Bowling for Soup @ Wireless Festival and Camden Electric Ballroom

Jun 25 2008

While they might have scored Grammy nominations at home in the US, lead singer Jaret Reddick says it's over here that the band comes to life.

"For us, the UK is where our craziest fans are. We love it - so dynamic and unafraid to be themselves. It's a pleasure to watch and be a part of.

"We love touring it's what we do. Though it recent years it's become a little tough with families at home. We toured in a van for nine years before getting on a bus. It was amazing - I was seriously never alone. I think that's why we all have such a hard time separating. If two vans pull up to pick us up from a hotel, we always send one away."

So what crazy antics do the band get up to on tour?

"We were recently in China and they put us in a part of town where no-one spoke English and the locals would not even try and help us. We couldn't order food or ice or water - it sucked so bad. So we found a store and bought 10 bottles of vodka and some Diet Coke and just sat in Chris's room and watched movies on his computer for an entire day - it was awesome! We prevailed!"

Formed in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1994, the band released a couple of albums on their own label and through local independents before being snapped up by Jive in 2000. Since then life's been a whirlwind for the five-piece, and they've crammed in another four albums and toured their hyper-American punk sound across the world.

"Everyday I get to do this is great - there hasn't really been a highlight. Now matter how great it gets, something always happens and things just get better," reckons Jaret. "Actually, the time we spent $2,600 of the label's money at a strip club in Atlanta was pretty special"

Their first DVD, Live and Very Attractive, is released on July 7 - the same day they hit Camden's Electric Ballroom. Never ones to side with convention, a special-edition version comes in a pizza box, complete, with a CD, canvas bag, baseball cap, T-shirt, poster and recipe book.

"As far as pizza goes, Mexican pizza is my speciality. But my real speciality is something called Cheesy Whoop-Ass. It's kind of a cross between burritos and enchiladas. It's really bad for you and very spicy but anyone that eats it falls in love with it and me!

"The DVD was fun when it was all finished - I was actually sick of seeing it before then. Myself and one of our managers had to help put the freakin' thing together and I got sick of looking at myself for the first time. I still liked looking at Gary though - he is fun.

"My favourite parts are the taking parts during the show - I think all of us just say what comes to our mind and move on, so we don't usually remember anything we say. It was fun to watch a full show and see ourselves interact and it's fun to see the other other guys play - I often forget that Erik and Chris are there!"

And the madness doesn't stop there - their tour continues through Europe and into America.

"And then we've got a new album, a new tour, maybe some plastic surgery and some rehab! Should be a good time!"

Live and Very Attractive is released through A&G Records on July 7. Bowling for Soup play at the Wireless Festival, Hyde Park, on July 6, and Electric Ballroom, 184 Camden High Street on July 7.