311 and the Offspring have recorded new versions of each other's songs in conjunction with their Never-Ending Summer Tour that kicks off next week, Billboard has learned.
The Offspring took on 311's 1996 hit "Down," while 311 returned the favor with the Offspring's 1994 smash "Self Esteem." The songs will be released Friday (July 20) to streaming services and radio, while limited edition 7-inch vinyl copies -- 1,000 numbered copies of each title -- will be available via the bands' websites, with pre-orders also starting Friday.
"It was the Offspring's idea, and a great idea," 311's Nick Hexum tells Billboard. "They said, 'We had the idea to cover your song, and we've done it,' and I was like, 'Wow! I have to hear this,' 'cause it's such a signature song. Were they going to cover it faithfully or rework it?' They reworked it just enough; There's punk to it, and Dexter (Holland) actually does a killer job of rapping SA (Martinez)'s parts in more of a punk rock style, with fast drums. We were so blown away, It was so my fun to hear that. So we returned the favor and reggaefied ('Self Esteem'), which is probably my favorite song of theirs. It'll be a lot of fun to give the fans new versions of these songs they love so much."