'Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt began living for their weekends at the Gilman Street Project. Run out of the back of a caning-and-wicker-shop, the club would go unnoticed by anyone passing by. For those familiar with the side entrance, however, the shop opens into a world that Armstrong refers to as "salvation": dilapidated wood floorboards; graffiti splashed across every inch of wall space; band after band with the look and sound of early British punk like the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks.' - Rolling Stone, 1995



On November 26th, 1988, a dream came true when Green Day (as Sweet Children) played 924 Gilman Street for the first time. The legendary punk club was a refuge for people of all ages who felt like outcasts. A few new rules have been added, but all the old ones remain:



Although the club has been through several rough patches, it's still open and thriving thanks to new generations of volunteers who've poured time, energy and their own money into ensuring that the one-of-a-kind venue is preserved for many generations to come. Some of those volunteers were kind enough to give me and my friends a tour in October this year. A lot has changed since Green Day spray-painted 'Sweet Children' on the rafters (yes, that's their original graffiti!), but a lot is the same. This is what the club looks like in 2025.







'I got my education through punk rock. It may not be the biggest education in the world but I formed opinions and views on the world and society, feminism and racism through it. I think it changes individuals.' - Tre Cool







'To me punk rock was about being silly, bringing a carpet to Gilman Street and rolling your friends up in it and spinning it in circles. Or having a pit with people on tricycles or Big Wheels. The whole thing had a serious message to people, but at the same time it was silly, and people weren’t afraid to talk about love.' - Billie Joe Armstrong (Rolling Stone, 1995)







'That place and that culture saved my life. It was like a gathering of outcasts and freaks.' - Billie Joe Armstrong (Rolling Stone, 1995)







Spot Tre's more recent graffiti on that sofa!









If you're in the Bay Area, consider seeing a gig at Gilman or buying merch to support the project.

Massive thanks to @piss.stains and @angeltortured_cosplay for letting us check out this amazing space they've invested so much love into!

Photos: @atlasandacamera

Have you been to 924 Gilman Street? Any memories of how it used to be? Want to visit? Discuss it with other fans on the Green Day Community forum.

You might also be interested in the list of all the Green Day landmarks in the Bay Area.