In early 1995, Green Day was riding the wave of success following the release of their breakthrough album, "Dookie," which had come out in 1994. This ... Read Full Description >
In early 1995, Green Day was riding the wave of success following the release of their breakthrough album, "Dookie," which had come out in 1994. This live performance of "86" on "Late Show with David Letterman" showcased the band's burgeoning mainstream popularity, as "Dookie" had catapulted them to the forefront of the pop punk scene. At this time, the band was still promoting the album, which featured hits like "Basket Case" and "When I Come Around," greatly influencing the 1990s punk rock landscape. Interestingly, their energetic performance at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater demonstrated Green Day's dynamic stage presence, which would become a hallmark of their career. Just a year later, they would release "Insomniac," further solidifying their impact on rock music. This Letterman appearance is a vivid snapshot of their evolution from underground punk icons to mainstream rock stars.