Dookie is the third studio album by the American rock band Green Day, released on February 1, 1994, by Reprise Records. The band's major label debut and first collaboration with producer Rob Cavallo, it was recorded in late summer 1993 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. Written mostly by frontman and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, the album is largely based on his personal experiences and includes themes such as boredom, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality. It was promoted with four singles: "Longview", "Basket Case", a re-recorded version of "Welcome to Paradise", and "When I Come Around".
The exterior of 924 Gilman Street in West Berkeley. Green Day played the venue until they were banned in September 1993 for signing with a major label.
Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, where Dookie was recorded
Telegraph Avenue in downtown Berkeley, circa 2010. The street is the setting of the album cover artwork, drawn by East Bay artist Richie Bucher.
Green Day is an American rock band formed in the East Bay of California in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, with drummer Tré Cool joining in 1990. In 1994, their major-label debut Dookie, released through Reprise Records, became a breakout success and eventually shipped over 10 million copies in the U.S. Alongside fellow California punk bands Bad Religion, the Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Pennywise and Social Distortion, Green Day is credited with popularizing mainstream interest in punk rock in the U.S.
(L–R): Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool performing in June 2022
Concert poster, dated March 16, 1990, at 924 Gilman Street for Lookout!-signed punk bands, including Green Day, Neurosis, Samiam, and the Mr. T Experience.
Tré Cool (bottom left) and Mike Dirnt (right) performing on July 27, 2005
Green Day live in Germany during the American Idiot tour