Photos and Review by Amanda Lynn
@sincerely_amandalynn

The San Jose Civic Center was transported back to the heyday of pop-punk and alternative anthems on July 28 as 3OH!3, Bowling for Soup, and Simple Plan delivered an evening packed with nostalgia, humor, and nonstop energy. Fans of all ages filled the venue, singing along to the soundtrack of the ’90s/2000s while the three bands created a celebration that felt equal parts concert and reunion.

Kicking off the evening, 3OH!3 brought their high-energy blend of electronic beats, hip-hop, and pop-punk to the San Jose Civic Center. The duo treated fans to several of their signature hits from their breakthrough album WANT, instantly sparking the nostalgia that would define the rest of the evening. They closed their set with their breakout hit, “Don’t Trust Me,” setting the tone for the celebration of 2000s-era pop-punk and alternative favorites that followed.

Bowling for Soup kept the momentum going with their signature blend of comedy and infectious energy. Between songs, the band joked about San Jose, the Sharks, and Shark Week, keeping the crowd laughing almost as much as they were singing. Their set was packed with fan favorites, and instead of their usual “Stacy’s Mom” performance gimmick, the band surprised the audience with a cover of “Teenage Dirtbag.” One of the night’s sweetest moments came during “1985,” when the band paused the song to wish a fan a happy birthday before seamlessly jumping back into the performance. The playful atmosphere continued as the members posed in shark masks for a photo opportunity, perfectly tying into the evening’s local theme.

Simple Plan kept the momentum going with an energetic performance that had nearly every person in the venue singing along. The band mixed their own hits with nostalgic covers of Smash Mouth’s “All Star,” Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” turning the Civic into one giant karaoke party. Frontman Pierre Bouvier stepped into the middle of the crowd to perform on piano, creating one of the night’s most intimate moments before returning to the stage.

The band’s top-notch production added another layer of fun, with confetti, cryo, and even giant beach balls bouncing across the audience at one point. Fans dressed as Scooby-Doo characters were invited to join the band during the Scooby-Doo theme song, creating one of the night’s highlights for fans of all ages. Drummer Chuck Comeau embraced the local crowd by taking the stage in a San Jose Sharks jersey before the Sharks mascot made a surprise appearance, drawing one of the loudest cheers of the evening. Later, Comeau jumped into the crowd, bringing the audience even closer to the performance.

The celebration reached its finale when Bowling for Soup returned to the stage to join Simple Plan, ending the night on a high note that perfectly captured the camaraderie between the bands and the shared nostalgia felt throughout the venue.

More than just a concert, the “Bigger Than You Think! Tour – The Sequel” served as a celebration of the songs, friendships, and memories that continue to connect generations of fans. Through humor, heartfelt moments, and endless energy, 3OH!3, Bowling for Soup, and Simple Plan reminded everyone why their music continues to resonate with fans from multiple generations.

The Bigger Than You Think! Tour has lots of dates left, so for all the latest go to officialsimpleplan.com/tour to find news, information, tickets, and merch.