The Offspring are one of my favourite bands of all time.
At least, they were.
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.
They gained mainstream success in the 1990s with their album Smash, which included greats like “Come Out and Play (Keep ‘Em Separated)” and “Self Esteem.” The album became the best-selling independent record of all time and helped popularise punk rock in the mainstream music scene.
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). They’ve become American idiots who have opted to rage for the machine.
What happened to them?
In summary:
- Pete was dismissed from the band due to his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, 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.
- 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.
