Thursday 15 May
Support: Simple Plan
This month we saw 2000s punk rockers The Offspring unleash an absolute extravaganza upon us all. Celebrating the band’s latest album Supercharged, they rounded up their Australian run with Canadian pop punk icons Simple Plan at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and it was honestly one hell of a party.
The lights dimmed to a red screen behind the stage and the opening bars to Star Wars rang out across the arena. Simple Plan launched on stage straight into ‘I’d Do Anything’ and from here on out, it felt like a time travel back to 2003. Having been a longtime fan since way back when and have lost count with how many shows I’ve been to, I can honestly say that nowadays, Simple Plan perform pop punk like a truly well-oiled machine.
In almost perfect synchronicity, frontman Pierre Bouvier led the rest of the band in with anthemic tracks like ‘Shut Up’ and ‘Jump’ before moving into singalong mode with ‘Welcome To My Life’. With many of us now well into our thirties, I can absolutely vouch that while we may not have had the energy to mosh for three straight minutes, everyone’s singing voices were well and truly equipped for this next hit of seratonin.
Now here’s a unique take on a Simple Plan show. I’m going to give you the real reason why their fans are some of the biggest music fans around. Every time we attend a show, it feels like home. Being surrounded by like-minded people, rocking out to our favourite songs when we were teenagers, there’s something kinda wholesome about it. Cue the band’s more recent singles ‘Where I Belong’ and four years on, this was one of their biggest pop punk anthems to date. From drummer Chuck Comeau’s thumping drum beat, to guitarists Jeff Stinco and Sebastien Lefebvre, right down to Pierre’s catchy vocals. I dare you to not sing along to the song that gives us reason to hold out for hope in this life.
In between Scooby Doo’s running a riot on stage and beach balls bouncing around the Entertainment Centre, Simple Plan’s energy was as contagious as ever. Even if it didn’t tickle your tastes, you were most likely bopping your head to ‘I’m Just A Kid’.
Following Simple Plan, there was an exciting buzz in the air with 35+ year olds barely able to contain their energy. While many took an opportunity for a beer/smoke break, those that stayed in their seats were not left twiddling their thumbs. Here’s the thing about an Offspring show — even before the band takes to the stage, the evening is a full blown entertainment extravaganza. From drone blimps to “kiss cams” to “booty cams”, the crowd’s energy only seemed to increase as it led closer to stage time.
As more punters took to the seats, ACDC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ blared over the speakers while the screen brought up a countdown to stage time. Just a little cheesy, but you know, we’ll take it. Taking their positions on stage, The Offspring kicked things off with ‘Come Out and Play’, beginning a celebration of noughties nostalgia. The vibes were high and voices were loud as Dexter Holland and guitarist Noodles continued the momentum with ‘Original Prankster’ before Dexter brought things down slightly with an acoustically-strung intro of ‘Want You Bad’. For dudes well into their 50s, they take singing songs about girls pretty well.
Given this was the SUPERCHARGED tour, you’d be remis if you didn’t give the new album a spin before going to the show. While their latest release may take a few more listens before the songs become as memorable as the classics, fans were still vibing off ‘Make It All Right’ as they sung along to those “ba-da-da-dah’s” which very likely did not wipe the grin off Dexter’s face for the rest of the night. If they had to pick any new track to add to the pop punk extravaganza, it had to be this one.
It wasn’t all about Dexter though. Noodles had his shining moment too during the show and if he wasn’t one of your biggest highlights of the night, did you even see The Offspring? Yeah, his one liners were cheesy as hell, but you can’t help but laugh and love him even more.
Following Dexter’s beautiful piano rendition of ‘Gone Away’ that quite literally lit up the Entertainment Centre, the band bounced right back into 2000s nostalgia with ‘Why Don’t You Get A Job?’. This track always brings a playful, cheeky energy and with a sea of beach balls bouncing around the crowd, the vibe was electric. To top it off, Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier joined them on stage, adding his own flair and making the moment feel even more special. The combination of catchy hooks, sing-along chorus and all that fun chaos truly set the tone even higher for the tour finale, reminding everyone why The Offspring still gets people moving and laughing years later.
‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’ shone a light on every person in the room that seemingly dressed like the iconic character from the music video (yeah, there was an army of football jerseys and red caps floating about the venue that night) and instantly took me back to my 10 year old self, listening to punk rock for the first time.
I’ve seen The Offspring countless times over the years, and without fail, they always bring one hell of a party. Each show leaves me with a hoarse voice from all the singing and shouting and a heart full of gold from the sheer joy and energy they pour into every performance. Their music isn’t just a soundtrack — it’s the anthem of our youth, capturing all those wild, reckless and unforgettable moments. Even after all these years, their songs are packed with raw energy as ever, proving that the band’s youthful spirit hasn’t faded one bit. Whether it’s an old classic or a newer track, The Offspring know exactly how to light up a crowd and make every show feel like a celebration of everything that made us fall in love with their sound in the first place.
Review by Tamara May
Photos by Reece Trudgen
