Kicking off 2024 with a bang, Simple Plan took over Bataclan, unleashing a tidal wave of nostalgic punk energy that left the crowd wondering if they had accidentally time-traveled back to 2005. The air was thick with anticipation as the band, fueled by the sheer joy of playing together, embarked on their inaugural tour date of the year and the commencement of their sold-out three-night residency at the legendary Parisian club.
When Simple Plan came out of Canada in the early naughts, they, along with the whole pop/punk genre, were derided as MTV-manufactured rebellion for white suburban kids who shop at Hot Topic. A quarter century later, the enduring appeal of the whole scene hasn't diminished, as evidenced by tonight's performance: Simple Plan hit the stage like a hurricane, and the crowd responded in kind. From the first chord, the energy was infectious, and even the most stoic attendees found themselves involuntarily fist-pumping and reliving their teenage years amidst an orgy of decibels and bouncy singalong choruses.
The setlist was a rollercoaster of hits and more obscure tunes, played with a pedal-to-the-metal intensity that left no room for respite. Classics like "Welcome to My Life" and "I’m just a Kid" collided with deeper cuts and songs from their latest album "Harder Than It Looks", creating a sonic journey through the band's relatively short discography (only 6 albums in 22 years).
If there was a downside, it was the cover snippets of songs from the era and beyond: "All Star", "Sk8ter Boi", "Mr. Brighside" and even "Wonderwall"... All great songs, but it felt a little like karaoke night at the Bataclan. Of course, the crowd sand along with every word, so what the fuck do I know? All in all, an excellent night of nostalgia, exuberant performances, and more importantly killer songs.
