Authors: Lisa Böeseken and Megan Keijzer
Image: Simple Plan Live [Megan Keijzer]
Canadian band Simple Plan, a stalwart of the millennial pop punk revolution since 1999, finally returned to Dutch soil. Poppodium 013 in Tilburg was the place to be on February 5th, reigniting many a teenage heart. Alongside bands like State Champs and Mayday Parade, they played to a sold-out venue, and we were there!
Mayday Parade kicked off the evening with an intensity that set the tone right away. Known for their heart-wrenching lyrics and compelling melodies, the American pop-punk band delivered an intimate and memorable concert. Their distinctive blend of pop-punk and emotional rock brought songs like “Piece of Your Heart” and "Jamie All Over" to life. The guitar prowess and the unique voice of singer Derek Sanders filled the venue with a nostalgic atmosphere that resonated well with the audience.
Image: Mayday Parade Live [Megan Keijzer]
State Champs took the baton and injected a dose of energy into the room. Though they played many songs from their most recent album, their infectious pop-punk anthems like "Secrets" and "Elevated" prompted the evening's first crowdsurfers. The interaction between the audience and the band was remarkable, with frontman Derek DiScanio engaging the crowd with his charismatic presence. It was a performance filled with positive energy, and the audience responded with enthusiastic dance moves and singing along loudly.
Image: State Champs Live [Megan Keijzer]
With all punk souls sufficiently warmed up, it was finally time for the main event. At exactly 9:00 PM, the Star Wars theme song blared and the band members one by one took to the stage. They set the tone immediately with the classic from their debut album No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls: I'd Do Anything. The crowd was instantly engaged, and the Canadians kept Tilburg rocking throughout the show. Hit after hit from the albums of 2002, 2004, and 2008 made it a night of nostalgia. Vocalist Pierre Bouvier joked with a young fan in the front row that the songs were ten years older than the young fan himself. But even after more than two decades of making music, Simple Plan hasn't lost its edge. The energy was high from start to finish, and the band clearly enjoyed that many fans in their 30s still cherish their love for pop punk.
Image: Simple Plan Live [Megan Keijzer]
After several hits, the band played a short cover medley, and during the theme song for the animated series "What's New, Scooby Doo?" the audience was surprised by Scooby himself throwing T-shirts into the crowd. A highlight at concerts is the sense of unity and community, and Simple Plan was no exception. All the vocalists from the three supporting acts joined together to play the final songs of the set. Drummer Chuck Comeau even decided to give everyone in the audience a high five and started crowdsurfing. It was a fantastic, energetic show that will be remembered by many fans for a long time.
