Photo Credit:
David Edmunds
March 18, 2025| David Edmunds |LIVE REVIEW
Live Review: Bowling For Soup, Wheatus, Magnolia Park | Swansea Arena | 09/02/2025
Swansea Arena was electrified by an unforgettable night of pure pop-punk nostalgia as icons of the era Bowling For Soup celebrated the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, A Hangover You Don’t Deserve. With support from Magnolia Park and Wheatus, the evening was a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal.
Magnolia Park
Kicking off the night, Florida’s Magnolia Park delivered a high-energy set that immediately engaged the packed arena. Their performance featured tracks like ‘Misfits’ and ‘Addison Rae’, showcasing their modern pop-punk sound infused with elements of emo and hip-hop. The band’s dynamic stage presence and relatable lyrics resonated with both new listeners and longtime Park fans, setting the tone for the evening.
Magnolia Park
Wheatus
Next up, Wheatus took the stage, bringing a wave of early 2000s nostalgia. Opening with ‘Growing on Me’, they navigated through a set list that included fan favourites like ‘A Little Respect’ and ‘Leroy’. The highlight, unsurprisingly, was their iconic hit ‘Teenage Dirtbag’, which had the entire arena singing along in unison. Their blend of quirky lyrics and catchy melodies provided a delightful bridge between the opening act and Bowling For Soup.
Bowling For Soup
As the lights dimmed, anticipation reached its peak. Bowling For Soup burst onto the stage with ‘Spillways’ immediately captivating the Swansea Pop Punk loving crowd. Celebrating two decades of A Hangover You Don’t Deserve, they treated fans to live renditions of tracks like ‘Almost’ ‘Trucker Hat’ and ‘1985’. The band’s signature humour and interaction with the audience created an intimate atmosphere, despite the arena setting. A standout moment was their medley of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ and ‘My Own Worst Enemy’, a playful nod to their tour mates and pop-punk contemporaries. Closing with the anthemic ‘Girl All the Bad Guys Want’, Bowling For Soup proved that even after 30 years, they remain masters of delivering fun-filled, high-energy performances that leave audiences craving more.
The Swansea crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable throughout the night, reflecting the timeless appeal of pop-punk and the enduring charisma of Bowling For Soup. This concert was not just a trip down memory lane, but a vibrant celebration of a genre that continues to unite generations.
