The Offspring deliver 'SUPERCHARGED' performance at PNC Bank Arts Center
WRITING AND PHOTOS BY AMBER BINTLIFF
If you needed The Offspring’s recent show at New Jersey’s PNC Bank Arts Center summed up in one sentence, let lead guitarist Noodles do the honor: “Tonight is the best thing that has ever happened to Rock ‘n’ Roll in the history of mankind!”
Currently on their SUPERCHARGED Worldwide in ‘25 Tour across North America, punk rock icons The Offspring are responsible for some of the most well-known hits of the 90s and 00s. From listening to “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)” on a neon pink iPod as a kid to watching the band deliver an electrifying live performance, The Offspring still prove themselves to be one of the most dynamic acts in the modern rock sphere.
New Found Glory kicked off the night with their high-energy, infectious pop-punk anthems. The band was so much fun to watch and sing along to as they ripped through some classic fan favorites, as well as a brand new track “100%.” Lead singer Jordan Pundik even hopped into the crowd during “Hit or Miss,” running around and interacting with fans all over every square inch of the venue. New Found Glory lit up PNC Bank Arts Center as they concluded their set with the quintessential “My Friends Over You.” Every single person in that amphitheater knew the words and sang along, even if they didn’t realize it until the words were pouring out.
Jimmy Eat World followed shortly after and delivered a nostalgic set that packed a punch. Arguably one of the biggest and most recognizable acts in the rock world, the band gave fans a space to remember and relive their teen years with hits like “Pain” and “Sweetness” on their setlist. There was also something extra special about being in New Jersey and hearing nearly 17,000 people scream back “I’m a New Jersey success story” at the group during “Big Casino.” Jimmy Eat World closed out their portion of the night with “The Middle,” which had the entire venue singing and dancing along to one of the most iconic tracks of the early 2000s
The most unexpected, yet amazing part of the night had to be the ‘Intermission’ between Jimmy Eat World and The Offspring. The last thing on earth I expected to happen at this show was a person in a gorilla costume running around with a t-shirt cannon, but there I was watching shirts fly through the air and land in the hands of some lucky fans. But that’s not all–the crowd got to enjoy themed trivia questions, a “Take On Me” singalong, kiss, lookalike and booty cams, and a blimp parading through the air before The Offspring even took the stage.
New Jersey was in for a treat that night as soon as The Offspring stepped onstage. They kicked off their set with “Come Out and Play” and spent the next hour and a half performing iconic tracks and fan favorites from their decade-spanning discography. The band also added covers of some famous rock songs into the mix, including “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones and “Crazy Train” in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
One of the most beautiful parts of the night was their performance of “Gone Away,” in which lead vocalist Dexter Holland shared a moving speech about grief and asked the crowd to hold up their phone flashlights in honor of any loved ones who have passed.
As the show came to a close, The Offspring continued their antics and lively attitude as they unleashed gigantic beach balls into the audience for “Why Don’t You Get A Job.” The band ripped through the most iconic cuts of their career from this point forward, including “The Kids Aren’t Alright” and “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” before concluding the epic night with 1994’s “Self Esteem.”
The Offspring delivered one of the most fun-filled concerts I’ve been to in a long time. The entire night was complete with great music, throwbacks and humor that lit up the entire venue and left the crowd impacted by this memorable experience. The Offspring will continue their SUPERCHARGED Worldwide in ‘25 Tour through September 7th at Denver’s Ball Arena. More information for the band’s upcoming tour dates can be found here.
