On 22 September 2024, Green Day were awarded the key to the city of Pinole, CA, at a Punk Bunny Coffee event. It was held at the "centre of the Earth in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven where I was taught." Yeah, it really was that 7-Eleven mentioned in Jesus of Suburbia!



Over 500 fans gathered at the 7-Eleven store to see the band promoting their coffee. That was all anyone expected, but the lucky fans also got to see the mayor of Pinole awarding Green Day the key to the city for their "profound impact and ties to the local community." Green Day spray painted the wall and a commemorative plaque was put up.





Way back when, Billie Joe and Mike attended Pinole Valley High School. Despite Billie's story of handing an EP to a teacher for it to be returned with red marks all over it, the school's sign celebrated Green Day as "Spartan Alumni" when they were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. One of Green Day's most iconic early shows was played on the school grounds. Billie was taught to sing by Marie Louise Fiatarone at Fiat Music. He once worked at the 7-Eleven where the event was held, as well as the Red Onion across the street. They often hung around in the parking lot while skipping class.



So it's pretty incredible that the city has recognised and immortalised the massive part it plays in Green Day's history – and their impact on the city too.

If you're considering making the "Green Day pilgrimage" to the Bay Area, GDA has a full list of all the landmarks and I also wrote two blog posts about it. Visiting Pinole will be even better now Green Day's name is on the 7-Eleven at the centre of the earth!

Share your thoughts on the Green Day Community forum.