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LIVE REVIEW
BOWLING FOR SOUP
The Globe - Stockton - 7th February 2025
Bowling For Soup provided a hangover Stockton did deserve!
Review and photos - James Robinson @shotbyjsr
Bowling For Soup turned The Globe in Stockton into a full-blown pop-punk party on Friday night celebrating 20 years of the classic ‘A Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ album, proving once again why they remain one of the most beloved bands in the scene. With an electric lineup featuring Magnolia Park and Wheatus, the night was packed with nostalgia, confetti, a few mosh pits and endless singalongs.
Magnolia Park kicked things off with their high-energy blend of pop-punk, emo, and metalcore. They had an infectious and undeniable stage presence, really getting the crowd hyped and ready to move for the rest of the night. This was the first time listening to their music, and although not my typical listen, it’s safe to say I left a fan! They really did crush it
Magnolia Park kicked things off with their high-energy blend of pop-punk, emo, and metalcore. They had an infectious and undeniable stage presence, really getting the crowd hyped and ready to move for the rest of the night. This was the first time listening to their music, and although not my typical listen, it’s safe to say I left a fan! They really did crush it
Magnolia Park - Photos James Robinson
Titans of the scene Wheatus followed, whose debut album was released 25 years ago! A worthy celebration in itself. They obviously delivered a set that had the crowd in full voice and had fans shouting out requests! When they launched into their signature hit, Teenage Dirtbag, the crowd knew every word, and lead singer Brendan even gave us a chance to sing the famous bridge! Before showing us how it’s all done and ending their set on an extended outro and with a bang! They said they’ll be returning to the UK this year for a headline tour, so make sure to keep your eyes out for that announcement.
Wheatus - Photos by James Robinson
Between sets we had Jon Mahon on the decks keeping us entertained and even treated us to his own single, ‘You Got This’.
It was Bowling For Soup up next who really turned the night into something special. From the moment they took the stage, it wasn’t just a show; it was a full-on party! With their humour, boundless energy, and plenty of confetti blasts, they shredded through a hit-filled set that spanned their decades-long career and played ‘A Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ in full!
One of the standout moments for myself was 1985 being played so early in their set, which they joked will never happen again, and the confetti blast that kicked it off! Select fans also got an unforgettable experience, with one being invited onto stage to ‘spin the wheel’, and she got to choose which song they played next and to hang out at the on-stage bar with their crew. They also stopped to talk with the crowd a lot, Jaret even taking the time to mention mental health and to look after ourselves, which I’m sure meant a lot to many people there!
During the final song ‘Girl All the Bad Guys Want’, Jaret mentioned that a fan had messaged him before the show asking to play, and he got exactly that! It’s always heartwarming seeing a fan live out their dream on stage with their favourite bands, and this was absolutely no exception. He was even treated to one last confetti blast as he kicked off the song!
BFS threw a massive celebration, a true party, proving that even after all these years, they’re still the life of the pop-punk party. Although we were missing band member Chris due to his retirement, the guys incorporated him into the set brilliantly, and by the end of the night, this was a Hangover We Absolutely Deserved
It was Bowling For Soup up next who really turned the night into something special. From the moment they took the stage, it wasn’t just a show; it was a full-on party! With their humour, boundless energy, and plenty of confetti blasts, they shredded through a hit-filled set that spanned their decades-long career and played ‘A Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ in full!
One of the standout moments for myself was 1985 being played so early in their set, which they joked will never happen again, and the confetti blast that kicked it off! Select fans also got an unforgettable experience, with one being invited onto stage to ‘spin the wheel’, and she got to choose which song they played next and to hang out at the on-stage bar with their crew. They also stopped to talk with the crowd a lot, Jaret even taking the time to mention mental health and to look after ourselves, which I’m sure meant a lot to many people there!
During the final song ‘Girl All the Bad Guys Want’, Jaret mentioned that a fan had messaged him before the show asking to play, and he got exactly that! It’s always heartwarming seeing a fan live out their dream on stage with their favourite bands, and this was absolutely no exception. He was even treated to one last confetti blast as he kicked off the song!
BFS threw a massive celebration, a true party, proving that even after all these years, they’re still the life of the pop-punk party. Although we were missing band member Chris due to his retirement, the guys incorporated him into the set brilliantly, and by the end of the night, this was a Hangover We Absolutely Deserved
