The Network

Lore & Background

Formed in the summer of 2003, the band consisted of lead vocalist Mongo Fink, bassist Van Gough, drummer The Snoo, and additional members Captain Underpants and Z on keyboards and rhythm guitarist Balducci. They claimed they were 'brought together by an ancient prophecy.' The Network concealed their identities by using accents and wearing masks, and frequently released press statements denouncing Green Day.

Their debut album Money Money 2020 was released in September 2003 on Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong's record label Adeline Records. Shortly before its release, Green Day's then-in-the-works album, Cigarettes and Valentines, was reportedly stolen. Due to the timeframe, many speculated a connection, though Armstrong denied it. The album was remastered and rereleased by Reprise Records on November 9, 2004, with two additional tracks. In October 2005, the group opened for Green Day for several shows, then became inactive.

In October 2020, after 15 years of inactivity, the band released a teaser trailer entitled 'The Prophecy' and announced a forthcoming album. On November 2, 2020, they released the song 'Ivankkka Is A Nazi' with a music video. An EP titled Trans Am followed on November 20, 2020, revealing the full title of the new album. Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So! was released on streaming worldwide on December 4, 2020. On February 26, 2021, the band performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Reader's Guide

The Network holds significance primarily as a secret side project of Green Day, allowing the members to explore a new wave sound under fictional personas. At the time, Armstrong denied any involvement, but the three Green Day members are cited as songwriters for Money Money 2020 by the group's publisher, and journalists noted Armstrong's unmistakable vocals on many songs. In a 2013 interview, bassist Mike Dirnt finally revealed that the group was in fact Green Day. The project's legacy includes its elaborate concealment, the speculation linking its debut to the reported theft of Green Day's Cigarettes and Valentines album, and its revival after 15 years with a sequel album in 2020. The band's music videos and soundtrack appearances (such as 'Roshambo' on NHL 2005) also contributed to its cult following.

Did You Know?

• The band members used stage names such as Mongo Fink, Van Gough, and The Snoo.
• Their debut album Money Money 2020 was released on Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong's label Adeline Records.
• The band's 2020 album Money Money 2020 Part II: We Told Ya So! was released after a 15-year hiatus.
• In a 2013 interview, Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt confirmed that the Network was indeed Green Day.