The Canadian pop-punk giants celebrated a first-class party in Berlin’s Columbiahalle.
Pop punk is more popular than ever and even if there are few new bands from the often ridiculed genre, the old masters, who tirelessly on extensive tours, ensure that newer generations also ask themselves: “What’s my age again?” One Interesting development, as the new listeners are mostly younger than the first releases of the bands who are now in their forties. The fact that the “old men” have lost none of their enthusiasm and charm is shown not only by sold-out shows by Blink-182 or Sum 41, but also by the never-ending hype surrounding emo bands like Fall Out Boy. Now it’s the turn of the Canadian Simple Plan with their nostalgia tour and are making a clear statement for the genre in the almost sold-out Columbiahalle.
Beach party in the middle of winter
“We come from Canada, we are used to the cold. But we would much rather be on the beach with you now!” frontman Pierre Bouvier shouts to his sweaty audience before almost a dozen beach balls are left for the crowd to play with. At this point the concert by the likeable musicians has already been running for a good half hour. The Canadians take no prisoners and, with their mix of high energy and top hits, have their fans under control right from the opener “I’d Do Anything”. On the spartan stage, the four musicians whirl around like dervishes, hopping, running, jumping and clearly enjoying their job. This exuberant atmosphere is immediately transmitted to the visitors and transforms the venue into a big break. Where are the milk cartons? I don’t know, tonight it’s better to have lactose-free beer.
A quarter of a century of hits
25 years have passed since its founding and Simple Plans Hitcounter is impressive. In Berlin too, the setlist contains few surprises, but rather: “No filler, just killer”. From “Your love is a lie” to “Jump” to “Welcome to my life” and “I’m just a kid”, the Canadians cover everything a fan’s heart desires. Furthermore, hardcore fans can treat themselves to additional VIP packages for a fair fee. For €210 you can stand at the edge of the stage during the concert, for €175 you can enjoy the delicious Italian delicacy with the band after the show at the so-called “Pizza Party” and there is also a sound check option. Is this still punk rock? One says this, the other says that.
Starry sky for Simple Plan
Simple Plan are passionate about their music and their fans. The interaction with the audience is constant, warm and open. Whether a visitor is congratulated on her birthday, drummer Chuck Comeau jumps into the crowd to crowd surf or a few people from the audience are allowed on stage for the final photo – it’s fun and well received. But Simple Plan also masters the quiet tones. “Perfect” or the nameless acoustic song show that behind all the fun and ball pit and chatter there is also depth. In keeping with the ballads, the audience waves their cell phone flashlights to the beat. A starry sky for Simple Plan.