Thirty‑one years in the making, Bowling For Soup finally stormed London’s OVO Arena Wembley, their biggest headline show to date. Through lineup changes and shifting trends, they have remained the cheeky heart of pop‑punk, and tonight was proof of their endurance. As Jaret Reddick once sang, “This is gonna be my greatest day.” Saturday delivered exactly that.
Bowling For Soup
OVO Arena Wembley – 13 December 2025
Words: Rhys Tagg
Photography: Jodie Cunningham – Instagram
The lineup was stacked. Punk Rock Factory tore through covers like C’est La Vie (B*Witched) and Go Go Power Rangers, complete with actual Power Rangers bounding across the stage. They closed with a rowdy sing-along to Fairytale of New York, turning the arena into a festive pub chorus.
Wheatus followed, their name emblazoned across the giant screen. They breezed through Leroy, Valentine, and Hey Mr Brown before hitting their stride with Teenage Dirtbag.
Mid‑song, Brendan B. Brown stopped singing and asked, “Do you wanna sing it, London?” The crowd erupted, screaming the anthem of teenage youth. Unsure if he could still hit the high notes at 52, Brendan even joked he felt “a little naked.”
Just then, Jaret Reddick stepped up, crowned him with ‘that’ fishing hat, and the arena roared as Brendan soared back into those falsettos, leading Wheatus to a powerful climax.
Bowling For Soup – Guitars, Jokes, and Genuine Heart
When it comes to Bowling For Soup, it is always a family affair. The stage was stacked with bleachers filled with fans, friends, and family members, a living backdrop of their community.
A countdown flashed on the big screen, leading into their entrance theme: “‘Coz, here comes Bowling For Soup.” The band filtered out in black shirts and bright blue board shorts, instantly looking set to party. Jaret struck a riff on his signature Texas guitar as smoke shot skyward.
They launched into The Bitch Song, which slapped hard and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Mid‑riff, they cheekily blended into Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door before snapping back again. Crowd interaction and a rousing rendition of High School Never Ends, and then, pyro. Flames shot upward, and Jaret grinned like a kid at his first fireworks show. “That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, Pyro!”
For a band built on irreverence and heart, Wembley was not just their greatest day. It was proof that pop‑punk’s spirit still burns bright, complete with pyro.
Bowling For Soup are not just a band who love to play, they love to perform. Jaret thrives on interacting with a captivated audience, and it is obvious from the first moments that the whole band are ecstatic to be on such a grand stage. They soak up every second. The show radiates pure party vibes.
“It’s a big night,” Jaret announces. A few things have changed over the years. They drink less now. But not tonight. A Bowling For Soup show is part comedy set, part party, part rock‑and‑roll circus, and tonight there are even pom‑poms. Jaret encourages the crowd to join the sing-along for Almost, and the arena does not hesitate.
He reflects on the band’s journey, marvelling that it has been 31 years and they are now playing their biggest ever headline gig. He recalls how, back in 2009, they thought their next album would be their breakthrough, but shortly after releasing Fishing For Woos, they were dropped by their label.
“This song features my daughter Emma,” he says, turning to wave at her sitting at the back. They launch into I Don’t Wish You Were Dead Anymore, and as the final notes fade, Jaret cheekily admits, “I wrote that one about my ex‑wife, who I have two kids with.”
They roll straight into Ohio, arms waving across the arena as Texas‑flag‑coloured confetti erupts over the crowd.
Jaret has always been open with fans, and tonight he shares a moment of real vulnerability. He talks about how, 13 or 14 years ago, his mental health took a serious dip, and how he has since become a strong advocate for mental health support.
It is a warming, grounding moment as he tells the room, “No one in this room is alone. I say this every night because there will be one person, and you are not alone. The world is a better place with you in it.”
He dedicates Turbulence to anyone who has ever felt that way, performing it on acoustic guitar as words of encouragement fill the big screens. It is an immensely powerful few minutes.
Then, in true BFS fashion, the mood swings back to light‑hearted chaos. Jaret brings out Brendan B. Brown and announces they will be shaving his head live on stage, raising over £1,000 for the charity Uproar.
A competition winner steps up and gets to work.
Moments later, Jaret has the entire arena singing happy birthday to someone’s dad before the band tear into Punk Rock 101. From there, it is Emily, “never big in the States, but huge in the UK,” Jaret laughs, followed by the Phineas and Ferb theme tune.
He also mentions how Let’s Do It For Johnny was another track that blew up in the UK far more than back home. They rip through Suckerpunch, then Circle.
Jaret talks briefly about the period when the band nearly broke up, and how a year and a half later, they found the strength to bring it back. Then it is into 1985, before a fan wins a guitar which Jaret signs live on stage.
They tease new music by playing a new track, and promise they will be recording again in the new year.
Of course, Girl All the Bad Guys Want closes the night. Confetti everywhere. Jaret stands there taking it all in, clearly moved. There is something about a British crowd, especially in London, that seems to resonate deeply with him.
