Songwriters draw influence for words and music from any number of places. Ozzy Osbourne’s hit “Crazy Train” might be one of the few instances where a song’s lyrics were inspired by a faulty stomp box.

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong is better known for power chords and pop punk anthems than he is for shredding, but that doesn’t mean he can’t bust out the occasional guitar solo. He's done just that ...