Punk discussions after Green Day video spreads

Videos from Green Day spread on the internet as they changed their lyrics to call out X and Tesla owner Elon Musk. Comments vary as people discuss what punk is and what it is not.
Footage of singer Billie Joe Armstrong has circulated online, showing him singing, ‘I’m not part of the Elon agenda’ instead of the original lyrics of American Idiot: ‘I’m not part of a redneck agenda’. The change of lyrics was aimed at Elon Musk after he mocked the band on his social media platform X.
The comments on the footage do not only support the message of changing the lyrics; people are also talking about the punk community. Many say Green Day is bringing punk back or describe it as ‘when punk bands are punk again’. This has sparked mixed reactions from both the punk and non-punk communities. Some believe Green Day is not a punk band or are surprised that they are considered one. The band, which started in 1987 as an alternative rock-punk band from California, is now more widely known as a pop-punk band.

Where does punk originate from?
Punk started in the early 1970s across various places in the USA. Once punk reached the UK, it gained a different meaning beyond simply being hard rock. The roots of punk in England were tied to political and economic conditions. British punk rock reflected how the youth felt and their thoughts about the struggling economy during the 1970s. They were often seen as rebellious and shocking to society.
By the late 1970s, groups like Sex Pistols and The Clash had a huge influence on the community. Punk was no longer just a music genre but also a lifestyle and aesthetic.

What is punk?
In the USA punk was more like hard rock. The Ramones and Blondie are examples of this style. In the UK, punk evolved into something different. It became loud, up-tempo, with heavy instrumentals and lots of shouting. British punk bands aimed to make statements with their music, often addressing taboos and the economic struggles.
Punk is not only a music genre but also an aesthetic and a way of life. Colourful mohawks, dark ripped clothes, plaid, piercings, jewellery and more are staples of punk fashion. Vivienne Westwood had ties to punk, with her ex-partner Malcom McLaren not only managing the Sex Pistols but also co-founding SEX, a boutique selling provocative pieces embraced by the punk community. Punk has always remained a part of Vivienne Westwood’s collections.

Punk subgenres
In the late 1970s, post-punk emerged as a genre, incorporating non-rock influences while staying true to punk’s simplicity. The Cure, Joy Division and The Fall are well known bands in this genre.
Hardcore punk is a more extreme take on the genre for those who find punk not fast or loud enough. Everything is amplified in this subgenre, with bands like Germs and Misfits representing the style.
Pop punk is perhaps one of the most popular subgenres today. It blends with the fast, loud riffs of punk with pop lyrics and styles. Green Day is a leading example, alongside Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy.

Modern day punk
Punk has no limits or rules. New bands dare to experiment with other genres or explore unique ways to deliver their music. What remains constant are the strong opinions expressed through the music.
The punk aesthetic endures as well, with plaid, leather and boots occasionally making a comeback in fashion.
Green Day and punk
Green Day’s sound does not always align with the traditional style of the punk community; however, it represents an evolution to a subgenre. The band is often described as a rock or grunge band, while this is not entirely accurate, it also not incorrect. Green Day’s genre sits between punk rock and pop punk.
Comments on the Green Day video include statements such as, ‘the band shouldn’t involve politics’ and, ‘this is the least punk thing they could do’. However, in the UK, punk evolved into a political and economical statement, redefining what punk means. Bands like Green Day often incorporate politics themes, sometimes through subtle messages and other times more openly.
Author: Nele Mampaey
Date: 21/01/2025
Sources: Museum of youth culture, Britannica
Feature Image: CC BY: Ronald Dueñas ‘Rock Al Parque’