Bowling for Soup

Bowling for Soup

Irving Plaza, NY

September 15th, 2024

by Dean Paparian

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their early 2000’s album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve, Bowling for Soup brought their signature energy and excitement to New York’s Irving Plaza. Despite their self-described “old” status, the band thrilled fans of all ages with their passion and relatable lyrics, which have cemented their place as one of the most prominent pop punk bands of our time.

The tour centers on their 2004 album, with the setlist covering the entire album in chronological order. The band’s frontman, Jaret Reddick, pointed out that playing “1985”—arguably their biggest hit—third in the lineup was a change of pace for the band. With their biggest song out of the way early, the band kept the audience engaged with the promise of a few surprise off-album tracks that fans would recognize, musical guests, and a spinning wheel—similar to Wheel of Fortune but featuring song titles instead of dollar prizes—on the left side of the stage.

Between songs, Reddick kept the mood lively, frequently interacting with the audience. He had them raise their hands and wave them around like “wacky wavy inflatable tube” men, and even instructed them to scream in a style reminiscent of how AC/DC’s frontman warms up his vocals. The crowd responded enthusiastically. He also brought Wheatus, the band that opened for them, on stage for a song.

One of the highlights of the night came toward the end of the set when Reddick invited a volunteer from the audience, Stephanie, to join them on stage. This is when the song wheel came into play. Stephanie was tasked to spin the wheel of songs, and the band would play whichever off-album song the wheel lands on. If the song selected was Stephanie’s favorite, “Life After Lisa”, then she would win prizes, including guitar picks from the band and a setlist from the night. After a dramatic spin, the wheel landed on “Life After Lisa,” and the crowd erupted.

In one of the next breaks between songs, the band highlighted one of the main reasons for the tour: to support Punk Rock Saves Lives, an organization dedicated to mental health advocacy. They also had swab stations set up to check for bone marrow transplant matches, giving his audience the chance to save lives themselves. 

This tour was more than just a chance for pop punk fans to hear their favorite songs; it was an opportunity to connect with the band over shared values and personal moments. By celebrating their A Hangover You Don’t Deserve, Bowling for Soup breathed new life into songs rarely performed live and honored the hits that defined their career. With their infectious energy, the band gave Irving Plaza a night to remember—one that resonated long after the final encore.

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