"After The Disappointment of "Uno!, Dos!, Tre!" has Green Day Lost Some of Their Popularity?"

[GreenRanger]

Commercially, this genre is dormant bordering on extinct -- with the mass market craving for God knows what reasons the voxcoded, focus-group-driven, computer-produced likes of Demi Levato, Taylor Swift, fun., and (retch) PSY. Without much room for alternative rock on the radio anymore, it's simply very hard to find a thriving commercial audience for rock/classic-rock bands like Green Day . It's not that their music isn't still great -- it sure is. Instead it's that for reasons I don't think anyone can figure out, the timing isn't right -- which is another way of saying there just aren't that many fresh faces who enjoy that kind of music right now. Eventually the pendulum will swing again, Rock will rise again as a popular genre, and Green Day's music will strike a nerve again, so please don't count them either down or out.

I think this is the big picture right now. Think about the explosive success of American Idiot. Why was it so damn successful? Well, it spoke to its audience. It was a propaganda piece at a time where everyone was so uptight about their country and patriotism and everything like that. American Idiot was a sardonic look at our country when we had to believe it was the best place on the planet. That's when music goes from being just music and turns into a cultural event. AI had a sense of humor to it, lampshading our society's quirks in a way that could be taken as deeper or at face value, so it appealed to everyone. Let's face it, 21CB had plenty of promotion, but it didn't have that cultural spark that AI had. It doesn't mean it was an inferior album even, though it did lack a bit of the tongue-in-cheek commentary of its predecessor.

Then comes the trilogy, which yes, got completely nerfed by a lack of promotion and Billie's rehab that postponed a tour and TV appearances. But at the same time, the running theme of the trilogy is either growing older or partying of some kind...maybe a mix of both (probably a mix of both). You'd think, since almost all popular music is about partying and social issues (relationships), that the trilogy would be this huge hit, especially with Green Day's craftsmanship behind it...but it didn't happen for whatever reason. I think that maybe in a market saturated with similar messages coming from younger people, it didn't mesh. To be honest, it's kind of a nice thing. I wouldn't want the trilogy to be Green Day's next big album because I wouldn't want them getting recognized for saying such similar things as everyone else, if you get what I mean. I love the trilogy. I think it does offer a fascinating look at its subject material, offering a hint of reflection we don't see in all that popular stuff and it sounds damn good and I like all the solos. But the timing's not right. It doesn't hit that one spot that no one's looking for but that resonates.

Also, in response to a band that's as big/bigger than Green Day right now: Foo Fighters. They haven't had an album yet that didn't have a smash hit on it, and they as of Wasting Light are still kicking ass on the charts and off.

[DookieLukie]

I think this is the big picture right now. Think about the explosive success of American Idiot. Why was it so damn successful? Well, it spoke to its audience. It was a propaganda piece at a time where everyone was so uptight about their country and patriotism and everything like that. American Idiot was a sardonic look at our country when we had to believe it was the best place on the planet. That's when music goes from being just music and turns into a cultural event. AI had a sense of humor to it, lampshading our society's quirks in a way that could be taken as deeper or at face value, so it appealed to everyone. Let's face it, 21CB had plenty of promotion, but it didn't have that cultural spark that AI had. It doesn't mean it was an inferior album even, though it did lack a bit of the tongue-in-cheek commentary of its predecessor.

Then comes the trilogy, which yes, got completely nerfed by a lack of promotion and Billie's rehab that postponed a tour and TV appearances. But at the same time, the running theme of the trilogy is either growing older or partying of some kind...maybe a mix of both (probably a mix of both). You'd think, since almost all popular music is about partying and social issues (relationships), that the trilogy would be this huge hit, especially with Green Day's craftsmanship behind it...but it didn't happen for whatever reason. I think that maybe in a market saturated with similar messages coming from younger people, it didn't mesh. To be honest, it's kind of a nice thing. I wouldn't want the trilogy to be Green Day's next big album because I wouldn't want them getting recognized for saying such similar things as everyone else, if you get what I mean. I love the trilogy. I think it does offer a fascinating look at its subject material, offering a hint of reflection we don't see in all that popular stuff and it sounds damn good and I like all the solos. But the timing's not right. It doesn't hit that one spot that no one's looking for but that resonates.

Also, in response to a band that's as big/bigger than Green Day right now: Foo Fighters. They haven't had an album yet that didn't have a smash hit on it, and they as of Wasting Light are still kicking ass on the charts and off.

Foo Fighters? C'mon. Yeah they're big, but I wouldn't call anything they've made recently a "smash hit." Their last album went Gold (500,000 copies sold). They're highest charting song from that album hit 68 on the Hot 100, and they had two #1 Rock songs from that album.

21CB alone was more successful than that. It's Platinum with over 1 million copies sold. 21 Guns and Know Your Enemy were both far more popular than anything the Foo Fighters have released since...say...2007.

Additionally, looking at the Trilogy as one album, it sold decently well. Uno sold around 300,000 copies so far, and Dos and Tre are sitting at around 200,000 each. That's 700,000 copies, which is Gold certification. Oh Love was a decent hit and got a ton of Rock Radio airplay. The other singles weren't promoted at all. 700,000 copies with barely any promotion for a rock band isn't that horrible. Just imagine what the total would be if they did get promotion and Billie didn't go to rehab.

Overall, in terms of album sales, Green Day easily blows the Foo Fighters out of the water. The Foo Fighters make solid albums, but nothing as classic as Dookie or American Idiot. Green Day also beats them out in singles sales and Top 40 hits. So I'd say Green Day is more popular based on facts.

[Schlappy]

Honestly i think at this point sales don't matter. Green day have, in all sense of the word, made it. They have built themselves up enough that as long as they keep putting out music and playing gigs they will survive whether the mass media picks them up or not. Yeah the trilogy didn't sell as well, but look how many people turned up for the tour. The staying power is there. The record company is probably crying in the corner but the boys seem to be on top of the world.

[Cori]

I think that albums sales aren't really a good indication of popularity anymore, especially with the culture of illegal downloading that's so prevalent right now. I actually got sneered at by classmates of mine for saying that I was going to buy music. Heaven forbid that I want to actually spend money on one of my favorite bands. (It wasn't Green Day that time.) Yes, I'm sure that illegal downloading isn't large enough to make a large impact on sales, but it still makes a significant one.

Off topic, but aren't the Foo Fighters "taking a break" or something like that?

[WhiteTim]

Foo Fighters? C'mon. Yeah they're big, but I wouldn't call anything they've made recently a "smash hit." Their last album went Gold (500,000 copies sold). They're highest charting song from that album hit 68 on the Hot 100, and they had two #1 Rock songs from that album.

21CB alone was more successful than that. It's Platinum with over 1 million copies sold. 21 Guns and Know Your Enemy were both far more popular than anything the Foo Fighters have released since...say...2007.

Additionally, looking at the Trilogy as one album, it sold decently well. Uno sold around 300,000 copies so far, and Dos and Tre are sitting at around 200,000 each. That's 700,000 copies, which is Gold certification. Oh Love was a decent hit and got a ton of Rock Radio airplay. The other singles weren't promoted at all. 700,000 copies with barely any promotion for a rock band isn't that horrible. Just imagine what the total would be if they did get promotion and Billie didn't go to rehab.

Overall, in terms of album sales, Green Day easily blows the Foo Fighters out of the water. The Foo Fighters make solid albums, but nothing as classic as Dookie or American Idiot. Green Day also beats them out in singles sales and Top 40 hits. So I'd say Green Day is more popular based on facts.

Dos and Tre maybe together has sold 200k but not seperately...

And the album doesnt get counted as one album sales wise so its not gold...

So yes Wasting Lights has sold more than all 3...

FF have a strong following hell even THIS board has a team of Church of Grohl but yet no Church of Armstrong/Dirnt/Cool....

[DookieLukie]

Dos and Tre maybe together has sold 200k but not seperately...

And the album doesnt get counted as one album sales wise so its not gold...

So yes Wasting Lights has sold more than all 3...

FF have a strong following hell even THIS board has a team of Church of Grohl but yet no Church of Armstrong/Dirnt/Cool....

Based on an article published by MTV 4 months ago, Tre was at 110,000 and Dos was at 150,000. They're probably close to 200,000 if not over that by now.

But even if Wasting Light sold a bit more, since FF first album in 1995, Green Day has easily outsold them and had more hits. Yes FF has a good following, but Green Day has a bigger mainstream audience. Even in the past 10 years, Green Day has dominated the Foo Fighters. It's facts man.

[lbsf1]

Guys, look at emirates or any of the other large shows green day have done on this tour and say that they arn't popular. They don't have the same huge record sales some artists do (Adele sells lots of records however you would struggle to find lots of people who "love" her music.)

Green Day have a strong fanbase and whilst their recent album sales have been pretty low their music (in general) still has a large following, and to be honest do you really think the band actually care if they are chart topping or not, as they have said before they enjoy their music and if others enjoy the music aswell then thats a bonus.

[WhiteTim]

Based on an article published by MTV 4 months ago, Tre was at 110,000 and Dos was at 150,000. They're probably close to 200,000 if not over that by now.

But even if Wasting Light sold a bit more, since FF first album in 1995, Green Day has easily outsold them and had more hits. Yes FF has a good following, but Green Day has a bigger mainstream audience. Even in the past 10 years, Green Day has dominated the Foo Fighters. It's facts man.

Ok

Coldplay 5 albums sales wise are close to GD's 11 albums

Their last tour in 2012 was one of highest grossing tours

Their last cd has sold 8 million alone

I'd say they have a strong case to be named biggest band still active

But still Green Day is my favorite rock band that's still active so don't think im trying to bring them down

[Iain]

I think this is the big picture right now. Think about the explosive success of American Idiot. Why was it so damn successful? Well, it spoke to its audience. It was a propaganda piece at a time where everyone was so uptight about their country and patriotism and everything like that. American Idiot was a sardonic look at our country when we had to believe it was the best place on the planet. That's when music goes from being just music and turns into a cultural event. AI had a sense of humor to it, lampshading our society's quirks in a way that could be taken as deeper or at face value, so it appealed to everyone. Let's face it, 21CB had plenty of promotion, but it didn't have that cultural spark that AI had. It doesn't mean it was an inferior album even, though it did lack a bit of the tongue-in-cheek commentary of its predecessor.

Then comes the trilogy, which yes, got completely nerfed by a lack of promotion and Billie's rehab that postponed a tour and TV appearances. But at the same time, the running theme of the trilogy is either growing older or partying of some kind...maybe a mix of both (probably a mix of both). You'd think, since almost all popular music is about partying and social issues (relationships), that the trilogy would be this huge hit, especially with Green Day's craftsmanship behind it...but it didn't happen for whatever reason. I think that maybe in a market saturated with similar messages coming from younger people, it didn't mesh. To be honest, it's kind of a nice thing. I wouldn't want the trilogy to be Green Day's next big album because I wouldn't want them getting recognized for saying such similar things as everyone else, if you get what I mean. I love the trilogy. I think it does offer a fascinating look at its subject material, offering a hint of reflection we don't see in all that popular stuff and it sounds damn good and I like all the solos. But the timing's not right. It doesn't hit that one spot that no one's looking for but that resonates.

Also, in response to a band that's as big/bigger than Green Day right now: Foo Fighters. They haven't had an album yet that didn't have a smash hit on it, and they as of Wasting Light are still kicking ass on the charts and off.

...where can I find more people like you? You actually make the most fucking sense in this topic!

Overall, in terms of album sales, Green Day easily blows the Foo Fighters out of the water. The Foo Fighters make solid albums, but nothing as classic as Dookie or American Idiot. Green Day also beats them out in singles sales and Top 40 hits. So I'd say Green Day is more popular based on facts.

Source and statistics please. There's one thing this topic lacks and it's genuine research. All I am seeing is random numbers and contradicting opinions/assumptions. Before you lay down numbers let alone the claims, at least link some sources and bring in more exact numbers, people. I'm beginning to get tired of this. However, as already stated in the thread earlier it's hard to lay it down on sales alone because of illegal downloads. That being said, claiming one band popular than the other does need some validation, but frankly this might be more subjective.

It's one thing to bring in a subjective opinion, but if you're going to go and lay down a potential fact at least cite your source.

[HolyHandGrenade]

I think this is the big picture right now. Think about the explosive success of American Idiot. Why was it so damn successful? Well, it spoke to its audience. It was a propaganda piece at a time where everyone was so uptight about their country and patriotism and everything like that. American Idiot was a sardonic look at our country when we had to believe it was the best place on the planet. That's when music goes from being just music and turns into a cultural event. AI had a sense of humor to it, lampshading our society's quirks in a way that could be taken as deeper or at face value, so it appealed to everyone. Let's face it, 21CB had plenty of promotion, but it didn't have that cultural spark that AI had. It doesn't mean it was an inferior album even, though it did lack a bit of the tongue-in-cheek commentary of its predecessor.

Then comes the trilogy, which yes, got completely nerfed by a lack of promotion and Billie's rehab that postponed a tour and TV appearances. But at the same time, the running theme of the trilogy is either growing older or partying of some kind...maybe a mix of both (probably a mix of both). You'd think, since almost all popular music is about partying and social issues (relationships), that the trilogy would be this huge hit, especially with Green Day's craftsmanship behind it...but it didn't happen for whatever reason. I think that maybe in a market saturated with similar messages coming from younger people, it didn't mesh. To be honest, it's kind of a nice thing. I wouldn't want the trilogy to be Green Day's next big album because I wouldn't want them getting recognized for saying such similar things as everyone else, if you get what I mean. I love the trilogy. I think it does offer a fascinating look at its subject material, offering a hint of reflection we don't see in all that popular stuff and it sounds damn good and I like all the solos. But the timing's not right. It doesn't hit that one spot that no one's looking for but that resonates.

Also, in response to a band that's as big/bigger than Green Day right now: Foo Fighters. They haven't had an album yet that didn't have a smash hit on it, and they as of Wasting Light are still kicking ass on the charts and off.

It didn't help that the party record was the least radio friendly, and the one loaded with hits was the least promoted. I'm truly disappointed in the lack of support Warner has given them... it's like they pulled the plug.

[Iain]

It didn't help that the party record was the least radio friendly, and the one loaded with hits was the least promoted. I'm truly disappointed in the lack of support Warner has given them... it's like they pulled the plug.

Warner and Reprise are easily the worst for promotion and marketing; I bet their depts. on that aren't even ashamed.

Again, I'd rather a fucking radio interview than Angry Birds. No gimmicks and teases on the fan's end, just promote the music please.

Maybe there wasn't enough return in investment as well as lack of budget, or even so much as the rehab giving negative light, I'm guessing. But again, the money went to the wrong places if there was any.

[HolyHandGrenade]

Warner and Reprise are easily the worst for promotion and marketing; I bet their depts. on that aren't even ashamed.

Again, I'd rather a fucking radio interview than Angry Birds. No gimmicks and teases on the fan's end, just promote the music please.

Maybe there wasn't enough return in investment as well as lack of budget, or even so much as the rehab giving negative light, I'm guessing. But again, the money went to the wrong places if there was any.

Everything felt good with the performance of Let Yourself Go on national television, every music site talking about the trilogy, and a general buzz, but I think the troubles began (apart from Billie's issues) with the terrible choice to have Oh Love as lead single

[WhiteTim]

...where can I find more people like you? You actually make the most fucking sense in this topic!

Source and statistics please. There's one thing this topic lacks and it's genuine research. All I am seeing is random numbers and contradicting opinions/assumptions. Before you lay down numbers let alone the claims, at least link some sources and bring in more exact numbers, people. I'm beginning to get tired of this. However, as already stated in the thread earlier it's hard to lay it down on sales alone because of illegal downloads. That being said, claiming one band popular than the other does need some validation, but frankly this might be more subjective.

It's one thing to bring in a subjective opinion, but if you're going to go and lay down a potential fact at least cite your source.

Well my coldplay #'s were from wiki which i then looked at riaa's #'s which for most part was correct with wiki

[WhiteTim]

It didn't help that the party record was the least radio friendly, and the one loaded with hits was the least promoted. I'm truly disappointed in the lack of support Warner has given them... it's like they pulled the plug.

Well no idea why still no promo now but during the release dates they stopped cause of Billie's stint it cost TONS of money to promote hell I'm shocked they didn't push back the records til March when Billie got better... it took along time to make back the money spent on 21st so it's a sucky situation

Look at it from a business view failing sales not just Green Day but sales period it's risky amd not having a band to do the basic promo they arent willing to risk investing millions that's not promised to make back so from business it makes sense

From a fan stand point it sucks

It's a sucky situation on both angles

[J&TheNight]

Uno: first week sales - 139,000. peaked at #2 on billboard 200.

Dos first week sales: 69,000, peaked at #9 on billboard 200

Tre: peaked at #13 on billboard 200.

If that's considered disappointing (taking into account the lack of a band to promote the records and the fact that they released 3 ALBUMS IN 4 MONTHS), then it's pretty clear that popularity won't be an issue for Green Day going forward

Yeah, that's NOt a disappointment. I guess we're used to them taking top 5 always now? Still, they rocked the charts in a music scene where they aren't wanted. Props.

[Shredder2]

Commercial popularity, yes, but Green Day will always have their fanbase, as will every other band.

[HolyHandGrenade]

Commercial popularity, yes, but Green Day will always have their fanbase, as will every other band.

The thing is - the fanbase gets bigger with commercial popularity

[Shredder2]

The thing is - the fanbase gets bigger with commercial popularity

Good point. I didn't think of that.

[DookieLukie]

Ok

Coldplay 5 albums sales wise are close to GD's 11 albums

Their last tour in 2012 was one of highest grossing tours

Their last cd has sold 8 million alone

I'd say they have a strong case to be named biggest band still active

But still Green Day is my favorite rock band that's still active so don't think im trying to bring them down

Green Day US Sales: 25 mill

Coldplay: 15 mill

World:

Green Day: 75 mill

Coldplay: 56 mill

Let's ignore theTrilogy for obvious reasons.

So yeah if Coldplay sells 3mill on average in the US and 6 mill total in their next 3 albums, they will be equal to Green Day.

Look I'm a Green Day fan and I'm honestly not one of those crazy fans who thinks Green Day is better than every band, but the sales numbers don't lie. Plus, in terms of talent, Coldplay has no albums that I'd consider to be monumental. Green Day brought punk to the mainstream and Coldplay copied U2 and their success. Generic soft rock.

[Iain]

Look I'm a Green Day fan and I'm honestly not one of those crazy fans who thinks Green Day is better than every band, but the sales numbers don't lie. Plus, in terms of talent, Coldplay has no albums that I'd consider to be monumental. Green Day brought punk to the mainstream and Coldplay copied U2 and their success. Generic soft rock.

Quit bullshitting. That's like someone saying Green Day are nothing more than a wannabe Clash (which isn't the case). You're saying you're not one of "those" fans when you do take the time to defend Green Day while shitting on other good bands. Coldplay are actually pretty decent(they have some nice singles) and I don't see where the U2 comparison lies, eventhough I'm not a regular fan of either, so I don't know where you got this from and why you need to say it the way you did.

[WhiteTim]

Plus, in terms of talent, Coldplay has no albums that I'd consider to be monumental. Green Day brought punk to the mainstream and Coldplay copied U2 and their success. Generic soft rock.

Well I wasn't talking about talent outside of one or two songs I dont really care for em and I dont really hear the U2 comparison (but them I'm not a U2 fan so that could be why)

[JIGD13]

I'm the only one who thinks that is really stupid call yourself and "idiot", to say you're a green day fan

it's an stupid label.. no matter if the official fan club is called this way..

We may be called ''Idiots'' for being Green Day fans but we don't have to say it here

[DookieLukie]

Well I wasn't talking about talent outside of one or two songs I dont really care for em and I dont really hear the U2 comparison (but them I'm not a U2 fan so that could be why)

Not just talent. Green Day wins in sales too, man.

Quit bullshitting. That's like someone saying Green Day are nothing more than a wannabe Clash (which isn't the case). You're saying you're not one of "those" fans when you do take the time to defend Green Day while shitting on other good bands. Coldplay are actually pretty decent(they have some nice singles) and I don't see where the U2 comparison lies, eventhough I'm not a regular fan of either, so I don't know where you got this from and why you need to say it the way you did.

U2 and Coldplay do sound very similar, especially if you listen to early Coldplay. That isn't my complaint. I'm just providing statistical evidence that Green Day is more successful/popular. Sheesh.

[Todd]

Uno is my favorite of the Trilogy. Nuclear Family/Stay the Night/Carpe Diem/Let Yourself Go - those are songs we've been listening to shitty recordings and hearing about in reviews and interviews since 2011. They're already the classics of the Trilogy imo. That line up of those 4 is absolutely perfect, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[WhiteTim]

Not just talent. Green Day wins in sales too, man.

GD has 10 years on Coldplay

Let do by album by album

GD last 10x album was 2005

Coldplay went 10x plus on 2005 2008 and almost 10x in 2011

I have to say a band thats has sold nearly the same amount WITH ALOT FEWER albums (Green Day 11 Coldplay 5) you can say Coldplay has higher popularity as GD sales have gone down Coldplay hasn't

And since tours are being factored in GD has never made it into the highest grossing while Coldplay has twice

So you can argue on both bands really it boils down to the fan's perception

To me Green Day is a better band