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Green Day revolutionized the world of pop-punk, which will likely land the band a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

(AP)

CLEVELAND, Ohio – It's fitting that Green Day will likely be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, just one year after Nirvana.

While most people would consider Nirvana and its seminal album "Nevermind" the two most important aspects of rock music during the 1990s, you could easily make the case that Green Day (and it's major label debut "Dookie") come right after.

This week, we're taking a look at the artists eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2015. Examining the list, there appears to be just one no-brainer, and that's Green Day. But should the debate be that simple?



Well, kind of. The Rock Hall puts a heavy emphasis on significance and influence, which Green Day has plenty of. The band changed the landscape of rock during the 1990s.

Prior to the release of "Dookie," bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains were the blueprint for contemporary rock. It was all about dark, heavy and depressing rock. Pop appeal was never a focus. When success did happen it was unintentional and shunned.

"Dookie" changed that. The album's sound was brighter and more refined. There was melody to songs like "When I Come Around" and "Longview" that rock music had previously been lacking. "Dookie" was something grunge and diehard punk fans hated. It was radio friendly.

"Dookie" would shape what became pop-punk, influencing everyone from Blink-182 and New Found Glory to Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco. Would Hot Topic be what it is today if not for "Dookie's" influence? For better or worse, the answer is probably no.





It's not just about one album. What has Green Day done since "Dookie"? The band has pretty much taken over the rock world.

Despite backlash for abandoning its punk roots, Green Day's next three albums all featured big rock hits (I still have "Good Riddance [Time of Your Life]" stuck in my head).

Then came 2004's "American Idiot," which made Green Day one of, it not the biggest band in the world. To date, Green Day has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide and has had 20 top-10 singles on the alternative rock charts.





Making a case against Green Day's inevitable induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is tough. The only gripe comes when you consider the list of other deserving acts that have yet to get in.

Bon Jovi has sold nearly twice has many records. The Cure's influence may be more prevalent in today's music. The Replacements were arguably more influential. Bad Religion's influence on pop-punk looks a lot like Green Day's, minus the record sales. And none of those acts are in.

Still, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers back in 2012, Green Day can't be blamed for the Rock Hall's previous omissions. If the band was not to get in, it would only put them at the top of an ever-growing list of snubs.