Bowling for Soup Brings Pure Pop-Punk Joy to Mars Music Hall

Word and Live Photos: DJ

Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions

The pop-punk nostalgia train rolled into Huntsville’s Mars Music Hall on November 7th, and what a ride it was. With Texas legends Bowling for Soup headlining alongside openers Don’t Panic and The Dollyrots, the night delivered exactly what fans craved: high energy, infectious fun, and zero pretension.

Don’t Panic opened the night with their energetic pop-punk sound, proving why they’ve become a solid touring act in the scene. Their set primed the crowd perfectly for what was to come.

The Dollyrots kept the momentum going with their signature blend of punk rock and power-pop energy. The Los Angeles-based husband-and-wife duo of Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas have been crafting catchy, attitude-driven punk since 2004, and their DIY ethos was on full display. Ogden created one of the night’s most heartwarming moments when she brought her own kids onstage, then invited several young concertgoers up—some experiencing their very first show. Watching these kids sing and dance with the band was pure magic, the kind of memory that turns casual listeners into lifelong fans.

Then Bowling for Soup took the stage and absolutely owned it. The Wichita Falls, Texas quartet has been delivering clever, self-deprecating pop-punk anthems since the mid-’90s, and after nearly three decades, they’ve lost none of their spark. Frontman Jaret Reddick and guitarist Rob Felicetti’s chemistry was undeniable, their tongue-in-cheek banter and playful antics keeping the crowd laughing between singalongs.

The setlist was a greatest-hits dream. “Punk Rock 101” had the entire room jumping, while “Ohio (Come Back to Texas)” reminded everyone why Bowling for Soup became MTV2 staples in the early 2000s. The band leaned into their more recent material with “Getting Old Sucks,” a hilariously relatable anthem that resonated with the mixed-age crowd. Of course, they delivered their iconic cover of SR-71’s “1985,” which sparked the biggest singalong of the night. And in a delightful surprise for the Disney Channel generation, they performed “Today Is Gonna Be a Great Day”—better known as the Phineas and Ferb theme song—which Reddick wrote, proving the band’s pop culture reach extends far beyond the punk scene.

The Huntsville crowd came ready to participate, chanting along to every word and feeding off the bands’ infectious energy. Mars Music Hall itself was dialed in—the lighting was particularly impressive, bright and dynamic, perfectly capturing the jubilant atmosphere of the evening.

As the year winds down and more tours roll into Huntsville, this show reminded us why these pop-punk veterans still pack rooms. It’s all about the camaraderie, the fun, and that undeniable connection between band and audience. Bowling for Soup may joke about getting old, but their live show proves they’re aging like fine wine—or maybe more accurately, like a perfectly preserved can of energy drink from 2002.