Souper duper

One of America's most popular rock bands will perform in Beijing tonight and is taking local punk orckers Brain Failure for one hell of ride. This is the first time Bowling For Soup, the Grammy-nominated, comedy-influenced punk rock band from Texas, US, has visited Beijing and it is only their second appearance in China. Founded in Wichita Falls in 1994, the band's name is derived from a line from Steve Martin's 1978 comedy album, Wild and Crazy Guy. The band consists lead vocalist/guitarist Jaret Reddick, guitarist/vocalist Chris Burney, drummer Gary Wiseman and bassist Erik Chandler.

The group really began to jell in 1997 when thye began touring and the following year they released their first full-length album, Rock on Honorable Ones. For their 2,000 major-label debut, Let's Do It for Johnny, Bowling for Soup re-recorded some of the best songs from their indie records and added a few new tracks, including a cover of Bryan Adams' Summer of '69.

Since 2003, Bowling for Soap has been gaining global recognition for their Grammy-nominated single Girl All the Bad Guys Want.

These guys have been busy and last year held more than 220 shows away from home. They say touring allows them more opportunities for direct contact with their fans across the world, and Wiseman said they were always looking forward to experiencing different cultures. "Beijing, a cultural city, will not be an exception," said the drummer.

Lin Shujuan

8 pm, April 19, 200 yuan at door.

The Star Live, 79 Heping Xijie, Dongcheng District

(China Daily 04/19/2008 page6)