Written by Caroline Michael
“Now dance, fucker, dance, he never had a chance
And no one even knew, it was really only you”
Even if you don’t recognize these lyrics, I can almost guarantee you’d recognize the melody. That much was clear as I walked, well, ran, from the packed field parking lot to the stadium entrance. Fans of all ages filled the seats just as the show began, and I quickly understood why. The Offspring clearly put a lot of thought into this tour. From the epic lineup that included New Found Glory and Jimmy Eat World, to their hugely entertaining “intermission” during changeover, to their flawless hour-and-a-half performance, the night was packed with energy.
New Found Glory, pop-punk royalty, had the crowd singing and dancing instantly. By the second song, I glanced up at the stage, confused. I could hear vocalist Jordan Pundik, but he was nowhere to be seen. That’s because he’d already jumped into the pit, handing the mic to fans to sing along, something usually saved for the headlining band at the very end of the night. Jimmy Eat World kept that momentum rolling and only turned it up as their set went on.
It feels like just yesterday I was “performing” The Middle for my parents at ten years old. Jimmy Eat World was everywhere when I was growing up; on my favorite TV show soundtracks, all over the radio, basically the soundtrack of my adolescence. My expectations for their set were sky-high, and they more than delivered. Despite the 85-degree heat, the crowd at White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA matched their energy.
I couldn’t wait to hear two of my favorites, Work and Sweetness, and I swear they sounded even better live than on the album. Jim Adkins’ soulful voice filled the amphitheater, and the crowd kept the momentum going, singing every word until they closed with The Middle. There’s nothing like belting out a song you’ve loved for decades, shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people, alongside the band who wrote it. If you grew up in the ’90s or 2000s and haven’t seen them yet, do yourself a favor and get to a show, you’re missing out.
As Jimmy Eat World exited, a message flashed across the massive screen:
“WARNING! The following program is intended for mature audiences… and their very immature friends. Accordingly, The Offspring insists that you don’t leave your seats and party your ass off.”
What followed was a hilarious, crowd-engaging “intermission” that included the “Fuck You” cam, a trivia quiz, and even a dance contest for fans. Two lucky winners scored an upgrade to the front of the stage. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during a set change. That half-hour between bands flew by because The Offspring know how to put on a show before they even step onstage.
The Offspring have been around since the mid-’80s, but you’d never know it from the energy they brought. The venue buzzed with anticipation, perfectly fitting for a tour called Supercharged. They kicked things off with the instantly recognizable riff of Come Out and Play, and Bryan “Dexter” Holland’s unmistakable voice filled the amphitheater. That hook was still stuck in my head 24 hours later.
The crowd, decked out in Offspring shirts, packed the seats, but the band’s constant interaction made the night feel more like hanging out with old friends than watching a performance. Song after song, they delivered hit after hit, mixing in humor and connection between tracks.
The encore opened with one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s, You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid, the source of those opening lyrics. What I love about The Offspring is their willingness to blend sharp social commentary with ridiculously catchy hooks, often with a sarcastic edge. Singing and shouting those lyrics alongside thousands of fans felt therapeutic, especially in a world that often feels heavy with conflict.
I walked out of the show lighter than I’d felt in a long time. The Offspring really are one of the great pioneers of punk and in my opinion, they’re just as relevant today if not more, as they were in 1994.
The Supercharged Tour is still underway, with more dates across the world. For the full list of shows and ticket information, visit offspring.com/tour.
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