The thing about Bowling for Soup is they’ve always known exactly what they are. A band that names their 2026 tour “Hey!! Let’s Be Friends…” and built their biggest hit around a song called “1985” isn’t hedging — that’s the operating philosophy, and it’s carried them 30-plus years without apology. The Denton pop-punkers kick off the November leg of that tour at House of Blues Houston on Thursday, November 5, with doors at 6:30 p.m. Support comes from Ballyhoo! and rosecoloredworld.
About the Show
Bowling for Soup formed in Wichita Falls in 1994 — founding members Jaret Reddick and Chris Burney bonded over a mix of Quiet Riot and the Ramones before settling on a name lifted from a Steve Martin comedy routine — and relocated to Denton before the decade was out, where a deal with local label FFROE led to a major-label debut on Jive Records (Let’s Do It for Johnny!!, 2000). Across ten studio albums, the band built a catalog that leans hard on humor as content rather than personality: “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” earned a Grammy nomination in 2003 off their breakout album Drunk Enough to Dance, and “1985” became their biggest stateside hit from 2004’s A Hangover You Don’t Deserve. Influences cited over the years include the Ramones, Green Day, the Descendents, and Elvis Costello. Ten albums over 30-plus years in a genre that peaked early and cratered hard is its own kind of argument. Current lineup: Jaret Reddick (vocals, guitar), Chris Burney (guitar), Rob Felicetti (bass), Gary Wiseman (drums).
The 2026 touring year has been full: festival spots at Riot Fest, Louder Than Life, and Eat to the Beat at EPCOT before this 11-date fall swing through the South and Southeast. The November leg opens in Houston and closes November 20 at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, taking in New Orleans, Birmingham, Memphis, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale along the way.
VIP packages ($106.50, sold separately from the main ticket) include what the band’s site describes as “a special acoustic performance by all three of the fellas,” with check-in at 5 p.m. and the acoustic set beginning at 5:30 p.m. Also included: signed poster, band photo, and early venue entry. Passes are non-refundable and listed as limited.
Venue & Logistics
House of Blues Houston is at 1204 Caroline St. in downtown Houston. All ages. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets start at $72, on sale now. Buy tickets