REVIEW: The Offspring - Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Words by: Rhys Carman
Last night at The Offspring and Simple Plan felt like jumping straight back into 2003. Hair gel, teenage heartbreak and pop-punk ruled once again. It was full-blown high school vibes, with everyone clinging to their teen angst like it was a treasured memory.
Simple Plan opened strong with all the bangers. I’m Just a Kid, Addicted, Welcome to My Life and Perfect had the whole crowd belting every word like they were fifteen and grounded again. Pierre Bouvier was on fire, giving pure emo energy from start to finish.
Then The Offspring tore in with a hit-filled set. Want You Bad had everyone jumping, Spare Me the Details was a nostalgic treat, and The Kids Aren’t Alright absolutely went off. They closed with Self Esteem, and the entire place roared the chorus like it still hurt.
The crowd was a top mix of long-time fans, elder emos and best of all, parents bringing their kids along to pass down the pop-punk gospel. It was unreal to see little ones on shoulders, singing with their folks to the songs that shaped a generation.
For one sweaty, glorious night, we were all teenagers again, yelling lyrics that still somehow hit just as hard.
The Offspring Supercharged Worldwide In '25 - Australia With Simple Plan
Presented by Destroy All Lines & Triple M
Sun 4 May 2025 – AEC Arena – Adelaide, SA
Wed 7 May 2025 – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Thu 8 May 2025 – Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, VIC
Sun 11 May 2025 – Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney, NSW
Wed 14 May 2025 – Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, QLD
Thu 15 May 2025 – Entertainment Centre – Brisbane, QLD
TICKETS now on sale
