On January 19, 2024, we were at the Bataclan in Paris to attend the Simple Plan concert, but also for Airyel, Mayday Parade and State Champs !
A varied program
Simple Plan is a band that needs no introduction. From 'I'm Just A Kid' to 'Take My Hand' to 'Welcome To My Life', the band has been proving itself since its inception in 1999. With a 25-year career, 6 albums, countless tours and even a French NRJ Music Award for the song 'Jet Lag', the Quebecois band are enjoying their international career !
State Champs, the band with whom the headliner had made the song 'Where I Belong', a song with a strong meaning. Hailing from New York, the band has 5 EPs and 4 albums to its credit since its formation in 2010. With a string of support acts and collaborations, the New Yorkers have made a name for themselves on the pop-punk scene.
Created by the members of Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment, Mayday Parade was born in 2006, the year in which the band released 'Tales Told By Dead Friends', which sold over 50,000 copies without a label. A fine start that the band has not let go of, producing a total of 3 EPs and 6 albums.
But the evening began with Airyel, a multi-talented young artist who, in addition to being a musician, also happens to be the headliner's videographer! A star in the making who we hope to talk to you about again very soon!
An unforgettable show in a friendly venue
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and fans are soon rushing into the hall in search of the best seats. Airyel took to the stage at 7:00 p.m, accompanied by her acoustic guitar. She strings together a few mellow numbers, mixing Paramore with other bands, having fun on stage with a smile on her face. More upbeat tunes take over, and she trades in her guitar for little dance steps and jumps with the audience. Her joy and passion are evident in her smiles and the way she plays with the fans. The room isn't full, but she makes the room and the small crowd her own.
She leaves the stage, making way for the eagerly awaited Mayday Parade. From the very first song, the audience is jumping up and down, having fun and singing along. At every interlude, the crowd applauds and shouts with joy. The room continues to fill up little by little as the band performs their most popular songs, such as 'Oh Well, Oh Well' and 'Jamie All Over'. The guitarist even thought of giving us a few little solos here and there, which he plays masterfully. The set lasts just under 45 minutes, but gives way to another much-loved and eagerly-awaited band: State Champs.
The band arrive on 'Just Sound' in a smoke screen. The crowd cheers and the band enjoys themselves. Derek even encourages the crowd to crowd-surf (or slam, as you prefer), and even thinks of slapping the hands of those who do as they arrive in the arms of security in the crashes on frenzied tracks such as 'Secrets' or 'Elevated'.
They then make way for Simple Plan, who arrive for around two hours of music, laughter, slams and confetti!
The setlist differed from the other two nights, with 'Can't Keep My Hands Off You' and 'You Suck At Love', but also a 'Sk8er Boi/All Star/Mr. Brightside' mix, which remained on the setlists for all three dates. Confetti was thrown on several songs, notably on 'Iconic', and fans went home with their pockets full of small pieces of paper. We were also treated to 'What's New Scooby-Doo' in its original and its French version with Kyoshi Sad! It was during these credits, sung on stage and screamed by the fans, that a fan took to the stage in
a Scooby-Doo suit to join his pack of staff members and friends of the band. But the Scoobys weren't the only guests! Derek Discanio returned to the stage to sing 'Where I Belong' with the band!
All in all, it was a colorful evening, reminiscent of a summer festival during 'Summer Paradize', with balloons sent into the audience! The audience not only carried the balloons, but also Chuck Comeau, the band's drummer, who threw himself into the audience to clap hands with the fans, while Pierre replaced him on drums. Pierre took great pleasure in talking and playing with the audience, encouraging them to crowd-surf and party !
Fiery artists, a receptive and playful audience, nostalgia and passion - that's what we found at Le Bataclan on January 19, 2024!
See all the photos of the concert on our photographer's website!
