The Offspring are one of my favourite bands of all time. Smash was the first CD I bought with my pocket money, back in the early 90s.
At least, they were one of my favourite bands of all time.
The Covid™ era changed things.
They fired their drummer
By now, everybody knows that they unceremoniously fired their drummer, Pete Parada, for refusing the jab.
As a reminder, The Offspring is an American rock band that formed in 1984 in California, consisting of frontman Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, and bassist Todd Morse.
I say ‘rock band’ because, despite their origins, there is no longer anything ‘punk’ about them.
They gained mainstream success in the 90s with their album Smash, which included greats like Come Out and Play (Keep ‘Em Separated) and Self Esteem. It became the best-selling independent album of all time and helped popularise punk rock in the mainstream music scene.
What happened to them?
The Offspring, like many other (former) punk rock bands, no longer stick it to the man. Rather, they stick it in their arm (to paraphrase a cartoon by Bob Moran).
Was it because of money and fame?
They’ve become American idiots who have opted to rage for the machine.
What happened to them?
I don’t know, but the trend appeared across the entire music industry.
Here’s the summary:
- Pete was dismissed from the band due to his refusal to get the jab, citing his diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and potential adverse reactions.
- The band’s decision was based on ‘logistical reasons related to touring’, according to vocalist Dexter Holland. I mean, seriously?
- Pete disputes this, stating that he could have performed at all shows in the autumn of 2021 with his medical exemption.
- He has since formed a new band, The Defiant.
Getting rid of Pete, pretty much overnight, says a lot about the band and their lack of loyalty and integrity.
Money talks.
Ideology dictates.
Too often.
Here’s my conversation with him.
