Providence, RI - The Strand
October 2, 1997

Both Voodoo Glow Skuls and Offspring played great shows in the area this summer, but the Thursday night booking make it difficult for lots of people to go to this one. About 1/2 the people who showed bought tickets at the window, and even though the place was pretty packed it wasn't a sellout. No matter, the place still rocked and everybody had a great time.

(...)

Offspring also did a really excellent set. Offspring kicked ass at the Skankin and crankin fest WBCN put on this summer and even though the set was pretty much the same they still play the hell out of it.

If you're not an Offspring fan its ok, you probabally know more of their songs than you think and should check them out because they do it clean and smart. The band isn't fucked up on drugs from the look fo them, and Dexter the lead singer has like a Master's in Engineering or something geeky like that. They're energetic, engaging, goofy, and serious while they play a tight and upbeat set.

The one song most people know is "Come out and Play," or "Ya Gotta keep'em Separated" as it known. They did that one like 5 songs into the set, and the place was crazy-mosh-maddness from then on.

Offspring do a set full of fun. In the middle a babe comes out with a sign that flashes "intermission" and the band sits on a couch that gets wheeled in for them. Bubbles float over the audience and everybody takes a moment to catch their breath and have a drink. Dexter gives some beers out each show for the kids up front- I guess he figures that if the clubs won't get them some water he might as well do his part to keep them from dehydration.

The band ripped through "Gotta Get Away," the ska-ish "What Happened to You," some rippin punk thing called "Smash," "Come Out and Play," "Me and My Old Lady," from the new "Innay on the Hombre" CD, as well as "Self Esteem," "Gone Away," and some " Revenge of the Nerds" thing as part of the encore.

Although it wasn't a Friday of Saturday, the Strand was still pretty packed full of people. Offspring did a great show that was well worth the cash. It was really nice to see a band that doesn't seem all fucked up , that cares about the kids, and even is willing to get the bouncers to stage dive to prove they aren't pussies.

From Whatever