In November 1995, when Green Day performed "Brain Stew" live at MTV's Hanging Out, they were riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, "Insomniac," which was released just a month prior, on October 10, 1995. This album followed their widely acclaimed "Dookie," which catapulted them to mainstream fame. "Insomniac" continued to showcase their punk rock sound, featuring darker themes and high-energy tracks, with "Brain Stew" becoming one of its standout songs. Interestingly, this performance marked a significant moment in the band's career as they transitioned from the euphoric success of "Dookie" to solidifying their place in the punk scene with "Insomniac." The MTV performance captured the raw energy and attitude that defined their aesthetic during this period, further solidifying their connection with the burgeoning punk audience of the mid-90s.