Simple Plan Prove They’re Still “Bigger Than You Think” in Atlanta

For anyone who grew up blasting pop-punk CDs on their Discman, the first weekend of September in Atlanta felt like coming home. On September 3rd, the Bigger Than You Think tour rolled into town, headlined by none other than Simple Plan, and backed by an opening lineup that read like a Warped Tour fever dream: LØLØ, Bowling for Soup, and 3OH!3. If you’re part of the so-called “elder emo” crowd, those of us who now juggle careers, mortgages, and maybe even kids but still carry a torch for the music that shaped us, this night was tailor-made for you.

All Photos By: Lindsi Rian Creative

The evening kicked off with rising star LØLØ, who’s been carving her own space in the pop-punk revival. With infectious energy and a sharp lyrical edge, she’s quickly becoming one of the genre’s freshest voices. Songs like “u turn me on (but u give me depression)” hit with the same honesty and wit that once made us fall for early 2000s anthems. For many in the crowd, LØLØ was the perfect reminder that pop-punk isn’t just living in the past, it’s evolving, and she’s helping lead the charge.

Next up came Bowling for Soup, and the nostalgia trip hit full throttle. With their tongue-in-cheek humor and iconic hits, they had the entire venue shouting along to “1985” and “Girl All the Bad Guys Want.” Frontman Jaret Reddick joked about being older but not necessarily wiser, a sentiment that landed perfectly with the crowd. Their set was equal parts goofy banter and feel-good hooks, proving that fun, sing-along punk rock never really goes out of style.

Then came 3OH!3, who brought their own brand of electro-pop mischief to the stage. For anyone who spent the late 2000s shouting “Don’t Trust Me” at parties, their set was a blast of chaotic energy. Neon nostalgia poured out as they mixed crowd favorites with newer material, showing they can still command a room with their wild performances.

When Simple Plan took the stage, the audience proved that it was NEVER “just a phase”. The band wasted no time launching into their hits, blending early staples with newer tracks from their recent releases. “I’d Do Anything” and “Shut Up!” had the floor shaking with sing-alongs, while “Welcome to My Life” turned the room into a chorus of voices, proof that those lyrics still resonate as much at 30 or 40 as they did at 15. Frontman Pierre Bouvier hasn’t lost a step. His vocals soared, sharp and powerful, carrying the same earnest emotion that made fans fall in love with Simple Plan two decades ago. Between songs, the band cracked jokes about aging alongside their audience, a playful acknowledgment of the elder emo identity that many still proudly embrace.

The highlight of the night came during “Perfect.” With cell phones lighting up the venue, the crowd swayed together, belting out words that once soundtracked countless teenage bedrooms. It was a collective time machine moment, the kind that makes you forget about the clock and just exist in the music. What stood out most was how seamlessly the show blended eras. From LØLØ’s fresh take, to Bowling for Soup’s cheeky throwbacks, to 3OH!3’s neon-soaked chaos, and finally Simple Plan’s timeless anthems, the night celebrated both the past and future of pop-punk. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was proof that this music still has bite, relevance, and most importantly, heart.

The Bigger Than You Think tour couldn’t have been named better. For one night in Atlanta, it reminded us all that these songs aren’t just relics of youth; they’re part of who we are, and no matter how much time passes, we’ll never stop screaming them at the top of our lungs because  we will forever be “just a kid.”

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