The Offspring – Download Festival – Saturday 15.06.24

Who does not remember Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)? This iconic punk rock anthem and more was performed in a nostalgic, but happy gig by The Offspring on Saturday evening at Download Festival XXI.

Dexter Holland and Noodles are still masters at performing despite starting the band whopping 40 years ago. Funny jokes, gimmicky additions like a gorilla holding a poster in their hands or literal “white guy” inflatable air dancers just made their show incredibly entertaining and funny. I would emphasise a spotlight on new members of the band – Jonah Nimoy and Brandon Pertzborn who joined last year as well as Todd Morse who became a full-time member in 2019. Their youthful and lively take on such iconic music further amplified the good feels rock mood.

While I was enjoying the show I noticed how everyone had fun and sung along to The Offspring songs – from the young boys holding banners to older audiences standing or sitting on their camping chairs – there was no one who would not have fun. Despite a few cuss words here and there – I think their performance so easily having a family-friendly atmosphere.

Even though I originally did not plan to see The Offspring live – I do not regret staying in the first rows before Fall Out Boy took the stage. The inner child who fell in love with their music in the late 90’s was awoken and it was awesome to relive those times once again.