Billie Joe Armstrong

Billie Joe Armstrong was born on February 17, 1972. He is a renowned rock singer and guitarist who has earned his fame for his incredible voice and talent but also for being a co-founder of the mythical band “Green Day.” Learn more about him and his background as we celebrate his special day right here at National Today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Billie Joe Armstrong

Nickname:

Two Dollar Billie, Wilhelm Fink, BJ, Billie, The Reverend Strychnine Twitch, The Rev, Fink

Birth date:

February 17, 1972

Age:

52

Zodiac Sign:

Aquarius

Height:

5' 7"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$75 million

Billie's Social Media:

Background

Billie Joe Armstrong is an American musician, singer, composer, music producer, and actor, born on February 17, 1972, in Oakland, California. Of his five siblings, he is the youngest son of Ollie Jackson and Andrew Marciano Armstrong. His zodiac sign is Aquarius, and he preaches agnosticism. From a very young age, he had contact with the musical world since his father was a jazz drummer who unfortunately died when he was 10 years old. At that age, he met his friend Mike Dirnt with whom he performed heavy metal songs in his pajamas at home. He continued to train in music, and in high school, his teacher asked him to perform “Look for Love” for Fiat Records.

When he turned 11, he received his first electric guitar which he named “Blue.” Sometime later, in the company of childhood friend Mike Dirt and drummer John Kiffmeyer, he formed his first band called Sweet Children, with which they performed punk songs. A day before his 18th birthday, he left school to dedicate himself completely to his band, and managed to get a contract with Lookout! Records, releasing his first E.P. “1,000 Hours.” By 1990, Sweet Children was a success. In a single year, they released a studio album “39/Smooth,” and two E.P.s “Slappy” and “Sweet Children.” Fate smiled on Armstrong and he met Adrienne Nesser, the woman who would be his wife four years later. That same year, the band had to change drummers and hire Tré Cool, with whom they toured all over the United States while staying at the homes of some of their fans. In 1991, Sweet Children changed its name to Green Day and dropped its third album “Dookie,” which brought them further under the spotlight and allowed them to collaborate with great bands and artists such as Riverdales, Penelope Houston, and Iggy Pop. It was not until 2004 that Green Day ventured into the rock opera genre with their album “American Idiot,” their most successful album which reached the top of the charts in 26 countries.

After conquering the music industry, the band ventured into the world of the small and large screen, appearing in several music videos. Armstrong participated in television productions such as “The Voice,” where he mentored Christina Aguilera’s team and made a stellar appearance at the beginning of “The Simpsons” animated film. His musical life has always been closely linked to his personal life since he met his future wife at a concert in Minneapolis in 1990. In 1994, they got married, and in 1995, they had their first child, Joseph Marciano Armstrong. In 1998, they had their second child, Jakob Danger Armstrong.

Career timeline

1986
Creation of Sweet Children

The world sees for the first time the steps of what would be one of the most important bands of a generation.

1989
Sweet Children Changes to Green Day

The band was confused with another local musical group of the time, so it was given the mythical name Green Day.

2004
American Idiot

Green Day releases the most important album of their recording career, topping international charts.

2005
A Grammy, Finally

Thanks to “American Idiot,” they win a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.

2013
The Voice

Armstrong coaches Christina Aguilera's team in the Reality T.V. singing competition “The Voice.”

Why We Love Billie Joe Armstrong

  1. His love for animals

    His song ‘Deadbeat Holiday’ is dedicated to his dog Cleveland who has accompanied him since he was 17. We love his kind heart.

  2. He gives a great show

    Armstrong knows that for some of his fans, it is a difficult task to cover the price of a ticket to his concerts, and that's why he loves to give a great show. He wants to provide a totally unique experience each time.

  3. Charity in his voice

    When he was 10 years old, he would sing in hospitals, looking to help people feel better. What’s not to love about him?

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Should have been Billy Joel

    He was to be named in honor of the iconic singer, but his mother was very sedated during childbirth, so she misspelled his name for the birth certificate.

  2. The origin of ‘2,000 Light Years Away’

    It is well known that all his songs have a background, and ‘2,000 Light Years Away’ has a very romantic one; he wrote it after kissing his wife for the first time.

  3. His musical idol is Joey Ramone

    He is Joey Ramone’s number one fan, to the point that he affectionately calls his son Joseph, "Joey."

  4. "Wake Me Up, When September Ends"

    Armstrong suffered severe depression after his father's death, and every time his mother came to his room to comfort him, he would reply, "Wake me up, when September ends."

  5. He has his own line of guitars

    In collaboration with the Gibson brand, he launched a line of Les Paul Junior guitars.

Billie Joe Armstrong FAQs

What color is Billie Joe Armstrong's hair?

It is usually black from hair dye, but his natural hair color is reddish-brown.

Who are Billie's influences?

Billie Joe Armstrong’s musical references are The Jam, The Clash, The Rezillos, and many more.

Why does he sing punk and not another genre?

He has loved this genre since his brothers introduced him to it.

Billie Joe Armstrong’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2025February 17Monday
2026February 17Tuesday
2027February 17Wednesday
2028February 17Thursday
2029February 17Saturday

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