Of the record label bidding war around Green Day just before, BJA says: "We didn't know what it meant. We thought it was prank calls. There were a lot of those second- and third-rate Nirvanas and Soundgardens around - we didn't fit that mold. The labels weren't really looking for us."

For Dookie, Green Day recorded - for the first time - in a lavish studio. Armstrong says, "Our first album [1990's 39/Smooth] cost $700 to make. Kerplunk! was like $1200. "Let's record these as fast as we can - because we don't have a choice." This time, I learned how to dial in good sounds, get the best guitar tones. I was able to take a little time doing vocals. I loved that experience."