Calabash 2025 – A Rock Haven!
Calabash 2025 in South Africa was undeniably one of the best live music experiences any rock fan could have hope for. From the very first note, Fokofpolisiekar brought their signature high-energy punk sound and a raw, electric vibe that had the crowd in a frenzy. Their performance was the perfect opener for what would turn into an unforgettable night. With their infectious energy and sing-along anthems, the audience was left begging for more, setting the stage on fire for the legendary act, The Offspring.


The Offspring took the stage with an electrifying presence, rocking the crowd with hits like Self Esteem and The Kids Aren’t Alright. The band fed off the Johannesburg crowd’s energy so intensely that lead singer Dexter Holland declared, “This is the best we have ever played [some of our songs].” The vibe was contagious, and through their performance, The Offspring reminded everyone why they have been at the forefront of the punk rock scene for decades.


But the night was far from over, with Green Day primed to close the show. As always, Billie Joe Armstrong and the band delivered an unforgettable performance, turning the entire festival site into a chaotic, euphoric experience (if the walls could have bounced). Classic tracks like Basket Case and American Idiot had the crowd in full sing-along mode, and the band’s stage presence made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime event. Green Day proved once again why they are true rock legends!


January used to be a month filled with the looming dread of back-to-school and back-to-work blues, but since the inception of Calabash, it has been brighter. For the second year running, the festival has demonstrated that investment in top-tier acts and seamless logistics should be the standard, not the exception; and they are truly doing an outstanding job at it. Needless to say, we’re already counting down to the next one!
Images of Fokofpolisiekar & Green Day captured by Kurt Sassenburg