Billie Joe Armstrong Bio: Age, Songs, Movies, Net Worth, Children, Wife, Albums, Height, Band

Biography

Billie Joe Armstrong, born February 17, 1972, in Oakland, California, is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the punk rock band Green Day.

Formed in 1987, Green Day achieved global fame with their 1994 album Dookie, blending raw punk energy with catchy melodies.

Armstrong’s rebellious lyrics and distinctive voice have shaped albums like American Idiot (2004), a rock opera critiquing modern society.

Beyond Green Day, he fronts side projects like Foxboro Hot Tubs and The Longshot. A Grammy winner, Armstrong is known for his passionate stage presence and advocacy for social issues. He lives with his wife, Adrienne, and their two sons.

American musician and actor
Billie Joe Armstrong
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Billie Joe Armstrong
Stage Name:	Billie Joe
Born:	17 February 1972 (age 53 years old)
Place of Birth:	Oakland, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Hillcrest Elementary School, Carquinez Middle School, John Swett High School, Pinole Valley High School
Height:	170 cm
Parents:	Andrew Armstrong, Ollie Jackson
Siblings:	Marci Armstrong, Hollie Armstrong, Anna Armstrong, David Armstrong, Alan Armstrong
Spouse:	Adrienne Armstrong (m. 1994)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Arica Pelino (ex.), Amanda (ex.)
Children:	Joey Armstrong, Jakob Danger
Occupation:	Musician • Actor
Net Worth:	$75 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Billie Joe Armstrong was born on February 17, 1972, in Oakland, California. However, some sources indicate that he was born in nearby Piedmont and raised in the working-class town of Rodeo, approximately 24 miles north of Oakland.

His ancestry is predominantly from the British Isles, including Scottish, English, Irish, Welsh, and Scots-Irish/Northern Irish roots, along with one-eighth Italian (including Sicilian) descent through his paternal great-great-grandparents, and at least 1/16th German heritage.

Regarding religion, Armstrong identifies as agnostic, has been critical of organized religion, and reports no formal religious upbringing, though he has expressed appreciation for Catholic imagery in art and music.

He is the youngest of six children born to Ollie Jackson (born 1932), a waitress, and Andrew “Andy” Marsicano Armstrong (1928–1982), a jazz musician and truck driver for Safeway who passed away from esophageal cancer when Billie Joe was 10 years old.

His siblings include older brothers David Armstrong and Alan Armstrong, as well as older sisters Marci Armstrong, Hollie Armstrong, and Anna Armstrong. Armstrong‘s early life was marked by a passion for music that began at a young age; at five, encouraged by a teacher, he recorded his first song, “Look for Love,” at a local studio.

He attended Hillcrest Elementary School in Rodeo, followed by Carquinez Middle School and John Swett High School in Crockett, before transferring to Pinole Valley High School in Pinole, California. On his 18th birthday, he dropped out of high school to fully pursue a music career, forming the foundation for his later success with Green Day.

Career

Billie Joe Armstrong’s career is best defined by his role as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the legendary punk rock band Green Day, as well as his numerous side projects and collaborations.

Born on February 17, 1972, in Rodeo, California, Armstrong formed Green Day—originally called Sweet Children—in 1987 with childhood friend Mike Dirnt. The addition of drummer Tré Cool solidified the lineup that would become a cornerstone of the Bay Area punk scene, performing regularly at the iconic DIY venue 924 Gilman Street.

Green Day’s first albums, 39/Smooth (1990) and Kerplunk (1991), were released under Lookout! Records, gained them a devoted underground following.

Their major breakthrough came with the release of Dookie (1994) on Reprise Records, which sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone, fueled by hits like “Basket Case” and “When I Come Around.” Armstrong’s raw, emotionally charged lyrics and knack for infectious melodies helped redefine punk for a mainstream audience.

The band’s momentum continued with Insomniac (1995), Nimrod (1997), and Warning (2000), each showcasing their musical versatility. In 2004, they released the groundbreaking rock opera American Idiot, a bold critique of post-9/11 America.

The album became a cultural touchstone, selling over 6 million copies in the U.S. and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Its influence extended to Broadway in 2010 with a stage adaptation in which Armstrong occasionally performed.

Subsequent releases such as 21st Century Breakdown (2009), the ¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré! trilogy (2012), and Revolution Radio (2016) kept Green Day’s sound fresh and relevant. Their 14th studio album, Saviors (2024), reaffirmed their place as enduring icons of punk rock.

Outside Green Day, Armstrong has explored various side projects, including Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Network, and The Longshot, delving into garage rock and new wave influences.

He has collaborated with artists such as The Replacements, Norah Jones (as Billie Joe + Norah), and U2, while also contributing to soundtracks like The Simpsons Movie (2007).

His creative ventures extend to acting, with appearances in This Is 40 (2012) and Ordinary World (2016), where he played a semi-fictionalized version of himself. As a producer, Armstrong has worked on Green Day’s albums as well as projects like The Boo’s Dangerous Class (2020).

In recognition of his songwriting and cultural impact, Billie Joe Armstrong—alongside Green Day—was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of punk rock’s most influential figures.

Social Media

• Instagram: Billie Joe (@billiejoearmstrong)
• Wikipedia: Billie Joe Armstrong
• Facebook: Billie Joe Armstrong
• IMDb: Billie Joe Armstrong
• Twitter: Billie Joe Armstrong (@billiejoe) / X

Personal Life

Billie Joe Armstrong, born on February 17, 1972, is 53 years old. He stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

Armstrong has been married once, to Adrienne Nesser (now Adrienne Armstrong), whom he met in 1990 during a Green Day show in Minneapolis. After a long-distance relationship, they wed on July 2, 1994, in a brief backyard ceremony, and the couple has remained together for over 30 years.

They have two children, both sons: Joseph Marciano “Joey” Armstrong, born February 28, 1995, who is a musician and fronts the band SWMRS; and Jakob Danger Armstrong, born September 12, 1998, who performs as a guitarist and singer-songwriter under the name Jakob Danger.

Armstrong‘s dating history prior to marriage includes a serious relationship with Arica Pelino (also spelled Erica Paleno) from around 1988 to late 1991, which began when he was 16 and inspired several early Green Day songs; and a subsequent romance with a woman known as “Amanda” (a feminist punk fan and zine producer) that ended in 1994, amid reports of emotional turmoil that influenced tracks like “She” and “Whatsername.”

Armstrong has openly identified as bisexual since the 1990s, noting in interviews that he has had relationships with men, though specific details on those are not publicly documented beyond his self-described experiences.

Net Worth

Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Green Day, has an estimated net worth of $75 million.

His wealth stems primarily from Green Day’s global success, with albums like Dookie (20 million copies sold) and American Idiot (16 million copies) generating significant royalties, estimated at $12–14 million for Armstrong.

Touring, including the Hella Mega Tour ($67 million gross) and Saviors Tour ($80 million+), contributes $15–18 million.

Additional income comes from side projects (Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Longshot), acting (This Is 40, Ordinary World), and business ventures like Adeline Records, Oakland Coffee Works, and Broken Guitars.

Real estate investments, including a $5.5 million Oakland mansion and a $3 million Newport Beach property, add to his fortune.

Discography

Music with Green Day

Studio Albums (as lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter)

1. 39/Smooth (1990, Lookout! Records)
2. Kerplunk (1991, Lookout! Records)
3. Dookie (1994, Reprise Records)
4. Insomniac (1995, Reprise Records)
5. Nimrod (1997, Reprise Records)
6. Warning (2000, Reprise Records)
7. American Idiot (2004, Reprise Records)
8. 21st Century Breakdown (2009, Reprise Records)
9. ¡Uno! (2012, Reprise Records)
10. ¡Dos! (2012, Reprise Records)
11. ¡Tré! (2012, Reprise Records)
12. Revolution Radio (2016, Reprise Records)
13. Father of All Motherfuckers (2020, Reprise Records)
14. Saviors (2024, Reprise Records)

Notable Compilations and Live Albums

• 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1991, compilation of 39/Smooth and EPs)
• International Superhits! (2001, greatest hits)
• Shenanigans (2002, B-sides compilation)
• Bullet in a Bible (2005, live album/DVD)
• Awesome as Fuck (2011, live album/DVD)
• Demolicious (2014, demos from the ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, ¡Tré! sessions)
• Woodstock 1994 (2019, live album)

EPs

• 1,000 Hours (1989)
• Slappy (1990)
• Sweet Children (1990)
• Tune In, Tokyo… (2021, live EP)
• Live! From Hella Mega (2022, live EP)

Side Projects

Foxboro Hot Tubs (garage rock band, Armstrong as lead vocalist/guitarist)

• Stop Drop and Roll!!! (2008, JingleTown Records)
• Notable singles: “Mother Mary,” “The Pedestrian”

The Network (new wave side project, Armstrong as Fink)

• Money Money 2020 (2003, Adeline Records)
• Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So! (2020, Warner Records)

The Longshot (rock band, Armstrong as lead vocalist/guitarist)

• The Longshot (2018, self-released)
• Love Is for Losers (2018, self-released)
• Razor Baby (2018, EP)
• Return to Sender (2018, EP)

Pinhead Gunpowder (punk band, Armstrong as co-vocalist/guitarist)

• Jump Salty (1994, compilation)
• Carry the Banner (1994)
• Goodbye Ellston Avenue (1997)
• Shoot the Moon (1999)
• Compulsive Disclosure (2003, compilation)
• West Side Highway (2008, EP)

Billie Joe + Norah (collaboration with Norah Jones)

• Foreverly (2013, Reprise Records), a cover album of The Everly Brothers’ Songs Our Daddy Taught Us

Collaborations and Guest Appearances

• The Replacements: Contributed vocals/guitar on Like a Rolling Stone (2015, live performance) and joined them on tour.
• U2: Co-wrote and performed The Saints Are Coming with Green Day for U218 Singles (2006).
• Avril Lavigne: Co-wrote Let Me Go for Avril Lavigne (2013).
• Penelope Houston: Featured on The Angel and the Jerk for Cut You (1996).
• Goo Goo Dolls: Co-wrote You Ain’t Thinking (About Me) (unreleased, 1990s).
• SWMRS: Produced and contributed to his son Joey’s band’s album Drive North (2016).
• The Boo: Produced Dangerous Class (2020).
• Soundtracks:
  • The Simpsons Movie (2007): Green Day performed the theme song.
  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): 21 Guns by Green Day.
  • Twilight: New Moon (2009): The Forgotten by Green Day.
  • American Idiot Broadway musical (2010): Wrote songs and briefly performed as St. Jimmy.

Acting and Other Creative Work

• Films:
  • This Is 40 (2012): Played himself.
  • Like Sunday, Like Rain (2014): Played Dennis.
  • Ordinary World (2016): Played Perry Miller, a fictional ex-rocker.
• Television:
  • King of the Hill (1997): Voiced Face in the episode The Man Who Shot Cane Skretteburg.
  • Nurse Jackie (2012): Played Jackie’s coffee shop friend.
  • Drunk History (2016): Played Charlie Chaplin.
• Theater:
  • American Idiot (2010): Co-wrote the Broadway musical based on Green Day’s album; performed as St. Jimmy for 50 shows.
• Writing:
  • Co-wrote Last of the American Girls (2019), a graphic novel with cartoonist Peter Bagge, inspired by the Green Day song.
• Production:
  • Co-produced Green Day albums (e.g., American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown).
  • Produced albums for The Boo, SWMRS, and other Bay Area punk bands.

Business Ventures

• Adeline Records: Co-founded with Adrienne Armstrong in 1997; released albums for Green Day side projects and local bands.
• Oakland Coffee Works: Co-founded with Green Day bandmates in 2015, focusing on sustainable coffee.
• Broken Guitars: Co-owns a guitar shop in Oakland with Bill Schneider.

Awards and Recognition

• Grammy Awards: Green Day won five Grammys, including Best Alternative Music Album (Dookie, 1995), Best Rock Album (American Idiot, 2005), and Record of the Year (Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 2006).
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Green Day inducted in 2015.
• MTV Video Music Awards, Kerrang! Awards, and others for Green Day’s music and videos.