Artists including Avril Lavigne, Blink-182, Weezer, Simple Plan, The Offspring, and The Used performed in Las Vegas at the When We Were Young show last weekend, and certain artists on the bill showed support for Palestine and criticized President Donald Trump’s administration.
Blink-182 and The Offspring went political
The music groups were part of the “When We Were Young” concert, held over a series of days in October, which cost fans a minimum of $425 per ticket and more.
Several artists involved candidly showed their support for Palestine and other left-wing political causes with anti-Trump slogans.
The artists mixed extreme, left-wing political messages with music. Used singer Bert McCracken, for instance, yelled “Freedom for f**king Palestine” from the stage. while Offspring guitarist donned a “No Kings” t-shirt.
They steadfastly reject the label of a “political band” but members of the group, particularly guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman — have made pointed statements on politics, current events, media culture, democratic values….and Ricki Lake. The Offspring changed lyrics to protest against Trump.
Despite the band’s broader “apolitical” posture, Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman has been outspoken on several contemporary issues. In January 2022, he posted that “anyone who aided & abetted [President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the election & subvert the will of the American people… is a criminal & a traitor.”
He also condemned conspiratorial media coverage of the event, describing certain outlets as “anti-democratic & anti-American.”
Meanwhile, Story of the Year’s bassist Adam Russell wore a shirt with the message “Destroy American Fascism.” The band Used also unfurled a “Freedom for Palestine” flag during their set, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“You guys having fun?” Blink-182 vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus asked the crowd Saturday. “Well, knock that sh*t off. This is an emo show, motherf***er.”
The event was primarily sponsored by the convenience store chain 7-Eleven, along with several other companies, including rideshare company Lyft, beer maker Coors, Club Wyndham, Don Julio, and many more.
The festival was launched in 2017 as an annual concert showcasing emo, pop-punk, and alternative rock bands from the early 2000s.
