Green Day’s Hilarious Acceptance Speech at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards
On March 17, 2025, Green Day made headlines not just for winning the Alternative Artist of the Year award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, but for delivering a speech that had fans and viewers alike in stitches. The iconic punk rock band, consisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool, and Mike Dirnt, took a lighthearted approach to their acceptance, drawing inspiration from a classic film that resonated with many movie buffs: the 1997 dramedy Boogie Nights.
A Nod to Cinema
As Armstrong stepped up to the podium at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, he unfolded a piece of paper from his pocket, ready to deliver what would become an unforgettable moment of the night. With a playful demeanor, he began his speech with the now-famous line from Boogie Nights: “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I guess, I guess the only thing I can say is that I’ll keep rockin’ and rollin’, keep making music and better songs.” The reference was not lost on fans, many of whom recognized the homage to Mark Wahlberg’s character, Dirk Diggler.
The Spirit of Punk Rock
Armstrong’s delivery was infused with humor, as he attempted to contain his laughter while riffing on the film’s dialogue. “You know, it seems we make these records and sometimes they’re considered filthy by some people,” he continued, eliciting giggles from his bandmates, who were clearly enjoying the moment. This playful banter exemplified the band’s signature style—combining serious themes with a lighthearted approach, a hallmark of their punk rock ethos.
He went on to emphasize the positive impact of music, stating, “I don’t think that’s true. The music we make can make people feel better. They can help, they really can, I believe that. We can always do better. I’m gonna keep tryin’ if you keep tryin’. Let’s keep rockin’ and rollin’.” This blend of humor and sincerity resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing Green Day’s ability to connect with fans on multiple levels.
The Original Scene
For those unfamiliar with the original scene from Boogie Nights, Wahlberg’s character delivers a similar speech at an awards ceremony, stating, “Sometimes these acceptance speeches, they’re considered filthy by some people, but I don’t think that’s true. These speeches celebrities make, they can be better. They can help, I really mean that.” The parallels between the two speeches were striking, and Green Day’s playful take on it added a fresh twist that delighted fans.
Social Media Buzz
Following the event, Green Day shared a side-by-side clip of their speech and the original scene on their Instagram account, captioning it with excitement about their win. Fans flooded the comments with laughter and appreciation for the band’s unique sense of humor. Comments ranged from “THE MOST UNSERIOUS BAND EVER (ILY GUYS)” to “That was the most Green Day thing I’ve even seen in years!” This interaction highlighted the band’s ability to engage with their audience in a fun and relatable way.
Awards and Recognition
In addition to their win for Alternative Artist of the Year, Green Day was also nominated for Alternative Song of the Year with their track "Dilemma" and Rock Artist of the Year. Their recognition at the iHeartRadio Music Awards follows a successful year, where they were honored with the Landmark Award in 2024, performing a medley that celebrated their extensive career.
Green Day’s acceptance speech at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards not only showcased their musical talent but also their ability to entertain and connect with fans through humor and nostalgia. By referencing Boogie Nights, they reminded everyone that rock and roll is not just about the music; it’s also about having fun and not taking oneself too seriously.
