Green Day, the iconic punk rock band, has unleashed a fresh sonic endeavor with their latest single, “One-Eyed Bastard.” The track, embraced eagerly by their devoted fanbase, unveils an intriguing musical connection that has sparked discussions among enthusiasts. A distinctive resemblance has been observed in the sequence of notes, drawing parallels to the introductory melody of P!nk’s chart-topping anthem, “So What.” The plot thickens as “So What” itself has been previously likened to Deep Purple’s classic “Black Night,” dating back to 1970.
Did Green Day steal from P!nk?
Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has not stated if they did steal from P!nk, but he sheds light on the creative genesis of “One-Eyed Bastard” in a recent press release. He reveals that the song originated from a riff he had crafted – a shuffle reminiscent of a Black Sabbath-esque groove. In terms of lyrics, Armstrong delves into the depths of introspection, narrating the song’s thematic origins: ” ‘One Eyed Bastard’ started off as just a riff that I had – a shuffle, almost like a Black Sabbath kind of riff. Lyrically, I was just reflecting on bad times in life.”
Navigating through the murky waters of nostalgia, Armstrong acknowledges its bittersweet nature, stating, “That’s the thing about nostalgia, sometimes you think, ‘That was an awful time.’ Everybody’s got that ugly place in their life where they have to deal with ugly thoughts – it could be like revenge or whatever. Thankfully, I have an outlet in songwriting.”
To settle the debate on musical parallels, Green Day invites listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic exploration by comparing the songs. The band provides a YouTube preview, allowing fans to discern the subtle nuances and connections that weave through the fabric of these compositions.
In a broader discussion about the evolving landscape of music, Armstrong recently addressed the resurgence of emo and pop punk. He attributes this revival to the influence of streaming platforms and algorithms, remarking on the unexpected return of emo club nights and the renewed interest in bands like My Chemical Romance. Reflecting on the shifting dynamics, Armstrong notes, “There’s this new algorithmic way of discovering new stuff. It’s really prevalent in rock music and it shows how people are paying less attention to the radio [and other traditional platforms].”
As Green Day continues to navigate the ever-changing currents of the music industry, “One-Eyed Bastard” stands as a testament to their ability to weave diverse influences into their signature sound, creating a tapestry that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary relevance.
