It was a little cooler than normal for a summer night in Costa Mesa, but that was about to change as The Offspring came home to Orange County, and they brought some friends.
The friends in question included local favorites Love Canal and Agent Orange!
As the crowd strolled in, a buzz was in the air; it was a semi-electric feeling. So much so, the critters from Centennial Farm next door at the OC Fair popped on over to see what all the excitement was all about.
First up was Love Canal. It was a bit early and the crowd was still rolling in, but the band was so excited to be there playing with Agent Orange and The Offspring.
LOVE CANAL LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
Their energy was palpable. The crowd appreciated the performance cheered them on throughout.
By now, the crowd started to swell, and the sun was making its way into the Pacific.
AGENT ORANGE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
Agent Orange took the stage, and the crowd made itself heard. Another iconic OC band was rested and ready to tear it up. Mike Palm was behind the mic and on lead guitar, Perry Giordano was on bass, and Sandy Hansen was on the skins. Their mix of beach and classic punk delivered their unmistakable sound that fans have grown to love.
AGENT ORANGE LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
After a brief stage change, the crowd was in full effect and the sold-out house looked and felt like an epic night for music was in store.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd went nuts as The Offspring took the stage to “Staring at the Sun,” and the mayhem began! Before the crowd could get their breath, we heard the familiar drumbeat as the band went into “Come Out and Play.” The crowd went cartoon crazy in zero to no seconds.
THE OFFSPRING LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
There was a deafening silence as the sound of keyboards mimicking a gospel choir organ began; the Church of Dexter was in session. The lights went down again and the familiar lyrics delivered a little differently had the same impact… “If you could only read my mind, you would know that things between us, ain’t right!” The roar of the crowd was only dwarfed by a jet plane overhead as the band went into the familiar sound of “Want You Bad.” The crowd went cartoon crazy, as if it were the second coming of the Beatles or the Beastie’s.
When the song ended, Dexter thanked the crowd for coming out and Noodles said, “Dexter we’re home!!!” The band shifted into new music mode as they launched into “The Opioid Diaries,” followed by “Army of One,” then “Behind the Walls.”
THE OFFSPRING LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
The the older crowd made themselves heard as the band went into “Original Prankster,” followed by “Hammerhead,” “Bad Habit,” “Gotta Get Away,” “Gone Away,” “Why Can’t You Get a Job,” “(Can’t Get My) Head Around You.” Only then did Dexter and Noodles let the crowd catch their breath.
As the guys exchanged a few funny liners, the band slowly slid into “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” which drew another loud roar from the crowd, and then they closed with “The Kids Aren’t Alright.” Clearly The Offspring took command of the stage from beginning to end, but as they exited stage left, the crowd made sure they would come out for an encore.
THE OFFSPRING LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
It was a successful effort and as the crowd cheered them back on stage, the entire band seemed moved that their hometown fans still couldn’t get enough of them. As their sonic vision came to life, the beat reanimated the crowd as everyone sang along to “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid.” If that wasn’t enough to bring the house down, they ended the show with their uber-hit, “Self Esteem!
I have seen a lot of punk shows, alt rock shows and metal shows, but this one had the energy and emotion of all of the above. It was a very good night for music for everyone… and the critters too!
