Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has released a previously unreleased cover of The Beach Boys’ classic “I Get Around” as a tribute to Brian Wilson. He shared the track through his Instagram.
The tribute post included a heartfelt message from Armstrong explaining the background of the cover recording.
“Thank you Brian Wilson,” Armstrong said. “I recorded a cover of ‘I Get Around’ a few years ago. Never got to share it. One of my all time favorite songs ever.”
This tribute reflects Armstrong’s broader pattern of honoring musical influences and creating unexpected covers throughout his career.
People reported that Armstrong has often spoken about his deep respect for influential musicians like Eddie Van Halen. He described Van Halen’s guitar playing as coming “from a different place” and credited him as a major inspiration during his early years. This admiration for legendary artists has consistently shaped his musical approach and creative decisions.
Armstrong’s tendency to record covers and experiment with different sounds has been a hallmark of his career beyond Green Day’s punk rock foundation. Wikipedia noted that he has been involved in various musical ventures, including the side project Foxboro Hot Tubs and collaborations with other artists. These projects showcase his versatility as a musician across different genres.
The spontaneous nature of this Beach Boys cover release also aligns with Armstrong’s creative process, which often involves unexpected musical moments. American Songwriter revealed that some of Green Day’s most memorable songs, including the hit “Brain Stew,” were created accidentally during equipment tests. This demonstrates Armstrong’s propensity for creating music without much forethought.
This tribute to Brian Wilson represents another example of Armstrong’s eclectic musical influences and his willingness to share personal musical explorations with fans, even years after their initial creation. The cover serves as both a personal homage and a testament to the enduring impact of The Beach Boys’ songwriting legacy on contemporary musicians.
