Here’s a glimpse into preparing for an interview with Dexter Holland and

Noodles of The Offspring:

Should we delve into molecular biology? (Lead vocalist Holland holds a Ph.D. in this field.)

What about exploring the joys of bird watching? (Guitarist Noodles, whose real name is Kevin Wasserman, is passionate about this hobby.)

How about discussing Gringo Bandito? (This is the hot sauce brand created by Holland.)

And let’s not forget his involvement in Iron Man competitions and flying the band to their performances! (Once again, that would be Holland.)

Of course, we can’t overlook that these individuals are behind some of the most witty and clever punk-pop songs around.

The iconic songs of the ’90s, such as “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy),” “Self Esteem,” “Come Out and Play,” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” are the reason for this video call.

The Offspring, a band hailing from California and consisting of bassist Todd Morse, keyboardist Jonah Nimoy, and drummer Brandon Pertzborn, unveiled their 11th studio album titled “Supercharged” in early October. This new album quickly made its way into the charts.

With chart-topping success in ten countries, including Germany, Australia, and the UK, they have already released popular tracks like “Make it All Right,” “Light it Up,” and “OK, But This is the Last Time.”

Despite their ages of 58 and 61, Holland and Noodles remain dedicated to delivering catchy riffs and clever lyrics while maintaining their energetic performance style.

During a recent conversation at their record label office in New York, the team discussed their diverse interests.

Achieving global success with “Supercharged” is quite an accomplishment, especially after releasing 11 albums in their career.

Interviewer: Were you surprised when “Make it All Right” became your first song to hit number one on both the Active Rock Chart and the Alternative Chart?

Noodles: We’re really excited about its success. You always hope something like this will happen, but you can never be sure. We’re thrilled with how well the song has performed and how the entire album is doing so far.

The track “Come to Brazil” is quite humorous. Do Brazilian fans actually show more enthusiasm than those in other countries?

Noodles: Brazilian fans are among the most enthusiastic you’ll ever encounter. Regardless of what you share, they repeatedly comment, “come to Brazil.” It’s a unique trend that we’ve noticed, so we aimed to create a song that serves as a heartfelt tribute to our fans in Brazil.

Holland: Poland is quite upset with us.

I understand you have a younger drummer (Pertzborn joined in 2023), but what’s your secret to maintaining that punk rock energy?

Noodles: I believe that our work helps us stay youthful. Playing music, especially fast and intense styles, keeps our spirits high. Just look at Mick Jagger; he shares the same age as Joe Biden. Which of them seems to have a more vibrant lifestyle?

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of “Smash.” What shifts occurred after its release in 1992?

Ignition

Noodles: Not much changed until we wrapped up the album. We worked on a tight budget, often recording spontaneously. Our producer actually lived in his RV to help us complete the project. When “Come Out and Play” was sent to KROQ in LA, it was featured by Jed the Fish as his Catch of the Day during drive time, which really gave it a boost.

Holland: That album marked a turning point.

Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear how impactful it has been. I cherish those moments as they were genuinely thrilling. We’ve been fortunate to achieve our current level of success, but there’s something special about that initial leap from nothing to something significant—something we experienced back in ’94.

With so many interests, how do you manage to fit them all into your schedule?

Noodles: It’s quite simple for me to step out and enjoy a hike while bringing along my binoculars for bird watching. On my days off in New York City, I love observing birds in Central Park. My home area has wetlands and hills perfect for hiking too. I just enjoy being outdoors and soaking it all in.

Holland: When touring, it’s quite common to get into a routine where you’re constantly either on the tour bus or stuck in your hotel room, missing out on being outdoors for extended periods. It requires some effort to break that cycle.

Dexter, could you share your experience with the half Ironman event you recently participated in North Carolina and what your training involved?

Holland: The event is a triathlon format, it consists of swimming first, followed by biking, and concludes with running. I’ve been running since my high school days.

Having been involved in running since my school days, it became a natural part of my life. However, as we age, our bodies face more challenges. About five years ago, I decided to shift my focus and began participating in triathlons.

Holland: Typically, I aim for two swimming sessions, two biking sessions, and two running sessions each week. Sometimes, I combine a couple of these workouts on the same day. I’m training about four to five days a week.

When you mention doing two swims, two bikes, and two runs weekly, what distance are you covering?

Holland: In my most recent bike ride, I completed 60 miles.

It may not always be an extensive distance, but that’s what you would consider your long journey. A shorter ride could take about 20 to 30 minutes. It may sound a bit extreme, but I can’t quite explain it; I simply enjoy endurance sports. There’s something thrilling about it. Perhaps it’s the sense of accomplishment you feel afterward, knowing you’ve tackled a challenging feat. I like to think that completing something like a half Ironman makes other challenges in life seem more manageable.

You graduated with a degree in molecular biology in 2017. As a successful musician, how do you incorporate molecular biology into your life?

Holland: That’s a really great question. My research focused on HIV, and I want to contribute to the fight against HIV and similar viruses. I don’t want my degree to just hang on the wall; I genuinely aim to engage in research. I’m currently working on finishing a paper that I hope to publish within the next six months, but I’ve been quite occupied with media appearances (laughs).

By the way, Dexter, are you still flying 

Holland: I am currently in New York after flying in from North Carolina for the race. I refer to this experience as my version of golf; it resonates with me. The way it makes me feel is incredible, and I cherish the sense of freedom it provides. It demands my full attention, which helps distract me from the daily worries that often occupy my mind. In a unique sense, it’s almost like a form of meditation.

Noodles, what are your thoughts on being guided by your friend?

Noodles: I’ve observed his dedication to studying and his strong focus on completing tasks. He pays close attention and ensures that the work is accomplished. There have been times when I’ve felt more uneasy flying with other hired pilots than with him; we always take a pilot along when we tour. Occasionally, Dexter will take the controls, while at other times he joins us in the back.

You’re set to go overseas for a tour, but it seems there’s a break between April and September. Does this mean there’s a chance we could see you here during the summer?

Noodles: We’re definitely planning at least one tour. We’re going to be quite active.

Do you still enjoy touring?

Noodles: Absolutely. While traveling can be exhausting, I really appreciate the fresh experiences, meeting new people, tasting different foods, and immersing myself in new cultures. It’s all very exciting for me.

Holland: The key is to take on just the right amount. You have to tour in manageable segments, and it’s truly fantastic. We recognize how fortunate we are to perform for audiences around the globe.

People from around the world who may not even understand English are familiar with our band. We consider ourselves very lucky.