We all remember our first concert, whether it was a bad one or a good one, that first time we went to one we remember everything about it. From the minute we walked in to the minute we leave. So, on October 29, I took my niece to her first concert, Simple Plan at the Molson Amp. She had mentioned previously of her like for the band and I thought it would be a nice present for her 11th birthday, to attend her first concert with her Aunt. On top of that one of my closer friends was making the trip from New York to attend a weekend filled with music and friendship. On the bill that night as Faber Drive, Cute is What We Aim For, Metro Station and the headliners Simple Plan. I spent most of the show making sure my niece was having a good time. Of course partially through the Simple Plan set she got tired and wanted to go home, so we trecked out. Here is a hint for anyone bringing their younger sibling, niece, nephew, cousin to a show, make sure you skip the opening bands to keep their exctiment level high for the headliner, and make sure you secure seats (like we had) because it makes things easier on everyone involved. OF course leaving early didn't mean much to me and my friend. We had tickets to the show the next night in London, Ontario when the tour shifted on to the John Labatt Centre.

The trip to London wasn't long, but for two people who had gotten little sleep because we had been at a Simple Plan after party the night before, it felt like forever. We sat out in the sun for hours just waiting for the doors to open. The best part about getting their early for shows is meeting people there and seeing how they feel and how they react to the bands on the bill. A few people were just there for Metro Station, a few others just for Cute is What We Aim for. But of course 99% of the excitment was for Simple Plan. After getting into the JLC and getting out positions at the barricade, we settled in for a night of music. The first band to grace the stage was Cute is What We Aim For. Now I was glad I got to see them in Toronto the night before, where they were the second act. Thig night they walked out and sat down. At first I was puzzled and then Shaant informed us that their drummer deceided to go home the night before, he didn't give a reason, or tell any of us why. But they proceeded to treat us to an acoustic set of some of their songs. I have to admit that I greatly enjoyed the acoustic set more then I did the TOronto gig. It was a great show of the talent, even when the string broke on a guitar and they talked to fill the space while he tuned the new one. Overall it was a good set, meeting Shaant after the show was nice too. He was very apologetic for the fact that they couldn't do a full set. I was just glad that they stayed and player and gave the crowd a special treat.

Then came Faber Drive. I never really listened to them before the Simple Plan tour. However, I have to admit that their music keeps you bouncing and watching them on stage was enjoyable. It was like watching a younger version of Simple Plan do their thing around the stage. The crowd really got into their set and I enjoyed watching the crowd as they sang along and bounced to every sound that echoed throughout. I had a chance after the show to talk with the lead singer and the drummer, both of whom were extremely polite and amazing guys. I spent a few minutes talking tattoos with the drummer and joking about music and payoffs. It was nice to see him walk around and make sure that he talked to every single person that was standing outside, making an effort to make each fan (of theirs or not) feel important for just that one minute or two.

Then came Metro Station. Now, I've heard their stuff beforehand and must say that I enjoyed it immensely. So seeing their set for a second night was something I couldn't wait for. It was when they hit the stage that all the kids started to crowd closer to the stage, wanting to get right up there. The music pumps through you and makes you want to just dance, I wanted to start a dance party right there in the pit. It was energetic and an amazing time. I would for sure go see them again, and now they are a constant staple on my ipod. So everyone, don't forget to 'shake it'.

Then came the opening act. The red curtain went up to cover the stage as they prepped everything behind the scenes. Then we heard the opening notes of Generation and the curtain fall and the night started. I'm going to be honest and tell you that I was never really a fan of Simple Plan before hand. Okay, well thats a lie. I liked their music, but wasn't about to invest in going to a concert. Then my friend said she wanted to come up and go and I agreed to go with her. It was one of the best decisions I had ever made in my life to be honest. Sometimes you really do need to see a band live to be able to appreciate them fully. The on stage antics, which included both Jeff and David tossing pics back and forth at each other. They mixed the set with new songs and old songs and some covers. The best part of the night being the mix of covers of 'I kissed a girl' by Katy Perry and 'Low' by Flo Rida. However, before that set began, came a time for the boys to show of their dance moves at the club, which was in itself completely entertaining, especially when David decided to set his mic stand behind Pierre so he was pressing back against it when he danced, which lead to the comment 'i'm not a stripper'. The improv song moment where both Pierre and Sebastian decided to make a song about London, which had the crowd both cheering and giggling right along with them. Rogers had set up a method where the fans were able to choose the encore song of the night, all you had to do was text in your vote and decide which song would be played. It worked perfectly in Toronto, however, London seemed to have some technical issues and the song did not show up like it was supposed to. But, like Toronto, they did Just a Kid to close out an amazing fun filled show.

Needless to say, I am now a Simple Plan fan after seeing them live and seeing what they are made of. After the show we made our way around to where the buses were and watched as each band member came out and talked to the fans, making their way around to each person slowly and taking the time to look them in the eyes and talk to them. When a band takes the time to stare at their fans and listen to them shows something about the character of the people that make up something that we all look up to. I would like to thank Simple Plan for giving me an enjoyable night and for making me a fan of something completely amazing.

• Myspace
• Website

Cute is What We Aim For:

• Myspace
• Website
• Last FM
  
  Metro Station:
  
• Myspace
• Website
  
  Simple Plan:
  
• Myspace
• Website
• Last FM
• Fansite