By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: The Dollyrots – Sugar in the Gas Tank Tour with Discord Theory and American Souvenir – Crowbar Ybor City, Tampa, Florida – April 13, 2025
Rock At Night has long supported the pop-punk band The Dollyrots—our first interview was in the band’s dressing room at the Roundhouse in London in 2016. At the time The band, fronted by married couple Kelly Ogden (vocals, bass) and Luis Cabezas (guitar, vocals), had toddler River in tow. Since then, we have reviewed their recorded music and performed follow-up interviews.
The Dollyrots have carved a unique path through the music world for over two decades with their upbeat, catchy pop-punk music and “bubblegum hooks.” Their live shows are energy-filled, and the audience always leaves with a smile. The band and touring drummer Brit Simon Hancock finished their spring run Sugar In the Gas Tank tour in their hometown of Tampa, Florida. Rock At Night caught the show at the Crowbar, Tampa, on April 13th, before heading to the UK at the end of the month.
The Dollyrots have remarkably integrated family life into the fabric of their rock ‘n’ roll existence, and Sunday night was no exception. The audience was composed of numerous elementary school-aged fans (and parents) who seemed to be having a great time skipping, jumping, circling, and dancing near the front of the stage before—and during—the evening’s concerts. The Crowbar became Chuck E. Cheese but with a punk twist. I would have loved to attend a rock show with my parents at this age.
The doors opened at 6 p.m. on Sunday, and it felt odd walking into the venue with the sun shining brightly. Usually, it is pitch dark when concerts begin, but this was an early one. Band support for the evening was provided by two local bands, American Souvenir and Discord Theory. At first glance, I saw American Souvenirs wearing fertilizer caps and was afraid I would have to endure country music for 30 minutes. Fortunately, the band performed solid rock & roll, with the tune “Better Days“ as a stand-out. Self-described Florida emo band Discord Theory had the crowd jumping and dancing for a solid 45 minutes. Both bands appeared to have loyal supporters in the audience.
At approximately 8 p.m., The Dollyrots graced the stage with their brand of positive pop-punk. The kids in the front row went wild, and everyone was jumping and dancing to fan favorites spanning two decades, such as “Feed Me, Pet Me“ (the song was featured in an early Hewlett-Packard ad campaign) and the Melanie cover “Brand New Key.“ Between songs, there was plenty of banter and stories between Ogden and Cabezas, who have known each other a lifetime, having first met in junior high school. Personal favorites included more recently penned songs, “Alligator“ and the Ramones-esque tune “I Do.“ The evening ended with their most recognizable hit, “Because I’m Awesome,“ which has been included in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Catch the band on tour alongside Don’t Panic at the end of April, followed by a summer West Coat run, the Get On This Ride tour. The band’s new single “Get On This Ride“ is set to drop on June 27th via Wicked Cool Records.
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I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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