Live Review: The Offspring, Horror My Friend

Before the main event, Adelaide angular noise-punk trio Horror My Friend took to the stage to a thunderous cheer. The three-piece, as always, delightfully devastate in their delivery. There's influences from UK alt-punk-rock favourites The Subways, a pinch of modern grunge outfits like Pennsylvania’s Superheaven and understandably, the Australian edge of Violent Soho. Swapping instruments and thrashing dangerously, throwing caution to the wind, it was a hit of adrenaline necessary for what lay ahead, especially the eclectic track DIYS.

Visibility was almost zero, movement practically impossible – Thebarton Theatre was about to burst. OC punk royalty The Offspring began Nitro (Youth Energy) and the thunder commenced. The entire Smash album live is any punk-rock enthusiast’s dream come true and it occurred in a near flawless manner. Gotta Get Away, Come Out And Play and Self Esteem were monstrous, and as grand as that description is, it remains an understatement. There is no doubt the band has aged, but their music hasn’t; Smash is as timely as it was 24 years ago. And The Offspring still had more to deliver.

An encore of sorts was executed, but nowhere near to plan. You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid, All I Want, Why Don’t You Get A Job, and (Can’t Get My) Head Around You came across as the anthems they are. However, during the final track, the sound system exploded. That is, according to guitarist/vocalist Dexter Holland: “Radelaide, you rocked so hard you blew up our sound system.”

After a lengthy delay and no real resolve, the five-piece returned and played The Kids Aren’t Alright exceptionally, even with the technological challenges. Come Out And Play? Radelaide sure did.