Review: Calabash South Africa-Cape Town Fokofpolisiekar, The Offspring & Green Day
DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Review & Photos By Devo / Devographic Music Agency

 

 

The excitement at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Thursday, 23 January, was palpable – a culmination of months of anticipation fuelled by nostalgia, thrill, and the promise of seeing some of the best punk pop rock bands in history on one stage. Fans had been eagerly awaiting this moment ever since Big Concerts announced in March 2024 that the iconic Green Day would grace South African shores for the very first time, alongside the return of The Offspring – a band whose last South African performance was two decades ago, in 2004. With local legends Fokofpolisiekar providing support, the event had all the makings of an unforgettable night – and it delivered on every front.

Green Day and The Offspring are names that hold a special place in the hearts of many, their anthems perpetually resonating through the airwaves and inspiring new generations of fans. The countdown to this show had reached a fever pitch following the recent Johannesburg performance, which only amplified the excitement for fans in Cape Town. The scene at DHL Stadium was electric from the get-go. Although the day began with overcast skies and a lingering threat of rain, the weather cleared beautifully, unveiling an ideal afternoon and evening.

 

 

First to take the stage was Fokofpolisiekar, our beloved local heroes from Bellville. Having built a dedicated following over more than 21 years, their set was a perfect warm-up for the night’s proceedings. Fokofpolisiekar delivered an energetic, career-spanning performance that resonated with long-time fans and newcomers alike. Tracks like ‘Vernietig Jouself’, ‘Hemel Op Die Platteland’, ‘Antibiotika’, and ‘Ek Skyn (Heilig)’ had the crowd dancing and singing along, ever asserting their Afrikaans punk rock credentials. Their raw energy set the tone for the evening and gave the audience a taste of the kind of intensity that was about to unfold.

 

 

 

 

 

Next up was The Offspring, a band long regarded as one of punk rock’s most consistent and engaging acts. From the moment they launched onto the stage the crowd erupted in a wave of excitement. Hit after hit followed, each one met with joyous cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs. The humorous and engaging banter between Dexter and Noodles showcased their effortless ability to connect with the audience, proving they are just as entertaining between songs. The continuous bursts of streamer cannons and the impressive pyrotechnics created a visually captivating spectacle. Tracks like ‘Bad Habit’, ‘Self Esteem’, and ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’ especially sent the audience into an elated frenzy. Their mid-set cover medley, which included tracks like ‘Iron Man’, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’, ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’, and ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’, was a masterclass in punk rock reinterpretations and kept the crowd energized. Throughout the performance, the band consistently captivated the audience with an array of engaging elements, including large, branded balls and even massive figures onstage during the song ‘Pretty Fly (for a White Guy).’

The band’s stage presence was commanding, their banter engaging, and the stage backdrop – a striking display featuring giant inflatable and illuminated skulls inspired by the artwork from their latest album, Supercharged, magnificently enhanced the spectacle. The Offspring demonstrated that, even after more than three decades in the industry, they remain masters of delivering an electrifying live performance.

 

 

Then, it was time for the icons themselves: Green Day. Having shaped the landscape of pop punk rock with their major-label debut album Dookie in 1994, the band took the stage with an energy and charisma only they can master. For South African fans, it was a dream come true – many had been waiting years, if not decades, to see Green Day perform live. The band didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that exceeded all expectations.

launching into a set that spanned their career, with a particularly fond inclusion of tracks from their American Idiot album. The crowd was treated to anthems like ‘Basket Case’, ‘When I Come Around’, ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’, the mighty ‘American Idiot’, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Holiday’ – songs that brought the audience together for an unforgettable sing-along. It was a triumphant performance that showcased the band’s incredible ability to still command a stadium full of people, over 30 years since they first made their mark.

The spectacle on stage was amplified by the striking visuals, and none was more iconic than the massive inflatable “Hand Heart Grenade” that unfolded at the back of the stage during ‘American Idiot’. A visual homage to their legendary album by the same name, the symbol became a captivating focal point, looming large over the audience as the band blasted into their set with the same intensity and energy that made them household names in the punk rock world. The symbol, track, and album holds as true and powerful as ever. Its presence was a perfect representation of the rebellious spirit, boldness, and unapologetic punk ethos that Green Day continues to embody. The backdrop, combined with Green Day’s electrifying sound and powerful, poignant lyrics, created an atmosphere that felt larger than life, adding to the overall spectacle of the night. It was a moment that left fans in awe, with the iconic imagery of the album proving that it remains as culturally impactful today as it was when it first debuted.

 

 

 

The inclusion of songs like ‘Still Breathing’ and ‘21 Guns’ was a special treat for South African fans. These tracks, rarely performed live in recent years, added a unique touch to the setlist, giving the audience the chance to enjoy some cherished favourites that hadn’t been played in a while. They even rocked a high-energy cover of the KISS classic ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’, adding their own thrilling twist to this iconic anthem!

The sound was pristine, the crowd was buzzing with energy, and the atmosphere was nothing short of constant euphoric. Green Day proved why they are still at the top of their game, delivering a set that was both nostalgic and fresh – a perfect blend of old-school punk and modern rock.

A massive thank you goes out to Big Concerts for making this momentous event a reality and for taking the Calabash South Africa show to new heights. Their immaculate organisation, combined with the support of incredible sponsors, ensured fans left the stadium with full hearts, already eager to see what’s next.

Live music is an integral part of our culture, and the Calabash South Africa festival has undoubtedly made a lasting impression. For many, this show was more than just a concert – it was an event that united generations of fans, brought together by the timeless music of Green Day, The Offspring, and Fokofpolisiekar. Every song sparked memories and emotions, with these iconic tunes serving as the soundtrack to our lives. The night was a resounding success, and South Africa’s music community couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to witness these legendary bands live. Thank you, Big Concerts and all the sponsors, for delivering a truly unforgettable experience.

#CalabashSA2025 #GreenDay #TheOffspring #Fokofpolisiekar

 

 

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