REVIEW: The Offspring 'Conspiracy of One' chaotic night at the Hollywood Palladium
Written by Jessica Klausing
Featured on AMBY
Dexter Holland (vocals), Greg K (bass guitarist), Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman (lead guitarist) and Pete Parada (drums) brought a night of chaotic endeavors to die hard punk fans at the sold out Hollywood Palladium.
As soon as the Huntington Beach rockers took stage, beer cups and clothes went flying in the air. The black and white fire skull logo proudly illuminated the stage as the audience pounded and roared with excitement while Noodles’ guitar wailed right into “Bad Habit.”
At one point, the entire balcony was shaking. It was a wonder the whole thing didn’t collapse. I know it is not unusual for fans to go berserk at the start of a show. But, this was off the chain! I have never been to a show where this much hype was bottled up in one room ready to explode.
Noodles seemed to enjoy all the chaos, thanking Hollywood for “being a creative audience.” Noting that “chaos is where the creativity develops.” He proceeded to comment how “Hollywood is gritty with such a great mix of personalities and people.”
And gritty it was indeed.
You don’t get the full experience at an Offspring concert unless you thrash around in an aggressive mosh pit covered in sweat and beer screaming the chorus lines to the punk anthems like a patriotic warmonger.
The band launched into into their popular hits like “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”, “Why Don’t You Get a Job” and my personal favorite, “Come Out and Play,” from their 1994 platinum selling album, Smash.
Their ninteen song setlist was a lot of fun, which included material mostly fromRise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008), Conspiracy of One (2000), Americana(1998), and Ixnay on the Hombre (1997). It was nice to see that the band didn’t solely focus on their older lineup but showcased plenty of their newer stuff in the mix. I prefer an assortment when a band has such a huge musical catalog. Of course, it is always great to hear the popular hits but refreshing to listen how the band has progressed over the years. They have evolved more than just catchy lyrics to a tighter production.
Holland took a moment to let everyone know how much the band loves playing at the Palladium--noticing how it looked like everyone in the audience knew the lyrics!
Greg K
photo by Jessica Klausing
The audience was a diverse mix of old and young punk fans. It was a satisfying experience seeing that the age barriers didn’t segregate fans from the show. There was no rivalry only a unification of fans singing their hearts out together. Its experiences like this that reminds me why I love attending concerts. Music is the universal love that connects us all no matter what walk of life we may come from.
After an hour of performing, the band had walked off stage until the audience chanted for “one more song”, which of course, the band was more than happy to oblige.
The band returned with an encore of “Want You Bad” and “Self Esteem” The songs ended the show on a high note prompting a little crowd surfing action.
Photo by Jessica Klausing
The Offspring has been praised for bringing punk rock and pop punk together. Despite being around for more than thirty years with most of their mainstream success in the 90s, these guys prove that they’ve still got what it takes to put on a damn good show!
SETLIST:
Bad Habit
All I Want
Come Out and Play
Coming for You
Hammerhead
Genocide
Have You Ever
Staring at the Sun
Nitro (Youth Energy)
You’re Gonna Go Far Kid
Gone Away
Gotta Get Away
Why Don’t You Get a Job?
Americana
(Can’t Get My) Head Around You
Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)
The Kids Aren't Alright
ENCORE:
Want You Bad
Self Esteem