Posted by Contributing Photographer/Reviewer, Amanda Packey did another outstanding job covering The Offspring a couple weeks ago at Jones Beach.
It was a wild night at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Amphitheater on August 3rd, 2025, as The Offspring came out and put on one of the most energetic, fun, and colorful performances I’ve ever seen in my entire concert-going career (which is more years than I’d like to think about, thank you very much).
The Offspring started off the set strong with “Come Out and Play,” which is probably one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, in my opinion. They then rocked out a 24-song playlist spanning 36 years’ worth of albums, including all of their top hits and two from their most recent album Supercharged, “Looking Out for #1” and “Make It All Right.” I don’t think there was one person in the crowd who sat the entire night. Everyone was on their feet, dancing, singing, and reliving every memory of what these songs have meant to them over the years – and clearly still do.
In one special moment, about halfway through the show, The Offspring played a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, honoring The Prince of Darkness’ death a week and a half earlier. Starting with small snippets of “Sweet Leaf” and “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath, The Offspring then broke into a full cover of “Crazy Train,” and the already excited crowd went absolutely berserk. It wouldn’t surprise me if people in the neighboring towns could hear the audience sing out their love and respect for the absolute legend of metal who is, unfortunately, no longer with us.
Following their amazing tribute, The Offspring broke into one of my favorite songs, “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” and absolutely nailed the choice as a final song to their main set. As they left the stage, a green blimp flew over the audience with a sign on the tail reading, “Dance, fucker, dance,” which we all knew could only mean one thing. As they came back on stage for the encore, we were all proven right as the band broke into “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid.” I have to say, one of the things I like best about The Offspring is they come up with some hilariously iconic lyrics. I mean, I think the only thing that tops 10,000 people screaming “dance, fucker, dance” is when they ended their set with “Self-Esteem” and 10,000 people screamed, “That’s ok because I like the abuse!”
Toward the end of the show, guitarist Noodles asked the crowd, “Is this the best thing that has ever happened to rock in the history of mankind?” gesturing to the audience and all of us celebrating the music together. It is, Noodles. It is. It’s always the best thing when we can all come together and share joy as one.
Long Island Sounds 