In a recent interview with Modern Drummer, The Offspring’s new drummer Brandon Pertzborn reflected on joining the band as Josh Freese’s replacement.
Former Suicidal Tendencies drummer Pertzborn officially joined the band on May 12, 2023. During the conversation, the drummer revealed how his story with the band began:
“For years, I’ve posted videos online of me drumming to songs I enjoy, and in January of this year, I posted a video of me playing Offspring’s song, ‘Hammerhead.’ A couple of months after I posted the video, The Offspring’s management reached out to me and explained that they were looking for a drummer. They said they had seen the video and asked if I was interested. I said, ‘Absolutely!’ A couple weeks later, in late March, I auditioned with the band, and a month later, I was touring with the band.”
Asked whether he knew why Freese was leaving the band at that time, Pertzborn continued:
“I had an inclination at the time, but nothing more.”
In August 2021, Pete Parada announced his exit from the band, leaving his place to Josh Freese. While Dexter Holland and Wasserman initially clarified in November 2021 that Parada had not been fired, Parada himself confirmed in March 2023 that he had officially left the group.
With Freese also making a departure due to commitments with the Foo Fighters, replacing the late Taylor Hawkins, The Offspring found themselves in need of a new drummer. This is where Pertzborn joined the picture.
In September 2022, frontman Dexter Holland mentioned that they were creating new material for their eleventh studio album. By March 2023, the band was already back in the studio, hinting at more musical endeavors to come.
In addition to their recording efforts, the band recently concluded the ‘Let the Bad Times Roll‘ North American tour, joined by Sum 41 and Simple Plan. It was during this tour, on August 6, 2023, that the band welcomed their original drummer, James Lilja, on stage. This marked his first performance with The Offspring since 1987.
