The group formed in 1984 on the initiative of Dexter Holland and Gregory Kreisel (« Greg K »), under the name of Manic Subsidal. Joined by Doug Thompson on vocals and Jim Benton on drums, the group quickly experienced a first reshuffle, the latter two leave and make way for Noodles on guitar and James Lilja on drums. Dexter then pointed to take over the vocals, in addition to the rhythm guitar8. Inspired by local punk bands such as T.S.O.L, Agent Orange, The Adolescents, Social Distortion, they gradually develop their style, with the little musical knowledge they had at their beginning.
In 1986, the group changed its name to be called The Offspring, which translates into French as « the progeny, the descent ». The name sounds good, that’s what matters to them. The same year, they released their first single with the titles I’ll Be Waiting on side A and Blackball on side B. Pressed in 1,000 copies on vinyl, it was published in self-production under a label they name in reference to a beer brand « Black Label ». In a « DIY » spirit, they take care of all the production and promotion with their own means. Shortly after the release of the single, drummer James Lilja left the band to prepare for medical school. He is replaced by Ron Welty, then 16 years old, strongly motivated to join the group although inexperienced.
photos
