A Hangover You (Still) Don’t Deserve: 20 Years Later With Bowling For Soup
It has been twenty years since “1985.” Not the actual year of course, but the song that would become an anthem that transcended through genres and generations. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Bowling For Soup’s A Hangover You Don’t Deserve. The band lit up The Palace Theatre on Tuesday night, and it was their first stop in Calgary in over 20 years too!
Bowling for Soup was one of the first bands of the pop punk genre that I discovered. I can’t pinpoint exactly how I found them. If anything, I do vividly recall hearing their cover of Modern English’s “I Melt With You,” one of my personal favourite songs of all time, while watching one of the greatest films of all time, Sky High. They were an age-appropriate band for me: a band that wouldn’t upset my parents, and lyrics that wouldn’t teach me the swear words I already knew.
According to setlist.fm, the band’s last appearance here was part of the 2003 Vans Warped Tour. Some fans in the audience may have been there, some may have not even been born yet. I think all fans of any band will agree that 20 years is far too long, but it was well worth the long wait.
As the band played through a rapid-fire rendition of “1985,” the nostalgic wave of energy surfed through the crowd, and set the tone for an unforgettable night. Frontman Jaret Reddick, with his ever-charismatic demeanor, wasted no time in connecting with the crowd, cracking jokes and sharing stories that showcased the band’s lighthearted spirit. Despite the band's humorous facade, there’s a genuine appreciation for the community they’ve built. The camaraderie was palpable, creating an atmosphere that felt almost like a reunion among old friends.
It would be easy for a band like Bowling For Soup to slip into one-hit-wonder or maybe even cringe status. However, their musicianship, clever lyrics and personalities are what keeps it going strong. There’s a reason there is only one “Weird Al” Yankovic - if anyone else were to try, it would feel like a cheap imitation. There’s a reason there is only one Bowling For Soup. With their signature humor, catchy hooks, and engaging stage presence, the Texas-based band proved once again why they remain a beloved staple in the pop-punk music scene.
