Since the revival of punk rock music in the mid-90’s, it has been a genre that has managed to sustain the test of time; though it has adapted a lot with current trends. For over 25 years The Offspring has managed to entertain fans new and old, (which I think I fall into since Smash was one my HS football team’s albums) and is about to join 311 on their Summer Unity tour. Detroit Live had the chance to talk with bassist Greg K on a day off before the tour hits their Midwest stretch.
DL: Hey Greg, big fan of many years, thanks for taking the time to talk with us.
GK: Cool!
DL: Let’s talk about the Summer Unity tour, how did you guys get on the bill?
GK: It was probably a management thing. They said “Hey you guys are going on tour with 311” and we thought it was cool. We have had similar career paths, both started in the mid 90’s, and it’s a great combination.
DL: Both bands have managed to have sustained success, as well as longevity, what do you attest to that?
GK: I think for us, and probably them too, we’ve always done things the same way and stayed with the same core sound. It’s definitely important to grow, but also to stay true to who you are.
DL: There’s a rumor of a new album.
GK: We have done a little writing, and Bob Rock is producing it, but we’re taking a break to tour and then we’ll go back to it.
DL: Will you be playing any new songs on the tour?
GK: At least one for sure and maybe stick one in there while we’re on the road.
DL: Do you see that your crowd has gotten older over the years?
GK: When I look into the crowd it is predominately a younger group, but that’s because they tend to like to be up front. We defiantly have the older crowd there, but they like to stay toward the back and have their fun in a more subdued way.
DL: What would you say to a young musician (Greg and Dexter started the band when they were teenagers) if asked how you last so long, and still be good at what you do?
GK: Again, stay true to who you are. It took us 10 years to breakthrough, and that was during the heavy metal and new wave era. People told us we’d have to change our style or we’ll never make it, but we liked the music we were playing and eventually it worked for us.
DL: You’re from Huntington Beach; does that mean you’re a Lakers fan? (They had just won the championship)
GK: Nope, not at all. This is the time we hate them. All the fair weather fans come out sporting their flags and stuff and it’s been annoying me all week. People who don’t watch a game all year act like the biggest fan, having parties and stuff, but can’t name another player besides Kobe.
DL: What are your plans for after the Summer Unity tour?
GK: We have a tour in Japan, then back to the studio.
DL: Last couple things, any cool stories from Detroit that you’d like to share?
GK: Back in 1994, we were playing our first arena tour for Smash at Cobo Arena. The ticket sales were awesome and they had to keep expanding the venue to the point we almost changed the venue. When we got there the crowd had 12,000 people and it was the 1st BIG show we really had, and up to that point we’ve only played for like 1500-2000 people and it really felt like we made it.
DL: Thanks for your time Greg, anything you want to say to your fans in Detroit?
GK: Come out and have fun!
For more information go to www.offspring.com and make sure check them out on the Summer Unity Tour w/311 & Pepper, July 7th @ DTE