Homecoming: Catching Up with Jaret Ray Reddick
A local hero comes home on the strength of the truth
Ask anybody “Who’s the most famous person from Wichita Falls?” and you’re likely to get some who say “Dr. Phil” (he lived here but is not from here) or our current governor, Greg Abbott, but the most likely answer from the younger generation is Jaret Ray Reddick, founder of the Grammy-nominated pop punk band Bowling for Soup. After writing a playlist of hit singles — including “1985” and “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “Almost” — and having sold more than 5-million albums (many in the Napster era) Jaret doesn’t have many more mountains to climb.
Now, Jaret’s coming home to Wichita Falls as a solo act for a show at the Iron Horse Pub, Saturday, August 19th, in a genre where he’s been making waves — country. As expected, different genre but same Jaret, with brilliant lyrics and a focused message.
The press-release for Reddick’s new album reads, in-part:
Jaret Ray Reddick's debut, "Just Woke Up," is a sincere love letter to Texas, and pays homage to the greats that came before him, while giving a refreshing, unique spin on the genre.
The truth Jaret spills is confessional, but beautiful. Take a listen to the sincere and honest “Royal Family.”
I bought my tickets for Jaret’s show already and I would recommend you should as well because it’s gonna be a full house with local favorite James Cook in support.
With the show approaching, I caught up with Jaret via DM for a quick coffee chat.
FUSE: How long has it been since you played in Wichita Falls?
JR: I think it has been about 6 years or so. We played outside the Iron Horse for St Patrick’s Day. Maybe it has been longer. You know the whole “Covid two year thing”…Might be 4. Might be 8!
FUSE: Is this show half country and half punk?
JR: No. It is all Country! I sneak a few Bowling For Soup songs in sometimes. But, this is an entirely different band. And things are going really well.
FUSE: Do people pull on you from a million directions when you come back for a show?
JR: Not really. I definitely have a few folks that wanna meet up and such, but I am almost always in and out for the show. The good thing about country shows is I can move around and mingle more than at a BFS show. So I am looking forward to seeing everyone!
FUSE: Do you still have family in the Falls?
JR: My nephew actually owns the Iron Horse. Haha. Negotiations for the show were very intense! Haha... My parents are in Archer City, where they have been for a while now, but they both teach in WF. So I have some family scattered about the area. I don’t get back near enough though, so again, I am stoked about the show!
It’s safe to say Wichita Falls is stoked about the show, too! Catch the show at the Iron Horse Pub, Saturday, August 19th, and sign up for a free subscription so you don’t miss an update!
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AHHHH I love bowling for soup! That's so cool 😎