Chris Burney, Bowling For Soup’s guitarist, retires after 30 years due to health reasons. The band will continue as a trio and tour the UK in February 2025.
Chris Burney, a guitarist and co-founder of the pop-punk band Bowling For Soup, has officially retired from the band after three decades of performing. The announcement follows a period of uncertainty after Burney took a hiatus from touring in the summer of 2024 to focus on his health.
According to an official statement from the band, Burney’s decision stems from recent medical developments and the ongoing demands of extensive touring. In a message to fans, Bowling For Soup expressed their support for Burney’s decision, stating, “It is with a heavy heart we announce that Chris Burney has made the decision to retire from his stage-right post in the band he co-founded in 1994…Some recent medical developments, 30 years of rocking balls and touring non-stop have made it difficult to continue. We are bummed to not have Chris by our sides, but absolutely support his decision.”
Burney’s absence was initially felt during Bowling For Soup’s European tour, including their appearance at Download Festival in 2024, where they performed as a trio. The band has now confirmed that they will continue as a three-piece, comprising Jaret Reddick, Gary Wiseman, and Rob Felicetti. They have also made it clear that they will not be seeking a replacement for Burney. “The three of us will carry on, with Chris’ Blessing, and continue to build the legacy of this band we all love so much. We will not be replacing Chris or touring with a touring guitarist. You cannot replace a legend. We were brothers when we started this journey…and brothers we remain,” the band stated.
Jaret Reddick, singer and guitarist, emphasized Burney’s importance to the band’s success. “He and I started this band 30 years ago, almost 31 now, and at one point, he was kind of the face of the band,” Reddick said. “I can’t say it enough: we we wouldn’t be us, or where we are, without him. We’re very thankful for all the time that he put in. The guy retires a legend. There’s something to be said for that.”
Bowling For Soup is scheduled to proceed with their ‘A Hangover You Don’t Deserve’ 20th-anniversary tour in the UK in February 2025, with Wheatus and Magnolia Park as supporting acts. The tour will include stops at various venues across the UK:
- 5 Blackpool Empress Ballroom
- 6 Edinburgh O2 Academy
- 7 Stockton On Tees Stockton Globe
- 8 Manchester Aviva Studios
- 9 Wolverhampton The Civic At The Halls
- 11 Plymouth Pavillions
- 12 Swansea Arena
- 13 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
- 14 Brighton Centre
- 15 Bournemouth Intl Centre
Their most recent album, ‘Pop Drunk Snot Bread’, was released in 2022.
The band has received tributes and well-wishes from fans and fellow musicians, acknowledging Burney’s contributions to pop-punk music. His influence and legacy within the band remain secure as Bowling For Soup moves forward with their planned performances and future endeavors.
Sources: https://www.kerrang.com/bowling-for-soup-guitarist-chris-burney-has-retired-from-the-band
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14318149/nineties-chris-burney-QUITS-band-bowling-soup-statement.html
https://www.nme.com/news/music/bowling-for-soups-chris-burney-retires-a-legend-from-band-to-focus-on-health-3831484