Detroit, MI - State Theater
May 18, 1997



Cheesy effects, lame crowd don't slow down Offspring

Since hitting the big time, The Offspring has been known as an energetic, fun-loving bunch of hyper-popsters. The band members proved they are just that, as well as "big rock stars" now, with their near sold-out performance at Detroit's State Theater.

Sunday, May 18 State Theater, Detroit With a blast of lights and sound, the Offspring shifted right into overdrive and began with "Bad Habit," one of the only tolerable songs from its awful 1994 album, "Smash." This furious tempo sent the noticeably all-ages crowd into a sugar fit.

Frontman Dexter Holland and guitarist Noodles were the apparent leaders onstage, with the drummer and bassist turning out to be just extensions of the wall. Holland, with his bright blond , newly spiky hair, and a shiny copper-colored jacket, jumped around and shrieked while Noodles, in a Hawaiian shirt, plaid pants and fisherman's cap, proceeded to shred on his guitar and act the fool.

The group then went right into "Beheaded" from its 1989 self-titled debut, which sounded a lot better live than on the original album, with its shoddy production. The Offspring didn't slow down at all through songs like "Nitro," the sickening "Come Out And Play," "Mota" and "Killboy" from their albums "The Offspring," "Smash" and "Ixnay On The Hombre."

What was noticeably absent from the set were songs from 1992's "Ignition." (Yes, The Offspring did have two records out before "Smash," thank you.) They finally took care of that problem, though, with the catchy "Kick Him When He's Down."

The light show was a bit ridiculous and reeked of limburger. This wasn't arena rock, yet it seemed that The Offspring wanted it to be. Bubble machines and strobe lights piled on the Cheez Whiz. The audience, however, blocked all this out and just started to pay attention to the music, which had been pretty good thus far.

After a minute-long intermission, The Offspring launched into the "Ya-ya- ya-ya-ya" intro of "All I Want," the first single off "Ixnay On The Hombre." This song, being one of their faster ones, stirred the crowd up yet again, although they'd been jumping from the beginning. It seemed that as time went on, Dexter and Noodles loosened up even more, throwing beer on the crowd and offering sarcastic renditions of Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" and Black Sabbath's "Ironman." Following in the footsteps of Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan at Detroit's Lollapalooza '94, Holland chanted "Fuck Ted Nugent," and started ripping on the talentless Spice Girls.

The group went through numerous other songs, as varied as "Gotta Get Away," "Me + My Old Lady," "So Alone" and "Ska." The set ended with the radio and MTV staple "Self-Esteem." The band members left the stage in a sea of lights, and a couple of minutes later returned to the stage.

After Noodles commented that Holland had a "nice ass" several times, with screaming girls agreeing, the Offspring played "Gone Away," its current single. They ended the 19-song, 75-minute set with 1992's frenzied "Session." Overall, it was a solid, fun show despite the cheesy light display, bubbles, dance aerobics and multitudes of screaming 12-year-olds. 18 and over, anyone?

By Colin Bartos Daily Arts Writer