[Concert Review] Simple Plan, Bowling for Soup, 3OH!3, and Lolo Deliver a Pop-Punk Time Machine
Walking into the arena felt like cracking open a time capsule. These were the bands I grew up with, blasting on my Walkman and burned CDs. Simple Plan, Bowling for Soup, and 3OH!3 defined so many teenage playlists, and finally hearing them live was unreal. The night was full of chaos, comedy, nostalgia, and even some surprises that made it feel like more than just a concert. It was an experience.
Lolo – A Relatable Kickoff with Catchy Chaos
The night opened with Lolo, who set the tone right away with energy and humor. I had never heard her before, but she pulled the crowd in with catchy songs, constant movement across the stage, and the kind of expressions that make you laugh even while you are singing along.
Her drummer Slim (yes, the same Slim who played for Eminem) kept everything tight while she threw herself into every lyric. Between songs, she stopped to explain how each one was inspired, making it feel personal. At one point she told the crowd, “you guys need therapy,” and someone shouted back, “we’re at an emo concert, of course we need therapy!” The place erupted with laughter.
She worked in a few covers too, including Icona Pop’s I Love It. The second that chorus hit, fans were yelling the words with her. Lolo might have been the opener, but she felt like a star in her own right.
Bowling for Soup – Nostalgia and Stand-Up Comedy Rolled Into One
When Bowling for Soup hit the stage, the nostalgia wave hit me hard. From the start, they reminded everyone that they were “40 to 50 years old singing about high school” which only made the singalongs to “1985” and “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” even more special.
What stood out most was how funny and genuine they were. They treated the show like half rock concert and half comedy set. At one point, they admitted to struggling with depression and anxiety ten years ago, and reminded everyone that if it can happen to the happiest person, it can happen to anyone. “You all matter,” they said, and the crowd cheered louder than any punchline.
Then came the shocker: they reminded us they had done songs for Phineas and Ferb. When they broke into one, it clicked instantly. Childhood memories unlocked. Add in the moments where they pretended to do a photo shoot mid-song, read (and tossed) a fan note because “I’m 53 and can’t read without glasses,” and signed a fan’s shirt before launching into “1985” and it was clear. Bowling for Soup are still the kings of pop-punk comedy.
3OH!3 – Pure Chaos and Shrek Energy
3OH!3 kept the night rolling with pure energy. Seeing them live after more than a decade felt surreal. Their drummer Jess crushed every track, and when they performed their new song Slushie, fans treated it like an instant classic.
They leaned into the humor too. One of them joked about cutting his own hair and ending up looking like Lord Farquaad, then told the crowd we all needed “Shrek energy.” When “My First Kiss” and “Don’t Trust Me” dropped, the place was shaking. Add in some interpretive dancing mid-song and it was everything you’d expect from 3OH!3: messy, funny, and unforgettable.
Simple Plan – The Soundtrack of Our Youth, Finally Live
Then came the main event. Simple Plan opened with “I’d Do Anything,” complete with confetti blasts and streamers, and from the first chord it felt like my entire teenage playlist was unfolding in front of me.
They promised old school fans old school songs, and they delivered. “Addicted,” “Astronaut,” “Welcome to My Life,” and even a mashup of deep cuts like “My Alien” and “God Must Hate Me.” Lolo joined them on stage for “Jet Lag,” and the crowd roared when they broke out a massive Simple Plan beach ball during “Summer Paradise.”
Pierre sat at a piano in the middle of the crowd and played “Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me).” It was one of those goosebump moments you know you will never forget. Later, while Chuck the drummer held down a solo, Pierre sprinted through the crowd past me before climbing back on stage for “Thank You.”
They even worked in covers that threw the crowd into chaos: All Star by Smash Mouth, Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, and the What’s New Scooby Doo theme. The screams for that one were next level.
The encore brought it home. “I’m Just a Kid,” which they reminded us is now 23 years old, hit harder than ever. Then they closed with an acoustic “Perfect” that had everyone singing with their arms around each other. It was raw, emotional, and exactly the ending a night like this deserved.
They also plugged their new documentary on Prime, which feels like the perfect way to keep reliving the journey.
Final Thoughts
This was not just a show, it was a reunion with every song that got us through middle school heartbreaks and high school confusion. Lolo brought a burst of energy, Bowling for Soup reminded us to laugh at ourselves, 3OH!3 kept the chaos alive, and Simple Plan delivered the kind of night that reminds you why these songs mattered so much in the first place.
Leaving the venue, my voice was gone, my head was full of lyrics, and I felt like that kid again. Only this time, I got to scream it all with thousands of others who grew up on the same soundtrack.
