Under a golden dusk at the Summerfest ground’s scenic BMO Pavilion in Milwaukee, last night Simple Plan delivered a high-octane, feel-good show, celebrating their 25th anniversary on the aptly named Bigger Than You Think! Tour, with spirited support from 3OH!3, Bowling for Soup, and LØLØ.
LØLØ kicked things off with infectious energy and charisma, her voice slicing through the breeze and warming the crowd instantly. Though brief, her set hinted at the indie-sleaze flair that earned her a spot on this stacked bill.
Bowling for Soup followed with their signature tongue-in-cheek humor and years of hits. Their self-deprecating jokes and crowd-pleasing tracks like “1985” had fans roaring and laughing in equal measure.
3OH!3 wrapped up the opening acts, unleashing electronic-pop bangers like “Don’t Trust Me” with pulsing beats and playful stage banter. The duo had the amphitheater bouncing, half dancing, half singing along, setting a buoyant tempo for the evening.
By the time Simple Plan took the stage, excitement pulsed through the crowd like electricity. They opened with “I’d Do Anything,” “Nothing Changes,” “Shut Up!,” “Jump,” “Addicted,” and “Jet Lag” (the latter featuring LØLØ joining for a memorable duet).
From that moment, it was a seamless, high‑voltage romp. The band’s precision was striking, tight riffs and polished harmonies. Lead singer Pierre Bouvier addressed the audience with warm familiarity, the band clearly feeding off Milwaukee’s energy.
Highlights followed at a rapid clip: “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You,” “Welcome to My Life,” and “Summer Paradise” found a perfect spot early, blending heartfelt nostalgia with anthemic hooks. The emotional mid‑set pivot came with “Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?)” where Pierre was on the keys in the crowd, who was collectively holding its breath at the raw sentiment on display.
Playful chaos ensued later with a series of covers and mash‑ups. And as the main set wrapped, they capped things off with a flawless encore, delivering “I’m Just a Kid” followed by “Perfect”, a heartfelt, nostalgic send‑off that left the Pavilion glowing in unison.
Milwaukee’s BMO Pavilion, framed by Lake Michigan and built for concerts, proved the ideal setting. The sound was crisp and powerful without distortion, allowing every chord and vocal flourish to hit home. Lighting and stage visuals were dynamic but never overblown, reinforcing the joyous spirit of the evening.
Simple Plan’s performance at BMO Pavilion was a masterclass in balancing nostalgia with tight modern showmanship. From the opening trio of support acts to the heartfelt encore, the evening was paced with precision and brimming with pop-punk joy.
They reminded Milwaukeeans, and perhaps themselves, just how big this band still feels. The Bigger Than You Think! Tour isn’t just a title, it’s a promise that, even after 25 years, Simple Plan can still ignite crowds and make us feel young again.
The Early Registration 