Bowling for Soup is a Texas-based band known for their witty blend of pop-punk and melodic alt-pop. They rose to mainstream fame in the early 2000s with their fourth album, Drunk Enough to Dance, featuring the popular single ‘Girl All the Bad Guys Want’ that earned them a Grammy nomination. Despite being relatively independent, the band garnered a dedicated fan base and achieved success, especially in the U.K. Bowling for Soup has demonstrated versatility within their pop-punk genre, releasing live albums, Christmas albums, theme song collections, and even contributing to shows like Disney’s Phineas and Ferb. After a decade with labels like RCA and Jive Records, they launched their own imprint, Que-So, with the support of their loyal fans to fund albums like ‘Lunch. Drunk. Love.’ and ‘Drunk Dynasty’.
Formed in 1994 in Wichita Falls, Texas, Bowling for Soup comprises lead vocalist/guitarist Jaret Reddick, guitarist/vocalist Chris Burney, bassist Erik Chandler, and drummer Gary Wiseman. Taking a few years to gain traction, the band’s relentless touring efforts in the late ’90s expanded their fan base, eventually leading to opportunities to open for major punk and ska acts. By the late ’90s, they had established themselves with successful releases like ‘Rock on Honorable Ones!!!’ and a subsequent deal with labels like Jive and Silvertone. Their major-label debut in 2000, ‘Let’s Do It for Johnny!’, set the stage for further recognition, with hits like ‘The Bitch Song’ and a cover of Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of ’69.’ Subsequent albums like ‘Drunk Enough to Dance’ and ‘Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ solidified their presence, with chart-topping singles like ‘1985’ and ‘Girl All the Bad Guys Want’ earning Grammy nods.
Over the years, Bowling for Soup continued their musical journey with releases like ‘Goes to the Movies,’ ‘The Great Burrito Extortion Case,’ and ‘Sorry for Partyin’.’ Their commitment to their fans was evident through unique projects like acoustic tours, holiday albums, and entirely fan-funded productions like ‘Lunch. Drunk. Love.’ Their 2011 album, ‘Fishin’ for Woos,’ and subsequent records showcased their dedication to their craft and connection with their audience. Celebrating milestones like their 20th anniversary, the band released ‘Songs People Actually Liked, Vol. 1’ and propelled their 13th studio album, ‘Drunk Dynasty,’ through fan contributions. Despite lineup changes and shifting dynamics, Bowling for Soup’s enduring spirit and musical prowess have solidified their place as a cherished presence in the pop-punk scene.