Music History

Ongoing History Daily: The “Keep ’em separated” guy

The Offspring song “Come Out and Play” has that part in the chorus is when some guy comes on and says “You gotta keep ’em separated.”  That guy is NOT anyone in the band. 

His name is Jason Whittier and he was a forklift operator from Orange Country, California.  He’d been an Offspring fan from the beginning.  Even when Offspring was playing gigs in front of ten people, they could count on Jason being in the audience.  In appreciation for his loyalty and dedication, the band decided to give him a small part in one of the songs they were working on for their Smash album. 

It is a bit part that’s heard around the world.  Jason is now known to millions as the “Come Out and Play Guy.”

Check out yesterdays Ongoing History Daily here.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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4 thoughts on “Ongoing History Daily: The “Keep ’em separated” guy

  • But? But? There’s gotta be more. Like, does he get a royalty every time the song is played? Even if it was a fraction of cent I’d imagine he’s still doing pretty ok. Lol.

    Reply
    • I have a feeling he got a session fee. That’s a buyout.

      Reply
      • Hey that’s me in the song andy me is Jason McLean. I am from Whittier, CA. (Which is LA County,
        not OC, BTW) But other than that is pretty accurate, lol. Offspring took care of me financially and we remain great friends.

        Reply
  • He got paid 2 Double Doubles and animal style fries from in and out because at the time The Offspring had no money to pay him with.

    Reply

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