Simple Plan headlined Minneapolis’ Armory alongside Warped Tour friends Bowling For Soup, 30H!3, and newcomer LOLO. With a lineup that would have been just as relevant in 2008, fans learned that when it comes to Simple Plan, some things never change.
Opening with “I’d Do Anything,” the Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3, Saturday morning cartoon-laced nostalgia kicked in. Lead singer Pierre Bouvier took the stage with an infectious energy.
A steady stream of confetti rained down as they led into “Nothing Changes,” a track from their new documentary that looks back on the band’s journey these past two decades. This journey was explored, and expanded upon, during the group’s 19 song set.
Although they may not be at the same heights as their peers like Fall Out Boy or Blink-182, Simple Plan has a formula that has worked for years. They are fun, entry level pop punk that anyone can enjoy.
Fans at the show not only embraced the nostalgia but also introduced their own kids to the genre. The number of parents with their kids at the show was adorable. Certainly, seeing the band that performs the Scooby-Doo theme song will be a core memory for them.
Speaking of television theme songs, Phineas and Ferb rockers Bowling for Soup were also along for the ride. A perfect choice for a supporting act, lead singer Jaret Reddick brought a great blend of goofy nostalgia.
Although most entertaining for the novelty of hearing “1985” and “High School Never Ends,” Reddick also displayed strong musicianship and solid vocals throughout. A serious moment came as he shouted out nonprofit organization “Punk Rock Saves Lives.”
The nonprofit, which Reddick serves on the board of, helps add to the bone marrow registry, breaks down barriers to selfcare by handing out harm reduction kits, and fights stigma around mental health. It’s great to see Reddick using his platform to make an impact in the scene. To learn more about the organization, click here.
In addition to the great pairing of Simple Plan and Bowling For Soup, middle school dance mainstays 30H!3 got everyone on their feet.
They truly reminded me of The Lonely Island. They just seemed so psyched to be on this tour. Shows like this are at their best when all the acts are bringing this kind of energy.
Up and coming artist LOLO did a good job setting the tone for the night. The only new artist on the bill, you could tell she had a lot of love for Simple Plan and company. Seeing her get to do a duet with Simple Plan later in the night was a sweet moment.
Simple Plan has over 25 years of history behind them. Not only did this tour celebrate those years, it reminded this room of elder emos that we never have to grow up.
These angsty songs have become timeless anthems that we can share with our own kids. Simple Plan have cultivated a tour where time stands still; where it feels like our favorite songs have always been there.
Setlist:
- I’d Do Anything
- Nothing Changes
- Shut Up!
- Jump
- Addicted
- Jet Lag (with LØLØ)
- Can’t Keep My Hands Off You
- Astronaut
- Welcome to My Life
- Summer Paradise
- Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?)
- Thank You
- The Worst Day Ever / My Alien / God Must Hate Me / Grow Up / Vacation
- All Star / Sk8er Boi / Mr. Brightside
- What’s New Scooby Doo?
- Where I Belong
- Crazy / Perfect World / Save You / This Song Saved My Life
- I’m Just a Kid
- Perfect
