The Offspring Interview

Long before The Offspring were playing on huge stages around the world and attracting punk rock teens to their music, frontman Dexter Holland used to write to Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys fame (now Lard) on a regular basis.

"Dead Kennedys were one of the bands that I really admired when we started The Offspring," says Holland. "I used to write him fan letters. He would always write back and that was cool; we kept in touch like that for a while."

As soon as The Offspring would record music, Holland made sure that Biafra got a copy. "Biafra was integral in so many ways: he used to give me constructive criticism and we got to know each other better as time went on."

By the time The Offspring's new album, Ixnay On The Hombre, came out, Biafra was in regular touch with the band. "Biafra suggested we work on some benefit shows together. He said, 'you guys really have a lot of power to make a difference because you are so well known.' He suggested that we try and use the power we have towards something worthy."

Combining politics and music seemed like a good way to go, so The Offspring got their gear together and lined up a few benefit gigs for various organisations. The band went on to raise money for Amnesty International, AIDS Project LA, The Tree Foundation (a Washington environmental group) and a homeless organisation called the Poor People's United Fund.

"Mixing politics with music is an ideal way to make people aware of what's going on," insists Holland. "We really enjoy doing that. We try and support environmental issues, human rights and medical research. The biggest buzz was when Biafra agreed to get up on stage to do a couple of Dead Kennedys songs with us - that was a dream come true."

Holland is an advocate of blending music and politics, however, the band have recently provoked criticism because of their defection from an independent label, Epitaph, to one of the majors, Columbia (Sony). "You know, I go on about this a lot. I don't think our music has changed because our label has. The band should be about the music and not the politics - this is about the only time I will fight to disassociate the two."

Ixnay On The Hombre is a clear indication that the band that brought you infectious releases like Ignition and Smash have not compromised their punk roots for something else. The past year has been busy for The Offspring. "We've been on tour for almost a year. We've had such a great time, which is ultimately what our music and live shows are about." As for maintaining the energy on stage with such a draining schedule, Holland says: "Oh you have to drink lots, drink lots of beer."

By Jane Rocca, from Melbourne CitySearch