm great, you?" as he looked at my acoustic guitar and made a compliment about it and autographed it. I wanted to ask for a hug but security there seemed pretty tight so instead I just stuck out my hand as Mike put the sharpie cover back on and reached out to shake my hand. I told him that it was nice to meet him and he said the same to me...then I went onto Billie... The only thing that came out of my mouth was "Hey Billieee!" I didn't want to seem like one of those obsessed fans so I just kept it as cool as I could...with my hero sitting right in front of me. He replied "Hey! How are you?" and as he autographed my guitar I told him that I was really excited for tonight and that it was my first Green Day concert and he looked me in the eye and was like "Oh really?! Well I hope you have a fun time!" Then I went onto Tre but I realized I didn't shake Billie Joe's hand so I froze...and nothing came out of my mouth...I was standing in between Tre and Billie...and Billie was already talking to the next girl. I thought about it for a second and then decided just to stick out my hand because I knew looking back I would have hated myself if I didn't at least get a handshake from Billie Joe Armstrong...so all I could do was stick out my hand but Billie didn't notice so I kind of just stood like that for at least 5 seconds...as I'm sure Tre and the security guys are like WTF? Haha. Finally I was like "Billie..." and he looked at me and smiled and then shook my hand. At that point I held up the line for at least 30 extra seconds, probably...and they were trying to get 300 people through before Green Day had to leave to get ready for the show. But nobody rushed me...and I soaked it all in. I'm glad I at least had the chance to do that....because coming from Minnesota...I never thought I would have the chance to meet Green Day. If I could do it over again, I wish I could meet Billie Joe randomly somewhere and tell him how much him and Green Day means to me...what they've done for me, how they've helped me through so much shit. I actually had it all explained in a letter...but I forgot to hand it to Billie. Ahh well at least I got a handshake
Brigister Posted October 31, 2011 Posted October 31, 2011 This sounds really interesting! I'm looking forward to read some more of it! Unfortunately I've never met the guys as well, so I can't send you anything... But with Green Day, there is a certain appeal that these guys are just regular guys, who wear whatever was in their hamper that morning, spend less than a minute fixing however their hair turned out that morning,and just drink beer and have fun playing music on stage. It's sad to say this: but this was true just until 10 years ago, until Warning, now look at them, they're all dressed fashionable, with trendy clothes and hairstyle... yes, I know they're still the same inside, but they're not the kind of "regular guys" you describe anymore.
Jet Taman Posted November 3, 2011 Author Posted November 3, 2011 THANKS for the stories! and Mallory, is it cool if I include your pic to show how much people love GD/BJ too? I've gotten a few stories via email so keep them coming! Thanks guys! I'm a school teacher so this is a work in progress and gets worked on when I have spare time, but I'll keep you posted!
pasalaska Posted November 3, 2011 Posted November 3, 2011 Quick question - are you only interested in stories around meeting Billie? My Jason Freese encounter was much more... in depth? than my billie encounters. I've also spoken to Mike and Jason White briefly too.
Jet Taman Posted November 4, 2011 Author Posted November 4, 2011 Quick question - are you only interested in stories around meeting Billie? My Jason Freese encounter was much more... in depth? than my billie encounters. I've also spoken to Mike and Jason White briefly too. You're on stage with Billie??? THAT'S the story I want to hear!
koolkev Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Can't add a story, cause sadly i haven'y me Billie yet Prologue sounds great- Can't wait to hear the rest!
mallorymaloney Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Mallory, is it cool if I include your pic to show how much people love GD/BJ too? I've gotten a few stories via email so keep them coming! OMG, yeah, that'd be seriously cool!
Drankolz Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 I´ve never really met them, just saw them in concert, but that was really awesome aswell. If i´ll ever get the chance to really speak to them, you´ll hear my story. I like this idea
KilljoyFromDetroit Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Awesome idea!!! sounds really cool, can't wait to see more stories
secondGuessMe Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 I haven't technically "met" him. As in shake his hand or say something to him. But because I'm just content on any kind of contact, I will post on my tiny meeting with Billie. I was at his son's show, at Gilman. I was in the front of the show for Emily's Army and when I turned around, there was Billie Joe. I was going to say hi, but he was talking to someone. I decided I didn't want to be rude and interrupt, so I waited. Unfortunately, he left after their conversation. But I did stand next to him. Which was amazing anyways, because it's the closest I've ever been to someone I look up to. Well, besides Mike Dirnt. I really got to talk to him. xP. i hope your book turns out great.
the daughter of rage Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 I met Billie Joe at his son's show in Los Angeles this past summer. I was so happy and ultimately bewildered to be standing next to my hero song after song and I was thankful that none of the people around had noticed him so he was able to stay there next to me. I decided to not bother him and let him enjoy the rest of the show. Of course I wasn’t able to contain my excitement for that long, so in the end I simply got his attention, said a couple of things which I’m sure he didn’t hear because I could hardly hear myself over the loud music but I got a warm smile and a hand shake. I quickly made my way out of his sight so I could burst into laughter, I couldn’t believe it, my dream had come true! As soon as Emily’s Army finished their set, and the curtains came down of the Roxy, everyone turned around and realized that BILLIE JOE IS RIGHT THERE! Everyone crowded around him, pulling his leather jacket, pleading for autographs, ect. and minutes later the security guards came and escorted him outside. For some reason I didn’t have an urge to get his autograph, so much so that I lended him my marker so that he could sign everyone else’s stuff. I guess I was content with just seeing him in front of me and in that moment I didn’t want anything else in the world. A few months before this, I was part of a book that was put together by Green Day fans called "I Was There" that was given to him at the AI Musical in NYC for his birthday, in which i included a letter and a drawing for him. I was so happy to see he tweeted about the book saying he loved the book and thank you..
TaylorKlinke Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 I met Billie Joe at his son's show in Los Angeles this past summer. I was so happy and ultimately bewildered to be standing next to my hero song after song and I was thankful that none of the people around had noticed him so he was able to stay there next to me. I decided to not bother him and let him enjoy the rest of the show. Of course I wasn’t able to contain my excitement for that long, so in the end I simply got his attention, said a couple of things which I’m sure he didn’t hear because I could hardly hear myself over the loud music but I got a warm smile and a hand shake. I quickly made my way out of his sight so I could burst into laughter, I couldn’t believe it, my dream had come true! As soon as Emily’s Army finished their set, and the curtains came down of the Roxy, everyone turned around and realized that BILLIE JOE IS RIGHT THERE! Everyone crowded around him, pulling his leather jacket, pleading for autographs, ect. and minutes later the security guards came and escorted him outside. For some reason I didn’t have an urge to get his autograph, so much so that I lended him my marker so that he could sign everyone else’s stuff. I guess I was content with just seeing him in front of me and in that moment I didn’t want anything else in the world. A few months before this, I was part of a book that was put together by Green Day fans called "I Was There" that was given to him at the AI Musical in NYC for his birthday, in which i included a letter and a drawing for him. I was so happy to see he tweeted about the book saying he loved the book and thank you.. Did that book ever get to him?...Cause that was a different book I thought...that he was talking about.
the daughter of rage Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 Did that book ever get to him?...Cause that was a different book I thought...that he was talking about. nope, for sure it was this one! he took pictures of it, and i have the book, so i know its this onexD http://yfrog.com/hst0uchj
TaylorKlinke Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 nope, for sure it was this one! he took pictures of it, and i have the book, so i know its this onexD http://yfrog.com/hst0uchj ahh cool i was thinking of something else haha
pasalaska Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 You're on stage with Billie??? THAT'S the story I want to hear! okay then! I got on stage to sing Longview on the 16th of December, 2009 in Melbourne - the last Australian show of the 21st Century Breakdown tour, however the process of me getting on stage really started at the very beginning of the Australian tour in my home city, Perth. I went to 3 shows on that tour - Perth, and twice in Melbourne. There was a small group of fans, mostly off the GDC, that travelled around the country following the tour, including myself, and we all got to be pretty damn close by the end of it, despite having only just met. Our group was rather conspicuous in the crowd, partly due to the fact that we'd always land the same spots - in the corner in front of Mike or at the end of the runway, so it transpired that at least one of us seemed to get pulled up on stage by Billie every night. I remember telling our little group of GDCers that tonight was going to be my night to get on stage, and they all agreed that they'd do everything they could to get me up there, so after the usual camping out and running to the front to claim our barrier spot, everything was set. Eventually it came time for Longview, and Billie did his usual 'who knows the lyrics' spiel - all my friends around we were waving their arms at Billie while pointing at me, trying desperately to get me picked - I remember he looked right at me, said 'she knows', then moved up the runway and I was slightly crushed - the guy he pulled out (who we'd hung out with in line) was too close to where I was standing, and he never usually pulls out people from the same side of the audience. Still, Anthony sung the first two versus before surrendering the mic back to Billie, and I knew that this was my last chance (for the foreseeable future - I'd not even thought about going to Europe or the US at this point), so once again my friends and I waved our arms and did everything that we could to get Billie to look my way, and he didn't even pretend to hesitate this time - he made a bee-line for me and said "we need someone to kick-ass - she knows how to sing it? You swear to god?" - I nodded frantically and held up my right hand to say 'I swear' - "Okay girl, get your ass up, this one's for all the ladies in the house right now". Before I could think, Green Day's two security guards had yanked me out of the pit like I weighed nothing, and were carrying me horizontally, so my arms were out-stretched, superman-style, towards the stage runway. I remember grabbing the floor, lifting myself up, looking at Billie and then running into his arms. He handed me the mic, asked me if I knew the words ("yep") and then repeated the first line for me anyway (to which I though, "I know, Billie, I know"), then he counted me in, and off I went. Now I really hate any sort of public speaking or being on stage, but then and there I felt utterly calm - I don't know what it was, but I didn't feel any pressure, and I knew that I wasn't going to fuck up the words - right then for that moment nothing could touch me, it was very surreal. I don't actually remember much about the singing part of being on stage, just that all I could think was 'keep moving, don't stand still, breathe'. I do remember running down the runway, and noting how the floor was just metal grating, and how it bounced slightly under my feet, and I also remember looking over the crowd a couple of times and not even registering the fact that it was 12,000 people. I lost my breath a few lines into the song, so I had to struggle to get the words out, and I knew I sounded like crap, but it was awesome, and when it came to the instrumental ending, I just soaked it all in, jumped around in excitement, stroked Tre's hair, did a little freak-out in front of my friends, then collected one of Billie's discarded pics off the floor. Billie summoned me over at that point, and asked me (not speaking into the mic) "do you know what's next?", I nodded and gestured a stage-dive. He asked me my name, twice - the first time I said it he just went 'huh?' - and then said "Aska, JUMP, JUMP, JUMP!!" until the crowd was chanting it. I looked at him, he nodded 'go', then I ran down the runway and launched myself into the sea of raised hands (it's like diving onto a very squishy mattress, FYI), and my feet didn't touch the ground for a week after that - I was so high on life, so high on the fact that my idols had acknowledged my existence. It was undoubtedly the best, most exhilarating moment of my life, and yet it was all over in only three minutes.
Lena549 Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 I love your idea of writing a GD book! The Prologue sounds amazing! I'd love to share a story too, but I didn't get the chance to meet the guys (yet ) Just had a look at the websites in you sig - those are awesome! The BJ guitars are gorgeous, and the idea of changing GD lyrics to educational lyrics is brilliant as well!!
Jet Taman Posted November 5, 2011 Author Posted November 5, 2011 @Pasalaska: That. Was. AWESOME! That is, you...wow...I can't ....that's unbeliev...you fucking lived my dream! That is so cool and perfect for the book. Thank you for that! Just had a look at the websites in you sig - those are awesome! The BJ guitars are gorgeous, and the idea of changing GD lyrics to educational lyrics is brilliant as well!! Thank you! Included in the book is how I've also made a quest to get my Educational Rock CD's to Billie including how I spoke with Joey Armstrong about them at an Emily's Army show...
pasalaska Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 @Pasalaska: That. Was. AWESOME! That is, you...wow...I can't ....that's unbeliev...you fucking lived my dream! That is so cool and perfect for the book. Thank you for that! You're welcome!
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.