Photos: Bowling for Soup at The Paramount in NY

You grow old but you never grow up. A saying I will take with me throughout my years. Numerous morning music video runs on MTV pulled me in and through all the boybands, and pop stars, a pop/punk band would appear, decked out in studded belts and Vans, with painted black nails and spiked-up mohawks.

The song was “1985”, and that band was Bowling for Soup. I do remember dragging my poor mother into a music store and begging her for the album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve. I had no business at that age to feel so deeply about music, but, music is a powerful thing.

So powerful, in fact, that 20 years later I stood in the photo put at The Paramount in Huntington, NY on September 13, my camera in hand, ready to get to hear that same album that I begged my mom for all of those years ago. And, I got to photograph it. You really cant say it gets any cooler than that.

The lights dimmed, and their opening track sounded. With a packed house behind me, the sounds of the first song, “Almost” rang through the speakers. Lead singer Jaret walked onto the stage, followed by newly-added guitarist Rob, and long-time legendary drummer Gary. Sadly, Chris and his yellow checkered mat remained empty, but we hope he is resting up for any future tours.

From then on, the energy of the venue never felt flat. With each new song, some introduced with a cool backstory, Jaret explicitly tells the crowd to enjoy “1985” this early on in the setlist because it will never happen again. It was so incredible getting to watch the crowd and the band interaction. Fans reached from the barricade, screamed lyrics back and never took a moment to rest. Along with getting to experience this album in full, we were also blessed with a couple of fun cameos during the set including Adam and the Metal Hawks, and Don’t Panic, who came out to finish one of Bowling For Soup’s songs.

All in all, for a 20-year anniversary tour, this show absolutely smashed it. So, make sure to check out the tour dates and go relive one of the greatest feelings of nostalgia with a band who deserves every bit of their success and your presence.

See photos from the show below!