Even after 30 years, Texas pop-punks Bowling For Soup still bring the biggest party in town when they head out on tour. This time they brought Florida ska punks Less Than Jake – and as far as parties go, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Setting their final date of a sold out UK tour in London meant every soul in the packed Eventim Apollo auditorium was in for a treat.
At the moment the iconic intro of “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads” started playing, the crowd couldn’t contain their excitement, and everyone knew exactly what to do and sing. Followed by more crowd favourites, the chords of “The Science of Selling Yourself Short” echoed through the halls of the Apollo, with phone lights lighting up the room.
Nothing makes you forget the troubles of the world more than Bowling For Soup. Never taking themselves and their fans too seriously, the band are known for their on stage banter, high school humour and catchy pop punk tunes. So after 30 years of a successful mix, why change the recipe. And Bowling For Soup are not planning on it.
With their iconic intro theme tune having everyone dancing along already, the party is ready to start. In classic self-deprecating humour, Jared announces to the crowd “London, are you ready for the best night of your life? Well, that’s not gonna happen, so how about an outstanding night?”
Kicking things off with “Emily” and “My Wena”, the set was filled with all the hits and fan favourites. About “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” Rob Felicetti proclaims “This next song should have been a hit but we’re not gonna play that yet as we’re a professional band and were saving the good shit for the end” before launching into “Out the Window” instead.
Opening act The Vandoliers joined Bowling For Soup on stage for a rendition of their hit single “Ohio (Come Back To Texas)” during which the band handed most of the singing and performing off to their opening act. As Jared explains, “When you get to a certain age, you have to get skinny bands out and play for you or you could break a hip!” – fair point!
But throughout all the giggles and banter, Jared Reddick also shares his struggles with depression and anxiety throughout the years. “I still battle with it every single day.” he adds, “No one here is alone and no one is immune.” And for a crowd that has only recently learned that it’s okay to talk openly about your mental health struggles, the moment creates not only a deeper connection but also is a moment of sobering adoration for Jared’s openness. And as the words and chords of “Turbulence” echo through the Apollo, our hearts are full and the phones are lighting up the room with hope.
Closing their set with the iconic “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” and an encore of “1985” rounds up a night that celebrates pop punk and Bowling For Soup, and that is a reminder of one of the best bands in the business.
High Fives & Stage Dives 