I have been a big Bowling for Soup fan since 1985 (the song not the year) so the chance to photograph and review a gig from front man Jaret Reddick, with what promised to be just him and a guitar playing the bands songs and telling stories about what they are about. As a fan this was excellent!
The support act was The Lounge Kittens…I think it is fair to say that they are like Marmite you are going to love them or hate them. Personally its not my particular brand of vodka but my mate loved them and I would watch them again at a festival or as a supporting act.
Jaret Reddick’s set was an hour and three quarters in length (including the obligatory encore) in this time he performed a good few Bowling for Soup classics, which the crowd sung along to with vigor. What struck me the most was the openness of how he spoke about his life and the “Heartbreak and Hilarity” of the time he has spent on the road with the band, his home life and other stories. This included the deeply personal reasons for the BFS Farewell tour and news on future tour plans with the band.
The set list seemed planned but fluid in its delivery, Jaret responded to banter from the crowd playing different songs than planned, most noticeable band members Erik Chandlers song Belgium.
All in all it was a very different from my usual gig experience but seeing a member of a band you like out of their usual character is an experience that I would heartily recommend.
By Chris Marsh
