Former Offspring drummer Pete Parada, known for standing up for medical freedom, is firing back at his old band after their appearance on Bert Kreischer’s podcast. Parada, who was dropped from the band for refusing to comply with vaccine mandates, shared a biting critique on social media. Reflecting on the Offspring's definition of "punk" from the podcast, Parada said, “When somebody tells you, you must do this. Well, why do I have to do it? I literally had that exact conversation with this person." He added, "I was called a great many things, but never punk.”
Parada’s post calls into question the band’s commitment to the rebellious, nonconformist roots of punk. It’s a sharp rebuke from a drummer who spent years with the band, only to be ousted for standing up for his beliefs. Since then, Parada has collaborated with Timcast and Five Times August, aligning with artists who share his values on medical freedom and independent thought.
The irony of a punk band conforming to mandates wasn’t lost on Parada, and his commentary is a powerful reminder that the punk ethos goes beyond music—it's about questioning authority and standing your ground.
