So this one wraps up a crazy week on the Northern Ireland Music scene, an explosive amount of bands landed over post Download filling up their touring schedule meant we had a week to remember!
Bowling For Soup tonight at The Telegraph Building is the last run of punk-rock/metal bands on our doorstep for a wee while, but not too long, hopefully just long enough for my hearing to recover! I shit you not they’re still ringing!
Tonight’s show is another sold-out affair for Bowling For Soup! Northern Ireland does seem to have a thing for the lads and this being my first ever BFS show my cherry is about to be popped … and then some!
Up first we have British Pop-rockers As December Falls, a highly melodic and addictive female-fronted crew that has all the moves to charm this Belfast crowd. Unknown to me this is their 3rd time playing the city, previously with BFS so it’s says something when the headliner ask you back on tour once again as to just how highly they regard you.
They clearly seem to be enjoying the day job, the smiles are a mile wide and the response from the crowd is resonating with the band and the energy back into the crowd. The support role can be a tough one but ADF seem to be taking it all in their stride making it look easy. A killer set, a band oozing charm and charisma it’s not hard to see what ADF are so popular, ones to watch for sure!
AS DECEMBER FALLS:
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A 30-minute set flies by and before you know it the stage is cleared and ready for BFS. Formed in Witchita Texas back in 1994 they celebrate 30 years this year as one of rock’s favourite bands. A sold out show half way across the world in a sizeable venue tells you all you need to know as to how much this bands music has resonated over the years with its fans. The big hitters like “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” and “1985” maybe the ones everyone know but 11 studio albums later there is no shortage of material to rock Belfast to its core!
The crowd was already buzzing before they even took the stage, a mix of longtime fans and some newer ones, all equally excited. The Telegraph Building, with its rustic, industrial charm, was the perfect backdrop for a night of punk rock nostalgia. As soon as the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Suckerpunch” blasted through the speakers, the place erupted. Jaret Reddick’s voice was spot on, and you could tell the band was just as pumped as we were.
Throughout the set, they played all the hits we were hoping for. “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” had everyone singing along at the top of their lungs, and “High School Never Ends” took us all back to those simpler, awkward times. Chris Burney was absent sadly recovering from an operatio back home, we wish him well and a speedy recovery.
One of the highlights was when they performed “Almost.” The whole room was a sea of waving arms and swaying bodies. Rob Felicetti’s basslines were as solid as ever, and Gary Wiseman on drums was the powerhouse driving each song forward. There was a special moment when Jaret dedicated “Punk Rock 101” to all the ‘kids’ in the room who grew up on their music, and it felt like a heartfelt nod to the fans who’ve been with them through the years and of course a photo op with As December Falls, as you do!
The band’s banter between songs was hilarious and made the night feel even more personal. They cracked jokes, told stories, and made us feel like part of their crazy, fun-loving family. By the time they wrapped up with “1985,” everyone was on a high.
Leaving the venue, you could see smiles all around, people chatting excitedly about their favorite moments. Bowling For Soup didn’t just play a gig tonight; they created an unforgettable experience. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it. They’re not just a band; they’re an experience, a joyous, punk-filled trip down memory lane.
Rock on, Belfast! Until next time! No doubt we’ll see them again in 2025 for their 20 years of “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve”, which will be played in its entirety, going by tonights craic, it will be we worth it!
Photos & Review : Mark McGrogan
@flashartmark #flashartmark
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