Offspring Drummer Ousted For Personal Choices

Well, folks, it seems The Offspring's drummer Pete Parada will have to heed the advice of his band's 1998 hit, and get a (new) job after allegedly being getting kicked out of the group for what is easily the strangest reason imaginable – his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

On Thursday, Parada took to Instagram with a heartfelt message for his roughly 17,000 followers, not only revealing his ousting from the band, but also that he's holding out on the vaccine, citing his history of vaccine reactions. 

“Given my personal medical history and the side-effect profile of these jabs, my doctor has advised me not to get a shot at this time,” Parada, who has played with the band since 2007 wrote on Instagram. “I caught the virus over a year ago, it was mild for me — so I am confident I’d be able to handle it again, but I’m not so certain I’d survive another post-vaccination round of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which dates back to my childhood and has evolved to be progressively worse over my lifetime.”

Even with this history, being unvaccinated still poses a hazard to others, a move he says is ultimately why he had to leave the group. “Since I am unable to comply with what is increasingly becoming an industry mandate, it has recently been decided that I am unsafe to be around, in the studio, and on tour,” he continued. “You won’t be seeing me at these upcoming shows.”

Even with these strange circumstances, Parada says there isn't any bad blood between him and the rest of his bandmates. 

"I have no negative feelings toward my band,” the musician elaborated. “They’re doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same. Wishing the entire Offspring family all the best as they get back at it! I’m heartbroken not to be seeing my road community, and I will miss connecting with the fans more than I can express in words.”

So folks, please, please, please get vaccinated. Like seriously. Please. I can't take much more of this perpetual dumpster fire. 

Top Image: Shutterstock

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