Simple Plan cautions that going from playing to 10,000 people to playing to 800 can have a negative impact.
Celebrating 25 years as a band is no small achievement and Simple Plan knows this all too well. Rising to fame over the past quarter-century, the Montréal pop-punk group put in the hard work to build a dedicated global fanbase, especially after the success of their breakout albums No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls and Still Not Getting Any… which contained hits like ‘Addicted’, ‘Welcome To My Life’, and ‘Perfect’. This success came during the mid-2000s, a time when pop-punk and rock bands were in the limelight, alongside other mainstream artists like Britney Spears, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Good Charlotte, and close friends like blink-182 and Avril Lavigne.
However, their trajectory hit a rough patch after the release of their self-titled album in 2008. The changing landscape of music saw mainstream interest waning in hard rock and metal bands, leaving Simple Plan to battle both industry shifts and their disillusioned fan base, who felt they had strayed too far from their original sound. Bringing these internal struggles to light, the band’s new documentary, The Kids in The Crowd, sheds light on their journey from humble beginnings in their parents’ basement to sold-out arenas in Australia and beyond.
Following the release of the documentary and their new single ‘Nothing Changes’, drummer Chuck Comeau reflects on the band’s journey, sharing anecdotes about their rise to fame. One pivotal moment includes the band’s encounter with blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, who played a significant role in Simple Plan’s career. Chuck recalls the early days of meeting Mark at a snowboard and punk rock festival, forming a friendship that later led to Mark collaborating on one of Simple Plan’s tracks. The generosity and support shown by Mark highlighted the camaraderie between bands in the punk rock scene and left a lasting impact on Simple Plan’s trajectory.
Chuck also touches on the band’s history, including a period of strained relations between himself and frontman Pierre Bouvier. After being ousted from their former band, a chance encounter at a rock show years later prompted a reconciliation between Chuck and Pierre, ultimately leading to the formation of Simple Plan. Reflecting on this, Chuck acknowledges that the band’s dynamic could have been entirely different had they not resolved their differences and decided to work together.
Through ups and downs, Simple Plan has maintained its integrity and kindness, a testament to the band’s enduring spirit despite facing hardships. As they continue to celebrate their journey and look towards the future, their devotion to their craft and fans remains unwavering.