For the first time in 11 years, the multi-platinum pop-rock band Simple Plan is back on Philippine shores! We got to rock out with them at the Manila stop of their “The Harder Than It Looks Tour” last March 10, presented by Wilbros Live.

Simple Plan has remained an international sensation for over 20 years, with a solid fanbase here in the country. Since it’s been a while since they held a concert here, Filipino fans were eager to welcome the band, with the loudest screams filling the New Frontier Theater when the first chords of ‘I’d Do Anything’ played over the speakers. With such an iconic song for an opener, we knew we were in for a solid night! 

The energy was electric when they performed their career-spanning hits 'Welcome To My Life,' 'Addicted,' 'Shut Up' and 'Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me)'. The crowd was particularly hyped hearing ‘I’m Just A Kid’ since it went viral as a TikTok challenge this pandemic – with this song’s new context, it was such an interesting experience! 

The Simple Plan classic ‘Jet Lag’ got everyone dancing and singing at the top of their lungs, with lead singer Pierre Bouvier bringing back opening act AIRxYEL to jam with them. During ‘Scooby Doo,’ a lucky fan dressed up as the said character and got to sing with Simple Plan on stage. How’s that for a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience?

The night’s highlight was Simple Plan’s energy, as they were clearly enjoying their Philippine return. Drummer Chuck Comeau showed immense trust in the audience as he jumped off the stage and crowd surfed, while Pierre added himself to the long list of international acts that praised Filipinos for their singing skills. 

“You guys are probably the best singers in the world,” he exclaimed. “Everything is in time, everything is in the right pitch. It’s almost intimidating to be singing here, you guys are pretty good!”

Simple Plan closed out the show by crooning “I’m sorry, I can’t be perfect.” The Monster believes that no apologies are needed – it was, quite simply a ‘Perfect’ night.