OFF! Delivers a High-Octane Farewell at The Belasco: A Legendary Final Show

Gallery & Review by Caitlin Schmidt

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In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, The Belasco played host to an electrifying and historic night on July 26, 2024, as OFF! wrapped up their storied career with an unforgettable final performance. The hardcore, psychedelic punk supergroup delivered a raw and relentless farewell that fans won’t soon forget, unleashing a blistering set that spanned their entire discography.

After a beautifully chaotic noise introduction, Keith Morris's distinctive vocals cut through the venue, signaling that this was no ordinary show. The band kicked off their set with three back-to-back tracks from their third and final studio album, Free LSD—“Slice Up the Pie,” “Time Will Come,” and “War Above Los Angeles.” The crowd went absolutely wild, fully immersed in the high-energy atmosphere. The setlist, primarily featuring tracks from Free LSD, came as no surprise, as the band had accompanied their last string of shows with screenings of their newly released movie of the same name.

Of course, they didn’t skimp on the classics either, charging through the set with songs like "Wiped Out" from their self-titled debut album and "Void You Out" from their second album Wasted Years. The ferocity that has defined their career was ever-present, and the crowd, a sea of devoted fans, matched the band’s energy with an all-out, never-ending mosh pit that underscored the night’s cathartic and celebratory atmosphere.

The Belasco, with its intimate yet gritty charm, provided the perfect backdrop for OFF!'s swan song. Each song felt like a tribute to the genre’s anarchic spirit, with Dimitri Coats's aggressive riffs, Autry Fulbright’s heavy basslines, Mario Rubalcaba’s thunderous beats, and Morris’s impassioned vocal delivery creating an unrelenting force of sound, all accompanied by unparalleled stage presence.

Throughout the night, it was evident that OFF! was not just closing a chapter but igniting a final, fervent burst of energy. Their farewell was not merely a goodbye but a testament to their enduring influence on punk rock. The steady roar of the crowd made it clear that while OFF! may be done, their legacy will resonate for years to come.

The energy, passion, and raw emotion of the night will be remembered by all who attended. As the crowd slowly dispersed into the Los Angeles night, there was a shared understanding that they had witnessed something truly legendary—a fitting farewell to a band that will remain a cornerstone of late punk rock history.