Simple Plan at the Forum

It’s been 15 years since Canadian pop/rock band Simple Plan released their début album No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls, and now they are going on tour to celebrate the anniversary of this first release. The show in Kentish Town featured huge bouncy balls, crowd surfing, catchy tunes, and a whole lot of nostalgia.

The lighting arrangement was very impressive, designed to match specific songs; the spectacular strobes and smoke effects were in time with the music, and everything came together to enhance the atmosphere of the concert.

The group’s music style is sometimes described as “rocky pop” or “emo”. This band, along with other giants like Green Day, Panic! At the Disco and My Chemical Romance rose to popularity in the mid-2000s because their songs about angst, loneliness and life generally sucking resonated with teenagers all over the world. Simple Plan’s subject matter may not be upbeat, but singles like Welcome to My Life and I’m Just a Kid, which focus on isolation, are catchy and energetic, and they actually sound better live than they do on record.

The lyrics to most of the tracks on No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls are pretty basic, and their expressions of teenage angst may not be as appealing to an older audience, but tunes like Perfect – about responding to parents who are disappointed with their child’s decisions – meant a lot to their fans in 2002 and even now it’s clear to see how well the audience remember them and how much they still love them. Simple Plan’s fan base may have grown up over the years, but last night brought out everyone’s inner angst-ridden 13 year old. 

The night was full of nostalgia, but it was also incredibly engaging, energetic and fun. The musical arrangements are always incredibly catchy and lively and the rockers put on a great live show. The band jumped around, threw T-shirts, water and bouncy balls into the crowd; they engaged well with the audience (even crowd surfing on occasion), and had us singing and jumping and waving our arms around the entire time. 15 years on and Simple Plan still has a huge loyal fan base, they are still releasing songs, and they’re not planning on quitting any time soon.

Sophia Moss
Photos: Guifre de Peray

For further information about Simple Plan and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Perfectly Perfect here: