okay, i know youre thinking im a poser/loser, but hear me out:green day is the epitome of punk music, and that is why they are one of the greatest bands in the past 30 years..they have been around for so long, and yet they still come out with original songs and hits..there is a lot of heart in their music, many meaningful songs (and im not just talking 21 guns, which was good up until everyone murdered it)..also:you can tell they dont care what people think, because they will sing what they want (ideal punk philosophy, although not true for most punk bands) they do what they want, and they can lay sarcasm on thick..just listen to east jesus nowhere-billie-joe's tone of voice, lyrics, and even the guitar- riffs, solos, and all- is sarcastic..it may sound crazy, but youll know as soon as you hear it..my uncle (also in a punk band named violent society) said it perfect: punk is not about dressing a certain way, staying with the fashion, or sounding like what people want to hear;its about saying f*** you..this has stuck with me, because that is the true essence of punk, and that is green day in a nutshell..and as i write this, im listening to their newest album, 21st Century Breakdown..