The American pop-punk band The Offspring took the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the 1990s at the Festival d’été de Québec on the Plains of Abraham on Sunday.
With a repertoire full of timeless songs, The Offspring, led by Bryan “Dexter” Holland, easily won over their loyal fans at the festival. Despite performing their new single “Make It Alright,” which will be on their upcoming album in October, it was the classics like “Why Don’t You Get a Job?” and “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)” that truly captivated the crowd.
The introduction of the new drummer, Brandon Pertzborn, brought a fresh energy to The Offspring’s performance. Pertzborn’s drumming skills shone on songs like “Hammerhead” and “Hit That,” showcasing his talent and adding a new dynamic to the band.
The band’s 75-minute set, featuring hits like “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” and “Self Esteem,” left the audience satisfied and wanting more. As they bid Quebec farewell, The Offspring promised to return soon.
Rise Against Brings Back the 2000s
Photo QMI Agency, RENÉ LECLERC
Rise Against, led by Tim McIlrath, revisited the 2000s with their classic hits like “Give It All,” “Survive,” and “Prayer of the Refugee.” Despite a lackluster stage design, the band’s passionate performance of songs like “Help Is on the Way” and “Swing Life Away” resonated with the audience.
A highlight of Rise Against’s set was when McIlrath switched to an acoustic guitar for emotional ballads like “Hero of War” and “Swing Life Away,” connecting with the crowd on a deeper level.
Be Your Own Pet Rocks the Stage
Photo QMI Agency, RENÉ LECLERC
Be Your Own Pet, following a long hiatus, made a triumphant return to the stage, delivering high-energy performances of their latest songs like “Goodtime!” and “Hand Grenade.” Singer Jemina Pearl’s infectious energy and stage presence captivated the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Despite not being highly anticipated, Be Your Own Pet’s set proved to be a crowd favorite, with fans getting caught up in the excitement and forming small mosh pits. It was a great warm-up for the rest of the evening.
Be Your Own Pet replaced Meet Me @ The Altar, who had to cancel their appearance due to scheduling conflicts in June.
The American pop-punk group The Offspring took attendees on a trip back to the 1990s with their electrifying performance at the Festival d’été de Québec on the Plains of Abraham. The band, led by Bryan “Dexter” Holland, showcased their timeless repertoire, cementing their place in the hearts of their loyal fans. Hits like “Come Out and Play,” “All I Want,” and “Want You Bad” had the crowd dancing and singing along, proving the enduring popularity of The Offspring’s music.
One notable introduction during the concert was the band’s new drummer, Brandon Pertzborn, bringing a fresh energy to the stage. His impressive skills on tracks like “Hammerhead” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” added a new dynamic to the performance. The band’s decision to give him a chance certainly paid off, as his powerful drumming and stage presence captivated the audience.
Despite a relatively short set of 16 songs lasting 75 minutes, The Offspring left a lasting impression on the Plains. Classics like “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” and “Self Esteem” resonated with the crowd, culminating in a memorable evening filled with nostalgia and high-energy music. As the band bid farewell, they expressed their gratitude to the enthusiastic Quebec fans, promising a return in the future.
Rise Against, another American rock band, also delivered a powerful performance, revisiting their early 2000s hits to the delight of the audience. Songs like “Give It All,” “Survive,” “Worth Dying For,” and “Prayer of the Refugee” showcased the band’s signature sound and resonated with fans, proving the enduring appeal of their music following more than 18 years.
While Rise Against’s performance was solid, some audience members felt that the stage design might have been more grandiose to complement the band’s intense guitar riffs and powerful vocals. However, the highlight came when lead singer Tim McIlrath picked up an acoustic guitar for heartfelt ballads like “Hero of War” and “Swing Life Away,” showcasing his versatility and connecting with the crowd on a deeper level.
The evening also featured punk band Be Your Own Pet, who made a triumphant return to the stage following a long hiatus. Led by the infectious energy of singer Jemina Pearl, the band delivered a high-octane performance, showcasing new tracks like “Goodtime!” and “Hand Grenade.” The crowd enthusiastically embraced the band’s raw passion, creating a lively atmosphere with spontaneous mosh pits forming during songs like “Bicycle Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle.”
Overall, the Festival d’été de Québec provided a diverse lineup of music, ranging from nostalgic 90s hits to modern punk anthems, showcasing the enduring appeal of rock music across generations. The performances by The Offspring, Rise Against, and Be Your Own Pet affirmed the power of live music to unite fans and create unforgettable moments. The festival proved to be a celebration of music, energy, and camaraderie, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating future editions.
