lyrics_by hitchin' a ride 
Michael Ryan Pritchard ( born May 4 , 1972 ), known professionally as ___MASK86___ , is an American musician , songwriter and composer . He is best known as the co - founder , bassist , backing vocalist and occasional lead vocalist of American punk rock band Green Day . He has also played in several other bands , including The Frustrators . His stage name was originally a nickname from his friends at grade school , as he would constantly play " air bass " and make a " dirnt , dirnt , dirnt " noise while pretending to pluck the strings . Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1986 by lead vocalist and guitarist ___MASK28___ and bassist Mike Dirnt . For much of the group ' s career , the band has been a trio with drummer Tré Cool , who replaced former drummer John Kiffmeyer in 1990 prior to the recording of the band ' s second studio album , " Kerplunk " ( 1991 ). Guitarist Jason White , who has worked with the band as a touring member since 1999 , was an official member from 2012 to 2016 . `` Hitchin ' a Ride '' is a song by American punk rock band Green Day . It was released as the first single from their fifth album , Nimrod . ___MASK28___ ( born February 17 , 1972 ) is an American musician , singer , songwriter and actor who is best known as the lead vocalist , primary songwriter , and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day , which he co - founded with Mike Dirnt . He is also a guitarist and vocalist for the punk rock band Pinhead Gunpowder and provides lead vocals for Green Day ' s side projects Foxboro Hot Tubs and The Network .