Pop-punk band Simple Plan brought their “Bigger Than You Think: The Sequel!” tour to Raleigh, NC on Saturday night, selling out Red Hat Amphitheater. Savoring the success of the first “Bigger Than You Think!” tour and last year’s release of behind-the-scenes documentary Kids In the Crowd, Simple Plan has continued to cement themselves as a pillar in the pop-punk scene.
Smoke and confetti filled the air and fans cheered as the group began the show by launching into “I’d Do Anything,” a single from their 2002 debut album that features back-up vocals from Mark Hoppus, of blink-182, on the studio recording. They wasted no time connecting with the crowd on Saturday night, mixing new tracks, including 2025’s “Nothing Changes,” with nostalgic favorites, such as “Addicted,” “Welcome to My Life,” and “Astronaut” before closing with an encore of “I’m Just a Kid” and “Perfect.” The group celebrates the 25th anniversary of their first album in March 2027.
There were plenty of notable moments – halfway through their performance of “I’m Just a Kid,” Simple Plan lead singer, Pierre Bouvier, swapped his microphone for drum sticks in an unusual move, as drummer, Chuck Comeau, dove into the crowd while wearing a custom Carolina Hurricanes jersey. Comeau was joined in his crowd-surfing excursion by Hurricanes mascot, Stormy, and the two were carried throughout the pit and into seated sections before returning to the stage. Notably, the Carolina Hurricanes won the NHL’s Stanley Cup in June 2026.
“I feel like I just partied with the band,” said self-described super-fan, Amy Stevens, who drove over two hours to see the group perform and participated in the VIP package, which supports The Simple Plan Foundation. It was true – Bouvier and Comeau, joined by guitarists Jeff Stinco and Sébastien Lefebvre, have a knack for making the crowd feel included. Before beginning the evening’s much anticipated performance of “Perfect,” Bouvier shared with the crowd that he had met a young couple backstage before the show. The couple, named Jarrod and Abby, had reportedly shared with Bouvier that Simple Plan’s song “Boom!” was their “special song.” Inviting them on stage, he serenaded them with an acoustic performance of the track, which had not been played on the tour thus far. It was an emotional moment for the entire crowd, and especially the couple, who plans to marry next month. After the show, the two love birds described their mutual affection for Simple Plan and “Boom!,” stating, “Being able to speak to the members of the band directly and explain to them how much ‘Boom!’ meant to us was already enough, but being invited on stage for an acoustic session of the song means the absolute world. We can’t wait to be dancing to the song once again after we’ve said our vows.”
Simple Plan was supported by openers 3OH!3 and Bowling For Soup, whose lead singer, Jaret Reddick, spoke about the importance of mental and physical health. He pointed out the “Punk Rock Saves Lives” tent, supported by a non-profit organization that offers an array of medical supplies to fans and even partners with bone marrow and stem cell registries to match concert-goers to patients in need of a transplant. “That organization means a lot to me,” stated Jaret, as he encouraged fans to visit the tent to learn more information.
The U.S. leg of the “Bigger Than You Think: The Sequel!” tour concludes shortly, as only several U.S. shows remain before the band continues in Canada and across Europe, Asia, and Australia this fall.
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Lindsay Lee is a passionate writer with a knack for crafting engaging narratives about music. Lindsay writes reviews for recorded singles, albums, and live shows. Raised by talented musicians, her love of live music began at an early age. Her goal is to connect with readers and convey stories that resonate as deeply as the music itself. When she’s not writing, you can find her working at her local record store, caring for her three kitties, or planning her next concert!
