LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Bowling For Soup – A Hangover You Don’t Deserve 20th Anniversary Tour @ Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

By Kieran Atkinson

13/02/2025

Support from Magnolia Park & Wheatus

Tonight, it’s the turn of a crowd of eager fans in Nottingham to witness the much-anticipated arrival of Bowling for Soup with their vibrant epic pop-punk celebration, marking 20 years of their classic A Hangover You Don’t Deserve album. The band proves once again why they are loved in the scene. They are accompanied, and perfectly complimented by Magnolia Park and Wheatus, collectively forging a night filled with nostalgia, confetti, high-energy performances, and singalongs.

The night began with the Florida-based band Magnolia Park. They very quickly whipped the crowd into party mode with their energetic pop-punk / metalcore sound. Many in the crowd where unfamiliar with the band, but very quickly became hooked and in sync with the vibe. There was this untamed raw energy that flowed from the stage, getting the crowd excited and ready to dance and scream for the rest of the night. One of the most well-received moments of their set was a pop-punk cover of Shallow, a song that most people have heard but with a new twist. The crowd loved it, and the band were feeding from the audience's excitement in reciprocative fashion.
Jon Mahon maintained the buzz during band changeovers, effortlessly hyping up the crowd. He is a great DJ who knows how to engage with his audience. He took the opportunity to perform his own single; "You Got This," and the crowd responded with an incredible amount of love.

Next up, the mighty Wheatus, enjoying somewhat of a milestone celebration, with it being 25 years since their debut album was released. If you did not already know, these guys are still riding high on Teenage Dirtbag, and they performed it like it was meant to be. The audience were all back in high school again, singing their hearts out for those three unforgettable minutes. But Wheatus did not just lean on that one hit; they threw in a few covers like The Darkness’s Growing on Me and Erasure’s A Little Respect, each with their quirky twist. It was not just about nostalgia for the crowd, though Wheatus was all about having fun in the moment. The connection between the band and the crowd felt natural, with everyone playing off each other and enjoying themselves. The set was a mixed bag including some playful covers, but the real peak was Teenage Dirtbag. The entire venue erupted when those opening notes kicked in, and it felt like everyone no matter their age was united in that massive sing-along moment you had to be part of.

Then, as the headliners, Bowling for Soup took their positions on the stage, a fervent crowd were clearly elevated in their excitement. As key players in the pop-punk movement of the 2000s, the crowd knew they were in for a night to remember. The instant the opening chords of Almost kicked in, the place erupted as an animated and boisterous crowd soaked up the atmosphere. The band quickly settled into a strong rhythm, showing they were not just reliving their past hits but fully committed to delivering a lively performance. Jaret Reddick, the band’s lively lead singer instantly took control keeping the mood high with one-liners, jokes, and a real connection with the audience. Between songs, he poked fun at everything making playful jabs at the pop-punk lifestyle all of which had the crowd laughing, cheering, and applauding.

The show ended with Girl All the Bad Guys Want. A staple of their set, the song sparked a surge of excitement that you could practically feel the crowd pulsing with energy. It was a lively, joyous moment, with everyone laughing, singing, and dancing as if we’d all been transported back to the noughties. Bowling for Soup’s performance wasn’t just a nostalgic trip; it was a celebration of a sound, a time, and a band that still knows how to throw one heck of a party.

What made Bowling for Soup stand out that night was Jaret Reddick’s ability to turn the show into a conversation with the crowd. He made everyone feel part of the experience. One moment, he would be joking about the food, making light of the rock-star life, or sharing funny stories from the tour, all with his relatable self-deprecating humour, then next, the mood would change as he introduced a more emotional song, giving the audience a chance to reflect.

The show was a full-on celebration of pop punk’s golden era, and it was obvious that everyone had come to soak up the best parts of that time. The energy never dropped, the bands were on point, and the crowd was there for every moment. Whether you were a long-time fan or just there for the nostalgia, it was a night of great music, good vibes, and even better company. By the end, you walked out with a smile, a sore throat, and even a few new favourite songs.