Editorial by J'net: "Thank YOU, Green Day"

[Fuzz]

J'net just posted this editorial on GDA.

Thank YOU, Green Day

I've always felt a strong wish to thank Green Day at the end of every show when Billie starts pointing at people in the crowd and saying, "Thank YOU. Thank YOU. Thank YOU." Obviously, many others feel the same way - hence the proliferation of the Thank You signs that led to ... well, that's another story! The first time I spoke to Billie, I did thank him, and he said, "No, thank YOU!" with the sweetest smile. It's occurred to me lately that I need to say more than just, "Thank you." I need to explain why I'm so grateful to Green Day.

Green Day's music has been with me personally since the early 90's. I was introduced to Kerplunk some time before Dookie appeared on the scene. I listened and liked what I heard, but wasn't immediately a rabid fan - just enjoyed listening for a while.

During the Dookie and Nimrod days, I heard them often on the radio. I grew even fonder of their music and enjoyed many of their music videos as well. Two enduring images from those days: Billie in the Basket Case video looking up into the camera at an odd angle with a crazy look on his face and his spiky hair and, of course, Billie tearing up the couch in the Longview vid.

In those days, I thought of Green Day as a breath of fresh air for my listening pleasure rather than a life-changing trio. That all changed when I listened to the Warning album for the first time. I can't even remember when it was, but it probably wasn't anywhere near its release date - I wasn't watching eagerly for new Green Day music in those days. It might have even been after the release of American Idiot. But when I heard Minority for the first time, my life changed. I won't go into details here, but hearing Billie sing, "The only way I know!" freed me in some way to be more true to myself (which I've almost always done) without feeling associated guilt (which I've almost always felt). That in itself is a huge thing to be grateful for

Read the rest of this editorial on GDA.

[Nemo.]

yeah. that's what i feel too. i am so thankful that gd exists.

[Clayish]

good read.

[TheGreenDayKidd]

No words needed! Beautiful. And yes: Thank YOU, Green Day!

[Anja]

Wonderfully written, J'net! You took the words out of everybody's mouths! xx

edit: I'm only halfway through and you already made me cry

[ChelseaDagger]

Wow, I kind of got all choked up reading that. Beautifully written, and so very true.

"Green Day's live shows are emotional, exhilarating, euphoric experiences." I love this line. It is absolutely perfect.

[ANJI]

That was well written. Couldn't have put it in better words

[Laura!]

That's such a great editorial, J'net. You've taken the words right out of my mouth.

[amy_runs]

Amazing, J'net! *applauds*

[Malleus]

Really great read, damn! I feel like starting a slow clap haha.

[Micky]

Amazing, amazing, amazing editorial, J'net!

I couldn't have said it better.

I teared up because every word is so true, it makes me too happy

[drugstore hooligan]

Bravo

[Mandy_PunkRock]

Awesome editorial, so well written!

[belinda jane]

I'm almost certain you took the words right out of everyone's mouth, J'net! Such a beautiful read.

[crazyeyes]

Reading J'net's article instantly brought me back to my 2nd Green Day show where during Good Riddance, you could just feel how ecstatic the crowd was from the show but also sad that it was all about to end. The best part of the night was right after the crowd sang "for what it's worth, it was worth all the while," Billie just stops and says with a teary look on his face "you guys are fuckin' awesome". The emotional bond/exchange that goes between the band and the fans is indescribable. Thank you for putting into words what I'm sure all Green Day fans have felt at some point.

[Rianne]

Such a good article! That's exactly what I feel. It reminded me so much of my experiences during the Europe tour.

[Jessicabasketcase]

I, like the rest of us here feel the exact same. To have the privilege just to be able to thank them would be an absolute blessing.

[justcause]

Lovely piece of writing, J'net, and good to hear from you!!

[The Grohl]

I like many others here, feel the same way. I feel that Green Day are one of the few bands out there that work really hard at entertaining their fans at their shows. And I think they know their auidence pretty well. Also, whenever they say we love the fans or that they're bumed because they missed a show I always feel like they really mean, wheraeas with other bands it sounds like more of an obligation.

So thanks Green day! Don't stop being awesome!

[Hermione]

This is lovely J'net

[Insomniac1984]

I think exactly the same when he talked about "Green Day Friends". Good article, it describes a lot of sensations that a GD fan could feel.

[*withoutadoubt*]

I know I've said it already, but I just read this again, and it's just so beautifully written and heartfelt. Can't wait for a whole new era of memories to begin!