86 by Green Day - Songfacts

Album: Insomniac (1995)

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This songs refers to the backlash the band received from the punk rock community once they hit superstardom, most specifically the California punk community and the club 924 Gilman Street, where Green Day got their start and built a following. Members of that scene in 1994-1995 vowed to assault Green Day on site should they ever attempt to return. Being "86'd" is to be ejected or kicked out of a particular establishment. >>
Suggestion credit:
George - Islip Terrace, NY
After Green Day's 1994 album Dookie, they could lay claim to the title "biggest punk band in the world," with an unprecedented crossover to the pop charts. With their next album, Insomniac, they stayed true to form with frantic rockers like "86." As lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong said: "You can take us out of our punk rock environment, but you can't take the punk rock out of us."

Comments: 12

Nobl-182 from MichiganInsomniac is a fantastic if very aggressive album. When you get past (when you '86', hehe) Geek Stink Breath for its definitive coverage for methamphetamine, Insomniac is actually a fantastic album. I interpreted this song as about a partner of a rockstar being frustrated with the fame of them (similar to the meaning here) and kicking them away out of being shy or at least disliking a lot of coverage.
Corey from West Portsmouth, Oh, AfghanistanThe best live performance of this song is on Letterman.
Jamie Brown from Aberdeen, ScotlandThere is in the British album release. It was recorded in Prague.
Spam from West Islip, NyThere is no live version on "Warning."
WTF?
Declan from LiverpoolI didnt like this song at first when I bought insomniac
The live version on warning is incredible though
Alex from GourockMy favourite GD song ever just because of how emotional it is and how angry they are
Tanya from London, United StatesThey got quite alot of abuse when they went big. And that 'Billie Joe must die' thing I said before is true. Seen an interview where he says it. He found it in the girl's bathroom.
Grungie from Magna, UtI agree with Jade, I think that THAT Tanya chick should be dubbed, "Rebel of the internet".
David from Pepperell, MaI always thought this was about Bill Buckner, the guy who lost game 6 of the '86 world series buy having the ball go through his legs. The lyrics fit with that theory too.
Jade from LondonSeems like you've put the Jesus of Surburbia vid message on every songboard Tanya, lol! Gd way 2 gt a message across, hey! Lol!
Tanya from London, Englandi heard when a friend of billie joes snuck em into the underground, some one had written on the wall 'Billie joe must die' Love this song. rocks live
Asshole from Los Angeles, Caanother meaning of the song could relate to one-night stands. billie even said so during an interview

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