- Marshall’s 1959 BJA Signature amplifier was first seen at the Super Bowl
- Built on Marshall’s hand-wired 1959HW platform with a custom ‘Dookie Mod’
- The color? A nod to Billie Joe Armstrong’s first guitar, Blue (are you even an idiot?)
When Billie Joe Armstrong et al took the stage for Green Day’s Super Bowl performance earlier this year, I’m pretty sure most guitarists stopped listening for the “MAGA agenda” lyrical switcheroo that never came and instead simply breathed “That amp though…”
And now shredders can buy their own striking baby blue Marshall head, just like the one set up behind Billie Joe Armstrong – for the not inconsiderable sum of $3,999.99 / £3,099.99 (which is around AU$5,779 where it retails).
It’s Marshall’s first artist signature amp in 14 years, and its full name is the Billie Joe Armstrong 1959BJA Artist Signature. Yes, it’s inspired by one of punk rock’s most recognizable guitar tones, and yes, that means it has a special “Dookie mod”.
Basket case? No, please only the amplifier
The amp was developed with Billie Joe Armstrong (it even bears his signature on the front and back) and is built on Marshall’s hand-wired 1959HW platform, refined with a custom “Dookie Mod”. This, says Marshall, is “inspired by the tone shaped with producer Rob Cavallo during Green Day’s breakthrough era”.
The promise? A classic plexi but with modern performance flexibility, “increased gain, tighter lows and the saturated punch that brings Billie’s signature sound into a modern stage-ready format.”
designed, of course, is a nod to Billie’s first guitar, the Blue (seen in the main photo), combining baby blue with brass and silver panel detailing, all hand-wired in the UK.
It’s released as a head-only unit, so axmen can pair it with whatever cabinet they choose – but I’m sure it’s possible to buy a blue cabinet as well…
And this isn’t Billie Joe Armstrong’s first rodeo with Marshall. Back in 2024, he actually appeared in the Monitor III ANC headphone campaign. So the 1959BJA simply marks the natural evolution of that relationship? It certainly looks that way.
Armstrong himself is quoted as saying, “I’m so glad to have my own signature Marshall amp,” adding, “These amps have been a part of my musical life, from my heroes down to little old me. Turn the hell up!!”
You’ll be able to purchase the 1959BJA Billie Joe Armstrong Artist Signature from July 21st, and again you’ll need to part with $3,999.99 / £3,099.99 (or around AU$5,779) to get yours when they become available.
Sometimes you won’t find the amp; it finds you. It is somewhat unpredictable, but in the end it is true…
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