Background
Before the name Insomniac, the band considered naming the album Tight Wad Hill (after track 13 on the album). After visiting collage artist Winston Smith for the album cover, Billie Joe Armstrong asked him how he managed to make such intricate pieces in such short times. Smith answered: "It's easy for me. I am an insomniac." Armstrong himself has said that the album title comes from his own insomnia, after having been woken up frequently during the night due to his son's screams. Armstrong also mentions his insomnia in the song "Brain Stew."
"Panic Song" was inspired by bassist Mike Dirnt's panic attacks he has suffered as a result of being born with an enlarged mitral valve in his heart.
Read more about this topic: Insomniac (Green Day album)
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