When we first arrived at Davis Park in Rockford for The Offspring show there were very few people there, but as show time came closer it seemed to fill up around us. There were a couple thousand people, but most of us were forced way back in the lawn area behind the people that forked out more money for the up close seats.

I really did expect a better turn out for such an amazing band with so much good music. I think even the Offspring were a little disappointed as Dexter Holland even said once, “what is up with this front section, how about everyone up here grab a friend from the back?”, which I am sure stirred up a little class envy. The people in the front section were not giving them much of a response. I am sure at most of their previous shows there is a huge pit up front, but with all the lawn chairs and relaxed concert goers, there was no pit at all. The real fans were in the back and some got excited, but there was no moshing or slam dancing. Most people just stood there or may have bobbed their heads a little.

Even with the lack of encouragement, the Offspring belted out all the old favorites with finesse and did not miss a beat. With tunes like “Pretty Fly For a White Guy,” “She’s Got Issues,” Have You Ever,” “Keep ‘em Separated” and much more they sounded perfect. Even the songs from their new CD, Days Go By, mixed in with ease. I know I was super pumped to see them as I have waited over 20 years to do so. Every song Holland sang sounded just like the CD and you could not help but get into their punk groove while listening. 

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