Although they only found commercial fortune in the mid-90s, the Offspring had been a staple of the southern Californian punk community since 1984. Singer/guitarist Bryan 'Dexter' Holland and bass player Greg Kriesel announced their intention to form a band at a party where they heard TSOL's Change Today for the first time. Kriesel then joined Manic Subsidal, with former Clowns Of Death guitarist Holland, plus Doug Thompson (vocals) and Jim Benton (drums). When Thompson was forced out, Holland took over vocals, while Benton was replaced by drummer James Lilja. Guitarist Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman joined later.
Manic Subsidal was rechristened the Offspring in 1985. Their debut single, 'I'll Be Waiting', was released on their own Black Records. However, by 1987 Lilja was losing interest in the band, and was replaced for a Las Vegas show by Ron Welty. He joined them permanently in July 1987. By March 1989 they were ready to record their debut studio album, recruiting Dead Kennedys, TSOL and Iggy Pop veteran Thom Wilson. Via a contract with Nemesis Records the world was at last able to hear the Offspring's unique cross-matching of hardcore with Middle Eastern guitar from chief songwriter Holland. The Baghdad EP bore witness to the group's progression, with a less self-consciously punk musical dialogue. It was their last record for Nemesis, however, and by 1992 they were working on a new project for Epitaph Records.
Ignition's more relaxed pace, dropped in favour of bigger, memorable choruses, opened up Holland's lyrics to closer scrutiny. The group's third album, Smash, was completed in February 1994 with Thom Wilson again producing. Ever more adventurous, this time Offspring combined punk with ska and hard rock, with a cover version of the Didjits' 'Killboy Powerhead' as a concession to their roots. By the end of 1994 the album had achieved platinum status as the result of extensive touring. By 1995 Smash was accredited with quadruple platinum sales, and their recording of the Damned's 'Smash It Up', for the soundtrack of Batman Forever, was another major success. Much of 1995 was spent in dispute with their record company.
Ixnay On The Hombre was well received in February 1997. It was sold at 2 000 000 copies. In July 1998, The Offspring entered again in studio to make a new album. In October 1998, their released a new song "Pretty Fly (for has white Guy)" which was a great success in many radio sation throughout the world. Their new album, Americana, was finally released in November 1998. Several criticisms said that Offspring " return to their roots " with this album. Several said that it is Smash with the sound quality of Ixnay on the Hombre. Americana is in this moment among most sold albums throughout the world.
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