Uno, dos, tres, quatro, cinco, conco, seis!!!!

In spite of the inclement weather we are so notoriously known for and football field length long lines, Seattle Washington, The home of Grunge found temporary relief once again from its insatiable need for more and more world class Rock and Roll music. This time in the form of The Offspring. A California based band that has weathered the test of time. The Venue, Showbox Sodo.

Propelled by over 25 years of experience led by mastermind front man Dexter Holland who quickly and surely positions the crowd right where he wants it. In the palm of his hand.

Show me how to lie you’re getting better all the time

and turning all against the one it’s an art that’s hard to teach

another clever word sets off an unsuspecting herd

as you step back into line a mob jumps to their feet…

And dance you do. Or something close to it depending on your proximity to the pit. There up against the barricade its more like hang on for dear life, and that littler kid that looks about 9 sure has balls for being right there in the thick of it. A true rocker in the making.

Within minutes the horizon of heads behind me is now the sea in which many will surf. Oddly shaped bodies with feet pointing towards the moon, wherever it is, await their destiny in the ubiquitous arms of the Showbox Security staff. Besides Catching fans and keeping their heads from splitting open coming over the barricade veteran Security Staff Paul Joe Murrin, a gentle Behemoth of a man with the best beard in the business offers the crowd teases of water between songs and friendly conversation with me between sets.

The Offspring are on top of their game tonight. The P.A. is screaming, Delivering its payload of guitar riffs, basslines, percussion and vocals. The light is awash in neon green hues and blues and once again we are transported to a place where we all want to believe that we are Rockstars. Standing in their midst we feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. Proof of this as I look back at the crowd during shooting and make eye contact with several who give me “the nod” that we all know. Its the yeah that just happened. Yeah I saw that too. This is so awesome, all the while playing human dodgeball.

Verse chorus verse. A short pause, and then BAM! They take it up another notch. Steeped in the fine art of songwriting Holland Shows us over and over with his words the best way to connect with his audience. Right to the heart.

And it feels

and it feels like

heavens so far away.

And it stings

and it stings now

the world is so cold

now that you’ve gone away.

The lyrics touch us over and over in ways the we all can identify with. They are the nails. The music is the hammer that drives the lyrics home. And we the fans stand in amazement as the masterpiece of emotion is built once again right in front of us. Pain and loss, freedom and expression, envy and spite, strength and passion, cracked and torn. There’s something here for everyone.

The music is over. The house lights go up. I pity not the cleanup crew. We leave not prettier than when we came. Through the doors and outside I’m blasted by cigarette smoke and the banter of energetic fans as we walk to our cars.

The next day I can still hear the songs in my head.

Written/Photos by: Grib

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