Concert Review: Bowling for Soup - A Hangover You Don’t Deserve 20th Anniversary Tour
Photos by Abby Murphy
On a sweltering July night in Cincinnati, Bowling for Soup took the stage at Bogart’s, celebrating their 20th anniversary of *A Hangover You Don’t Deserve* with a concert that felt fresh and exhilarating. The night kicked off with high-energy sets from openers Eternal Boy and Keep Flying, both of whom set the perfect tone for a punk rock celebration.
Keep Flying opened the show with a vibrant mix of sounds, featuring an impressive array of instruments, including a saxophone that added a unique flair to their performance. Their upbeat energy quickly drew in the audience, creating a lively atmosphere. Following them, Eternal Boy delivered a standout performance with a punk rock cover of Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which many in the crowd argued was better than the original. The synergy between both openers effectively hyped up the crowd, perfectly setting the stage for the headliners.
Photos by Abby Murphy
As Bowling for Soup took the stage, the set design immediately captured attention with its bold yellow and black aesthetic, adorned with construction signs and industrial-themed props that mirrored their playful yet punk roots. Frontmen Jaret Reddick and Rob Felicetti exuded an infectious energy that made it feel like their album was released just yesterday, despite it being two decades old.
One of the night’s highlights was the electrifying performance of “Ohio (Come Back to Texas).” A cardboard sign waved from the front row, reading “There’s nothing wrong with Ohio,” resonated with the local audience and sparked many enthusiastic cheers. Reddick’s quip, “Some of you weren’t even born when this song was written,” highlighted the broad age range of attendees, emphasizing the timelessness of their music that brings together fans from different generations.
The vocal interplay during “Last Call Casualty” showcased the band’s strong dynamic, with Reddick and Felicetti’s harmonies blending seamlessly. Their chemistry was palpable, creating a sense of warmth and passion that enveloped the entire room. John from Keep Flying returned to the stage, adding a saxophone solo to “A-Hole – Dirty,” which was met with raucous applause from the crowd.
A particularly touching moment came during the acoustic rendition of “Friends O’ Mine,” where the three bandmates passed around a bottle, creating an intimate atmosphere that connected them with their fans. Reddick’s playful spirit shone through when he introduced a puppet to represent their absent drummer, Gary Wiseman, engaging in humorous banter that delighted the audience.
Audience engagement was a significant highlight of the night. Reddick took a moment to honor fan requests, including a shout-out to a young girl who had previously met the band, dedicating the theme song for *Phineas and Ferb* to her. April, a passionate fan celebrating her birthday, was invited on stage to spin a wheel that determined the next song. Her ecstatic reaction when landing on “My Wena” was a testament to the band’s deep connection with their audience.
Photos by Abby Murphy
Chants of “SOUP! There it is!” echoed as the concert drew to a close, illustrating the crowd’s enthusiasm and loyalty. It was a fitting celebration for a band that has brought joy to fans for three decades.
Bowling for Soup also highlighted their collaboration with Punk Rock Saves Lives, advocating for mental health awareness in the punk rock community, further cementing their connection with the audience.
Photos by Abby Murphy
Overall, Bowling for Soup’s 20th Anniversary Tour was a night filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and electrifying performances. The love shared among the band members and their fans created an unforgettable experience, reminding everyone present that the spirit of punk rock continues to thrive. If you have the chance to catch them on this tour, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
For more photos from the show, visit our gallery.