Concert Report

The Offspring is my band. They aren't aware of this, of course, but they are. Even the worst of their songs is preferable to me over anything else. I've adored them since I was somewhere around age 14. Their second album (my favorite, Ignition) was released way back in 1992. By the time I became a fan, they had four albums under their belt. The tour I just attended was for their ninth album, Days Go By. I have all their albums and every single/movie soundtrack song that I can find in existence. I have a CD in my car that is every song of theirs I own burned on one disc, which I listen to at least a little bit every single day. Everyone has their things, and The Offspring are mine.

I had seen them once in concert, as part of one of KROQ's Weenie Roasts when I was in high school. They didn't play a full-length set, but they still blew me away. Circumstances prevented me from getting to another concert all these years, but I finally made it last night.

Driving home from the bay area awhile back, Steve and I happened to hear a radio ad that they were going to be playing the San Jose Civic Center. Steve bought tickets immediately upon returning home.

Quick word about the opening acts before I move on. I'd never heard of Dead Sara before, and I had no idea what to expect. The lead singer, a slim unassuming girl in a baggy t-shirt and ripped jeans, walked onstage and absolutely blew my mind. Her voice was just... wow. I'll definitely have to look into their stuff. Next up was Neon Trees. I was familiar with them. Their music isn't so much my thing (more Steve's taste), but they put on an awesome show, no doubt about that.

I don't think I realized just how excited I was until the roadies were setting up Offspring's equipment. I thought I might pass out before they managed to get onstage.

Lead singer Dexter is in his mid-40's, but he held a packed house (some of whom were 1/3 his age) absolutely engaged. Spotting a group of particularly young-looking high school kids, I jokingly told Steve that I've been an Offspring fan since before those kids were born... then realized it wasn't a joke, it was probably true. Yikes.

This concert was probably the most fun I've ever had in my life. I absolutely loved it. Like the huge dork I am, at one point I turned to Steve, pointed at the stage and said "They're right here!"

I was completely star-struck. Steve wore a smile of amused indulgence the whole evening. For the record, he's also a fan, but I was definitely over-the-top into the whole thing. My voice is still hoarse from screaming and singing along (when invited by the band). And I swear Dexter pointed right at me during their set (don't rain on my parade... I know he can't see a damn thing with those stage lights, and wasn't pointing directly at me at all... but I'm choosing to believe he did). Their set was about an hour and a half long... all the more impressive when you consider that their songs are generally short (2-3 minutes).

I purchased a tour t-shirt and announced to Steve that, in addition to it being my new favorite thing, the t-shirt would allow me to never have to decide what to wear again... that is, I intend to wear it all day, every day from now on. I changed into it immediately upon coming home from work today... and I would have worn it to work if I thought I could get away with it.

Steve was thankfully very tolerant of me through the whole thing, and asserted that he too had a great time. The crowd got a little rowdy (crazy kids!), so I was happy to be up in the balcony... I had a better vantage point from up there anyway.

When they put out another album (fingers crossed that there will be many more to come), I don't care how far I have to drive (or fly) to see the tour. I'll definitely be there.