Towards the end of last year I thought going to gigs and photographing was over as Ia had a pretty serious heart attack. On top of that depression set in and I was in a dark. The one band that helped pull me out that dark place was Bowling For Soup so it was great to be that band that got me out again!

Train services are always a pain but tonight they managed to run on time and I was in Wolverhampton in no time at all! On arriving at The Halls I soon bumped into a few old friends I hadn’t seen in donkies. I also bumped into the lovely Jodie who photographs for the venue.

First up were Magnolia Park who tore the house apart with their catchy HC set which fused elements of Screamo, Metal and Hip-Hop. This Florida based band totally won me over with their highly energetic set. In fact I was shattered trying to keep up with everything! certainly a band to go and see! They have an album out on Epitaph in April so check it out!

After having a chat with fellow photographers it was time for Wheatus who I hadn’t seen live in years. Wheatus didn’t disappoint either! From the moment they hit the stage they had the crowd in their hands from start to finish! What a set they played too finishing up with Teenage Dirtbag which had the crowd go in to a frenzy. Bang on set! Bang on Band!

9pm it was time for Bowling For Soup to hit the stage and they hit it in style with the crowd in a frenzy. Sadly down to a 3-piece as Chris recently retired due to health issues – I wish him well!

Tonight Bowling For Soup were celebrating twenty years of their classic A Hangover You Don’t Deserve in its entirety! An album I still enjoy to this day and hearing played live was an amazing experience!

Kicking off with Almost the band steamed through other songs such as 1985, Get Happy, Ohio (Come Back To Texas), Shut Up And Smile, A-Hole, Smoothie King and Friends O Mine.

Amongst all the great songs Jaret and Co delivered some wicked comedy moments and some exploding confetti!

If that wasn’t enough Jaret stopped the show to sup some whisky as well as play the paper, rock, scissors game with the audience! The humour was second to none as Jaret and Rob bounced off each other throughout the night as well as interacting with the crowd!

Sadly the night had to end but Bowling For Soup delivered the goods and somewhat more!

The entire night was a totally happy affair with all three bands and the crowd loving the experience from start to finish. What a way to spend a Sunday night watching great bands!

I loved the experience!

Make sure you check out the bands when they come to your town!

Thanks to Jamie Giberti of Rage PR for sorting this show out for me.

Photos / Words: Kathleen Riot