University Program Council’s Throwback Thursday concert is always one of the most anticipated events of Spring Semester. Over the years, several artists have graced the stage of Baker Ballroom including Metro Station, Shaggy and Never Shout Never. Even though we’re still a few months away from the concert, we’re already thinking about which artist might show up this year. Here are six acts that could realistically headline 2019’s TBT concert:
Sugar Ray
Even though it’s the oldest band on this list, Sugar Ray has several hits from the late 90s and early 2000s including “Fly,” “When It’s Over,” and “Every Morning” that college students remember listening to when they were younger. The band was prominently featured in the 2002 live-action movie Scooby-Doo, and it also went on tour with Smash Mouth and Uncle Kracker in 2014. Sugar Ray’s nostalgic, beachy vibe could draw a crowd large enough to warrant a show in Athens.
Bowling for Soup
Who doesn’t get excited when a Bowling for Soup song comes on at a bar? Older college students grew up listening for Bowling for Soup on the radio, at birthday parties and school dances. The band might be a little “too big” to stop in Athens, but it would definitely be a popular pick for TBT.
Carly Rae Jepsen
Although Jepsen came to prominence later than some artists on this list, her signature hit “Call Me Maybe” is already seven years old. Jepsen could have more appeal for freshmen and sophomores who were likely in middle school when her music peaked in popularity. We’d love to see Jepsen bring a fun, lighthearted pop performance to OU.
Owl City
Could Owl City come to OU for the TBT concert? The band’s signature song “Fireflies” topped the Billboard Hot 100 Chart when it was released in 2009, but it surged in popularity as an internet meme in more recent years. The band also released a new album in 2018, so headlining the TBT concert could be a good way to promote the latest music.
Plain White T’s
Plain White T’s would be a more subtle choice for the TBT concert. Much like Metro Station, who headlined the concert in 2016, the band is a one-hit wonder known for its chart topping single “Hey There Delilah.” The band doesn’t have any tours scheduled for 2019, so scheduling shouldn’t be an issue.
Chamillionaire
Hip-hop artists are typically reserved for Sibs Weekend and Number Fest, but why not have one for TBT? His Grammy award-winning song “Ridin’” appeared in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in 2006. The rapper released a compilation album, Greatest Verses 3, in April 2018 and similar to Owl City, the TBT concert could be a great opportunity to promote latest releases.
