July 16, 2010 – The ’90s may be a decade come and gone, but that’s not to say that a brief revival can’t take place (at least for a few hours). Alternative and punk rock’s highest chart toppers from the era – 311 and The Offspring – have teamed for a summer tour, and nothing’s going to get in the way of the nineties nostalgia. The Offspring grounded themselves on the strength of their popular radio material for a largely predictable but entertaining set, while 311 sought out the fans’ attention with stage moves that begged to be photographed.
Led by frontman Dexter Holland, The Offspring wasted no time in bringing the mosh pit to life. Although the band’s members were mostly stationary on stage, the lighting rig was in constant flux and the hits each arrived with a roar of excitement from the fans who packed themselves into an area far too small for a humid, 95 degree evening. “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright” showcased a familiar, signature sound that has evolved very little over time. But you won’t hear any complaints from those who recall the strains of each song from their younger days.
The lyrics in tunes like “Why Don’t You Get a Job” do lose some credibility when being sung by men in their 40s, but the fans didn’t seem to have any trouble relating. Everyone from young couples to old friends to even the more odd pairings of mother and daughter were singing along to their favorites.
311 was in popular demand by the time The Offspring had left the stage. Chants grew louder and louder from the pit, and the heat seemed to grow stronger when the crowd lights stayed on for what seemed like far too long. But finally the music began and the lights dimmed, and the band emerged to give the fans just what they came for. “Down” started things out with plenty of activity as S.A. Martinez and Nick Hexum crisscrossed each other on stage.
The rest of the group maintained a lower profile while playing, but they were all heard through the massive sound that came from the front speakers. Jumping up in the air with his microphone, Hexum didn’t seem to mind the heat, and nor did the fans. Fists were aimed at the sky as the sweltering evening carried on with more material from the most popular of the band’s albums.
311 didn’t mess around, they set the volume high and cranked up the lights for much of the set. Even in a recession plagued concert market, the Unity Tour seems to once again have found leagues of fans willing to spend on the loud, adrenaline filled shows.
