Green Day’s Mike Dirnt Pays Tribute to His Birth Mom
Mike Dirnt has an interesting biography. He was born to Carol Alba Rowland, a heroin-addicted mother in 1972 who immediately gave him up for adoption. From the age of six weeks forward, he was raised by Cheryl Nasser and Patrick Pritchard. He was given the name Michael Ryan Pritchard. (The “Dirnt” is a nickname he got in school because he kept playing an imaginary bass going “Dirnt, dirnt, dirnt” all the time.)
Even with his new parents, Mike had issues. He ended up being expelled from school because he was sick so much, illnesses that may be attributed to his bio-mom’s drug use while he was in utero.
Carol died recently. Mike posted this on Green Day’s website:
Today we mourn the loss of “Carol Alba Rowland” my birth mother! As many of you know I was adopted. Over the last 10 years I have sought her out with the help of a good friend, only to meet her one month before her passing! I was blessed to have this moment as surreal as it was. The irony of this life never seize to amaze me, being that we were neighbors my entire life! We were able to share a cup of coffee, a cigarette and some smiles. She was a beautiful woman with a huge smile a hot temper and a kind heart. I will miss her as I did before, only now with some memories and a picture to go with the place in my heart! Love you mom!!!
(Via Diffuser)