Hella Nineties Music interviewed London tribute band Green-ish Day about their experiences, Green Day, and nineties music. All questions were answered by Jay Stone (aka Billy-Jay Armstrong).

Why choose Green Day to tribute?

When I started the band nearly ten years ago, I had just ended a successful Blink 182 tribute and Green Day were another of my favourite bands at that time. There was only one other Green Day tribute around so it was a perfect time, especially as American Idiot had just been released and was such an awesome album.

What do you think was Green Day’s best era and why? The 90s (1039/Dookie/Insomniac/etc), The 00s (Warning/Shenanigans /American Idiot/ etc), or more currently (21st Breakdown, Uno Dos Tre)?

For me, definitely the 2000s. With the exception of the legendary Dookie, American Idiot for me is the ultimate Green Day album and it hasn't been topped yet.

What is your favourite Green Day song to play and why? Do you find any of their songs particularly difficult to cover?

My personal favourite is ‘Letterbomb’ off the American Idiot album. It's pure energy all the way through and has great melodies and is so much fun to play live. I can't say any songs are difficult to cover, but ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ (again off American Idiot) is definitely challenging as it nearly ten minutes long and basically five songs mixed into one! You have to be focused during that song!

Were you interested in the band right from their debut? If not what album was most recent when you became a fan?

I was a huge fan when Dookie came out and have always enjoyed and followed them since, but it was American Idiot that put them back to the top of the punk rock podium for me.

Do you secretly despise any Green Day songs?

Honestly, yes, but I'm not going to say which!!!

What do you hope to see more of on the possible new release?

I really want to see more in your face punk rock like Dookie and less experimental material like other recent albums.

Interview by Kaitlyn Ulrich