Gig Review - Bowling For Soup - Winter Gardens, Margate - 22/04/2022

It has been a while since I got to see Bowling For Soup at a gig, either I was already doing something on the dates they had or I didn't have the money but last year when I saw they were going to be touring, I booked tickets straight away.

A few days before the gig, Gary, the drummer, was experiencing some really bad health issues. They had taken him to a doctor over here but they couldn't find what was wrong with him so while we were all in the Winter Gardens rocking out with the rest of the band, Gary was on a flight back to the states to see his own doctor. It was sad that he wasn't there but his health comes first and I would rather he take care of himself to gig again another day, than push himself too much and end up worse. Jaret, the singer, got emotional during one part of the show speaking about Gary and I teared up myself. They are all so close, they are like brothers, and to see Jaret show that sort of emotion to a room full of fans really pulled on my heart strings.

I can't tell you how much joy took over me as I saw Jaret walk out on stage with Rob at the start of the show. The start of the show is always the best bit for me, the excitement of waiting for the lights to dim down, the cheer from the crowd as the band comes out on stage. It always makes my heart flutter.

I was worried that the band would play more of their newer stuff than the old classic stuff but they did not disappoint. They played some of my all time favourite Bowling For Soup songs like Trucker Hat, Girl All The Bad Guys Want, Home Town, Punk Rock 101 and The Bitch Song. All the golden oldies lol.

Hearing Trucker Hat live always brings back awesome memories for me, in year 200(cough cough) I went to see BFS in London for my birthday. I brought myself a BFS tucker hat because it was my favourite song and got it signed by the whole band. Best birthday ever.

Jaret and Rob did an acoustic set to start the show off and then Chris joined them on stage. To fill in for Gary, they all took it in turns to play the drums. Members of the support bands either played the drums or guitar so that Rob and Jaret could also take a turn playing the drums. I had no idea whatsoever that Jaret could play the drums so I loved this so much.

I get issues with my feet if I stand for too long without something to lean or sit on so I was lucky enough to find a seat free in the seated section at the back of the room. I had a fantastic view from my seat so that I could enjoy the show in comfort until the urge to jump around like a loon took over haha. I grabbed my friend Roxxi and we weaved our way as close to the front as possible.

There was such an amazing atmosphere all evening, everyone dancing together, singing and having an amazing time. This is what I have really missed since Covid took over the world. The feeling of being around people all in a venue for the same reason, to listen to amazing music.

**First published on my music blog Suzy's Musical World

Gig Review - Blind Channel - Electric Ballroom, Camden - 21/03/2026

This was my first Blind Channel gig and I was seriously excited. I was meant to see them back in January but the tour they were on was rescheduled due to Covid. They were touring Europe with Electric Callboy, they were the main support act so thankfully I didn't have to wait long for them to come on stage.

I was so happy that the gig was at the Electric Ballroom in Camden as it is one of my favourite London music venues. I have seen so many amazing bands here over the years.
When they walked onto the stage, I couldn't actually believe my eyes. There they were, in the flesh, I had been watching videos of them live for for nearly a year so it was like a dream to finally see them for myself.I was there with my friend Roxxi, who I had met in a Facebook fan group for Blind Channel, so it was quite fitting that we were there together for our first gig.

The set-list was:-
Balboa
Died Enough For You
We Are No Saints
Over My Dead Body
Timebomb
Lose Yourself/Snake
Bad Idea
Left Outside Alone
Dark Side

The best songs in the set above all else were Bad Idea, Died Enough For You and Over My Dead Body. I couldn't stay still, I felt so alive. It was like the music was electricity surging through my body, waking up all the parts that had been asleep. Amazing.

The little dancy bit in Over My Dead Body that's been added in is absolutely fantastic. I haven't heard any other fans mentioning it from other gigs so I don't know how new this is but I loved it. Could definitely do with a studio recording of it for when I'm in the mood to have a boogie.

I worked it out that it had been 4 years since my last gig so being back in a venue at a proper gig felt amazing. The atmosphere was buzzing, so many happy looking faces, all looking forward to the gig and whichever band they were there to see.

As soon as the music started, we were caught up in the amazing energy of the band. Minutes before they had gone on stage, I was complaining my feet were really hurting but the second Blind Channel came on stage, I forgot all about it and started jumping around like a complete loon.

I was headbanging so much that by the end of their set, I had a headache haha. I was also stupid enough to not get myself any water so towards the end of the gig, I started to get seriously dehydrated and felt like I was going to pass out. Such a rookie move haha. Thankfully, I had Roxxi to grab onto when I started swaying.

Bad Idea is a song that touched my soul from the first time I heard it so hearing it live for the first time was completely out of this world. Looking around and seeing people turning on the flash on their camera so they could wave them around to the music was beautiful, like looking at stars. I filmed this song and have watched it over and over again to relive it.

Died Enough For You was just wow, I was completely mesmerised by the song and so were the band all the way through this song.

I feel like I have listened to these songs a thousand times, but hearing them live is just a whole different experience. For my first Blind Channel gig, they definitely went above my expectations.

**First published on my music blog Suzy's Musical World