An Epic Night of Rock 'n Roll Chaos!
The FNB Stadium was absolutely electric on 19 January 2025. Thanks to Big Concerts, rock fans were treated to a high-octane lineup featuring Fokofpolisiekar, The Offspring, and Green Day—three legendary acts delivering an unforgettable night of raw energy and pure musical mayhem. From the very first note to the last encore, this was a rock ‘n roll marathon at its finest.

Fokofpolisiekar Brings the Heat

Opening the night was South Africa’s very own Fokofpolisiekar, and they came out swinging. The moment they hit the stage, the energy exploded. The crowd fed off the band’s untamed, rebellious spirit, and every riff, every lyric, and every thunderous beat had the audience hooked. Francois van Coke was his usual unpredictable self—leaping across the stage, reaching into the crowd, and forging an electric connection with fans.

With the entire stadium echoing their anthems, Fokof turned the night into a full-blown singalong. Their gritty, fast-paced sound turned the stadium into a frenzy, proving yet again why they remain one of SA’s most iconic rock acts. The crowd matched their energy at every turn, jumping, shouting, and losing themselves in the moment. It was a wild, unapologetic showcase of what real rock music is all about.

The Offspring Takes It Up a Notch

Just when you thought things couldn’t get crazier, The Offspring took the stage—and absolutely destroyed it. Dexter Holland’s voice ripped through the speakers, while Noodles and the band delivered their signature fast riffs and relentless rhythm. Their setlist was a hit machine, featuring classics like ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’, ‘Self Esteem’, and ‘Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)’—each song sending the crowd into absolute chaos.

The Offspring knew how to work the stadium, throwing in humor, crowd interaction, and pure punk-rock energy. The skeletal inflatables added a unique touch, setting the vibe for what felt like one giant, rebellious, fist-pumping party. Fans were moshing, screaming, and singing at the top of their lungs, proving that punk rock is alive and well.

Green Day Closes the Night with an Unforgettable Performance

If you’ve ever wondered what a legendary live experience feels like, Green Day delivered the answer. The moment Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool hit the stage, the atmosphere went ballistic. Their setlist was a dream for any fan—‘American Idiot’, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Basket Case’, and ‘When I Come Around’ all had the crowd screaming every single word.

Green Day’s show wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience. The production was next-level, the energy was relentless, and Billie Joe had the entire stadium in the palm of his hand. There was even a fan in the crowd jamming on his black spray-painted wooden guitar, proving just how much this band’s music has impacted their fans.

The Power of Music – Luka de Wet’s Green Day Story

But beyond the chaos and killer performances, there was a moment that hit on a deeper level. Luka de Wet, son of SA music legend Danny de Wet, was at the show, and for him, it was more than just a concert—it was a full-circle moment.

Luka, now an accomplished drummer, credits Green Day for his musical journey. As a kid, he was captivated by their sound and energy, and that was it—he knew music was his calling. In his own words:

“Back in 2005, Green Day was recording their live DVD at Milton Keynes, and Billie Joe Armstrong said something that stuck with me: 'Music to me is the air I breathe, it’s the blood that pumps through my veins that keeps me alive.' Little did he know, his band would inspire kids worldwide to say the same thing—'Green Day to me is the air I breathe, it’s the blood that pumps through my veins that keeps me alive.' I’m one of those kids.

I’ve been lucky enough to see Green Day live twice—once in Dublin and once in Johannesburg at the Calabash Festival. Both shows were incredible, but seeing them in my hometown was something else. The energy of +50,000 South Africans singing along to those anthems that meant so much to us all... it was magical. I’m so lucky to have been in that crowd.

But here’s the kicker—I got to meet Green Day before the show. That moment is something I’ll never forget. Getting to personally thank my heroes for everything they’ve done for me, without even knowing who I am—that was beyond special. It made Calabash 2025 the best concert I’ve ever been to.”

Oh, and get this—Luka was the only person who got a photo with Green Day. How legendary is that?

A Night to Remember

From the raw energy of Fokofpolisiekar, to the punk-rock madness of The Offspring, to the legendary performance from Green Day, Calabash 2025 was a night for the history books. The energy was off the charts, the music was mind-blowing, and the impact was unforgettable.

A massive shoutout to Big Concerts and TPW Agency for making this happen. The countdown to the next Calabash begins now—because after a night like this, you can bet we’ll be back for more!