GalleryDitch This MagazineMay 10, 2025gallery, live, melbourne, Louie Mosscrop, Destroy All Lines, The Forum, Alkaline Trio, Green Day

The Offspring + Simple Plan @ Rod Laver Arena 09-05-25

GalleryDitch This MagazineMay 10, 2025gallery, live, melbourne, Louie Mosscrop, Destroy All Lines, The Forum, Alkaline Trio, Green Day

photos: Louie Mosscrop @louie.mosscrop

Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena was a supercharged cauldron of generational angst, rebellious spirit, and pure, unadulterated fun last night as two titans of punk rock, Simple Plan and The Offspring, delivered a show for the ages. It was a night that catered to both the inner teenager still clinging to early 2000s pop-punk and the seasoned punk rocker who’s been in the pit for decades.

Kicking things off, Canadian pop-punk heroes Simple Plan stormed the stage, immediately igniting the crowd with their infectious energy. Frontman Pierre Bouvier, a perpetual motion machine who seemingly hasn't aged a day, led the charge. His vocals, still hitting those signature angsty highs, resonated perfectly with the thousands screaming back every word to anthems like "I'd Do Anything," "Welcome To My Life," and the emotionally charged "Perfect." The band – Jeff Stinco and Sébastien Lefebvre on guitars, and Chuck Comeau on drums – was incredibly tight, delivering a polished yet passionate performance. The obligatory giant beach balls during "Summer Paradise" brought a wave of pure joy, and their heartfelt interactions made the colossal arena feel surprisingly intimate. Simple Plan didn't just warm up the crowd; they set a ferociously high bar, proving their brand of heartfelt pop-punk is as potent as ever.

Then, after a palpable buzz of anticipation and a 30 minute countdown on the screens, the godfathers of 90s punk rock, The Offspring, exploded onto the scene, shifting the energy from cathartic singalongs to a full-blown punk rock riot. Dexter Holland, commanded the stage, his distinctive snarl cutting through the roar of the crowd as they launched into classics like "Come Out and Play", “Original Prankster" and “Want You Bad”. Noodles, ever the charismatic showman, shredded his guitar with manic glee, his energy infectious. The setlist was a relentless barrage of hits: "Self Esteem," "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)," "The Kids Aren't Alright" – each one a detonator for the mosh pit and a venue-wide chorus. The new (post 2019) rhythm section provided a thunderous, locked-in foundation for the band's enduring sound with Todd Morse, Jonah Nimoy and Brandon Pertzborn all… coming out to play like they were always part of the band. Their banter was laced with that classic Offspring irreverence, and they clearly relished the fervent Melbourne reception on night 2 of their Victorian shows.

While distinct in their stylistic nuances – Simple Plan’s earnest melodicism versus The Offspring’s edgier, more sardonic bite – both bands share an incredible ability to write anthemic songs that connect deeply with their audiences. The production for both sets was solid, with good lighting and sound that, for the most part, managed to stay clear despite the sheer volume, energy and size of the arena. The Offspring bringing in a blimp, sparklers from the ground and roof was more than i was expecting and was very happy to see as part of the overall production.

The transition between the two felt seamless, a journey through different eras of punk-influenced rock that somehow felt perfectly cohesive. Many in the crowd were clearly fans of both, belting out lyrics with equal fervor, bridging the gap between early 2000s pop-punk and 90s skate punk.

If there was any minor critique, it's that a double bill of such hit-heavy bands inevitably means some fan-favourite deeper cuts might get missed. But when the payoff is this much concentrated, high-octane fun, it’s a small price to pay.

By the end of the night, Rod Laver Arena was a sweaty, ecstatic, and slightly hoarse testament to the enduring power of punk rock in its various forms. Simple Plan brought the heart and the hooks, The Offspring brought the fire and the fury, and together they delivered an unforgettable night of music that left Melbourne buzzing. A must-see for anyone with a rebellious streak and a love for loud guitars.