A Show for Every Generation: Simple Plan’s Bigger Than You Think! Tour
Written by: Ephney Tsai
On a warm Los Angeles weeknight, the YouTube Theater lit up with a nostalgic yet modern energy for Simple Plan's Bigger Than You Think! tour. Featuring opening acts LØLØ, 3OH!3, and Bowling For Soup, the four-hour-long show brought people of all ages together to enjoy a night of music.
LØLØ opened the show with a set that was short but impactful. In a genre mostly dominated by male voices, her presence was more than refreshing. Her raw vocals and unique delivery exuded confidence, reminding the audience that the genre isn't about gender, but lyricism, attitude, and fun. Her songs carried the same feeling that listeners associate with the genre, but with a modern take. Aside from her own tracks such as "u turn me on (but u give me depression)," she also performed covers of songs such as Icona Pop's "I Love It," starting the show off with high energy.
Next up was 3OH!3, whose set was as chaotic as it was fun. Known for their mix of electro-pop and humor, the pair brought an energy that shifted the night into even higher gear. Their heavy bass, fully neon outfits, and random synchronized dancing had the crowd laughing, dancing, and shouting along to every catchy hook. 3OH!3 prepared classic tracks such as "DONTTRUSTME," earning loud sing alongs from the crowd. Their artistic color and style fit right in with the night’s spirit of not taking yourself too seriously, creating a uniquely fun set.
When it came time for Bowling for Soup to hit the stage, it felt like catching up with an old friend. The set was a solid reminder of how relatable their lyrics remain. “1985” still resonated strongly, not just as a nostalgic anthem, but as a true reflection on time and growing up without truly feeling like an adult. Additionally, frontman Jaret Reddick’s easy rapport with the crowd created a comfortable atmosphere to pair with their meaningful lyrics.
Tracks like “High School Never Ends” landed just as well with the teens in the audience as they did with the parents who once had Bowling for Soup pinned as their song on their MySpace profiles. Their set was nostalgia, comfort, and healing wrapped in one for the adults who miss their youth.
Once it was time for Simple Plan, the night had already felt like a full celebration. While energy may have stalled in the crowd in the space between Bowling for Soup and Simple Plan, any weariness or exhaustion immediately slipped away once Simple Plan came onstage. Opening with fan favorites that had the crowd shouting every word, they put together a setlist that balanced deep cuts with the classics that defined a generation. Songs like “I’m Just a Kid” and “Perfect” hit with the same slightly melancholic vibes they did two decades ago, proving that the struggles of youth still felt universal.
Lead singer Pierre Bouvier’s voice carried the same tone, emotion, and grace it always has, and the band’s decades-long bond and comraderie made every chorus explode with energy. Between songs, they reflected on their career with gratitude, sharing stories old and new. Their ability to unite a room full of people with different life stories into one giant sing-along was the clearest proof that pop punk’s heart still beats strong, and that Simple Plan is nowhere near done.
As the final notes faded and the house lights came up, it was clear everyone was leaving with more than just ringing ears or street hot dogs, they were leaving with memories of feeling emotionally whole, healed, and heard to last a lifetime.
