There's no shortage of speculation as to the origin of Green Day [ tickets ]'s moniker, but the theories range from an obscure sign in the sci-fi movie "Soylent Green" to an episode of "Sesame Street." Most folks just assume it refers to smoking ganja.

Although often compared to first-wave punk bands like Buzzcocks [ tickets ], The Ramones [ tickets ], The Clash [ tickets ] and The Sex Pistols [ tickets ], the members of Green Day have cited the music of Queen [ tickets ], Husker Du [ tickets ] and The Who [ tickets ] as influences. The resulting signature sound has evolved since the band formed in 1987, but still highlights the distinct vocals of frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, distorted guitar, fast paced drums, and a bass sound that leans towards treble.