Bowling For Soup @ Gothic Theatre

Bowling For Soup brought the vibrant nostalgia pop-punk vibes to Denver, CO on October 10th, 2024. Joined by Makeout, and Adam + The Metal Hawks, the three bands made it a whirlwind night of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a hefty dose of feel-good pop-punk. It was also a powerful reminder that music can be a lifeline, both for the artists and the fans. With a multi-generational crowd and a band dedicated to making a difference, the atmosphere was electric.

Makeout

This pop-punk quartet kicked off the night with an infectious energy that got the crowd moving. Their setlist was a great blend of originals and covers, showcasing their versatility and stage presence. The lead singer’s interaction with the crowd was fantastic, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. Seeing a 7-year-old in an Outcast shirt rocking out to their music was a testament to the band’s ability to bridge generations through their music. The drummer even gifted the young fan a drumstick after the set – a gesture that surely made a lasting impression.

Adam & The Metal Hawks

If Jack Black fronted Queen, it might sound a bit like Adam & The Metal Hawks. This band brought a theatrical flair to the stage, complete with over-the-top facial expressions and a healthy dose of humor. Their set was a mix of originals and covers, with a highlight being the moment the lead singer, Adam, hoisted the guitarist onto his shoulders. The energy was contagious, and the crowd was fully engaged.

Bowling For Soup

Nostalgia met chaos with a hint of comedy as Bowling For Soup took the stage. Despite multiple band members crossing the 50 year old mark, the band delivered on the teenage angst that has defined their music for decades. Even playing without Chris Burney, they crushed it. Playing their “Hangover You Don’t Deserve” album in order, they launched into their most popular song, “1985,” early in the set, much to the crowd’s delight.

Between songs, the band engaged in mini comedy sets, keeping the audience entertained and laughing. Their crowd interaction was top-notch, from correcting “bird flu” to “avian flu” to doing math on the fly to figure out how old fans were. A mid-set fan interaction involved a “Wheel of Songs,” where a lucky audience member could win a prize or choose a song not on the album for the band to play. And let’s not forget the intricate phallus-shaped cakes brought by a fan. The moment that provided plenty of laughs for both the band and the audience.

More Than Music

Beyond the music and humor, the night had a deeper meaning. Bowling For Soup’s lead singer, Jaret, serves on the board of directors for Punk Rock Saves Lives, an organization dedicated to improving health and safety within the punk rock community. At the show, Punk Rock Saves Lives was on hand, swabbing willing concertgoers to add them to a database for potential bone marrow transplants. This, coupled with it being National World Mental Health Night, added a layer of significance to the evening.

This concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to provide an escape, and to promote a good cause. It was a night filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the kind of shared experience that can help combat the post-concert blues.