pete Parada’s journey with The Offspring: A Drummer’s Departure
Over the years,The Offspring has seen its fair share of lineup changes,but few have stirred as much discussion as the departure of drummer Pete Parada. Joining the iconic punk rock band in 2007, Parada quickly became a cornerstone of their rhythm section, contributing to their signature sound for over a decade. Though, in 2021, his tenure came to an abrupt end under controversial circumstances.
A Decision Driven by Health and Safety
In 2021, Parada was let go from the band due to concerns over safety in the studio and on tour. The decision stemmed from his choice not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a move influenced by his doctor’s advice. Parada, who battled Guillain-Barré syndrome as a child, was wary of potential side effects. “The side effect profile of these injections,” as he described it, led him to opt out of vaccination. This decision, though, didn’t sit well with the band or its management.
The Role of Management in Parada’s Exit
In a candid interview with the podcast Try That In A Small Town, Parada shed light on the role of the band’s manager, Bruce Allen, in his departure. “(Allen) was new to the band. I had been with them since COVID arrived, so I didn’t have much of a relationship with him,” Parada explained. he recounted a particularly harsh phone call, stating, “He decided to attack me like a flamethrower.I have received horrible phone calls before, but this was the most abusive and threatening call I have received in my entire career.”
Parada further revealed that Allen dismissed his medical exemption, saying, “He made it clear to me that either I would get vaccinated or they would replace me.” The conversation left him stunned. “The phone call was very shocking,” he admitted.
The Final Straw
Following the call, Parada reached out to the band’s founding members, Dexter Holland and “Noodles,” to voice his concerns. “I tried to talk to them about him and I said: You can fire me for this, but you shoudl know that this guy is not representing you well and if he is treating me like this, he is treating his team even worse,” Parada recounted. Though, the response he received was less than sympathetic. they reportedly told him, “That’s not the concern right now, he’s not the concern, your refusal to do this is the concern.”
Things escalated quickly. Less than a week later, Parada discovered he had been replaced when his flight for rehearsals was abruptly canceled. “I had a flight and a hotel and stuff to go to rehearse, and a week later, I checked my Southwest application and that’s how I found out that they had replaced me because my flight had been canceled,” he shared.
A Legacy Beyond The Offspring
Despite the abrupt end to his time with The Offspring, Pete Parada’s career extends far beyond the band. Known for his work with groups like face to Face and Saves The Day, Parada has cemented his place as a respected figure in the punk rock scene. His departure from The Offspring may have been contentious, but it’s clear that his passion for music continues to drive his journey.
