Houston Crowd Proves Pop-Punk Never Died with Simple Plan

Friday night Houston got the pop-punk chaos it deserved when Simple Plan, Bowling For Soup, and 3OH!3 took over 713 Music Hall, my favorite venue in the city for nights like this. I didn’t make it in time for LOLO’s set (thanks again, Houston traffic for never missing a chance to ruin my vibe), but the second I walked in, the place was already jam-packed and full of my friends. Fans of all ages filled the floor and balconies, stoked and restless, trading stories and laughs like old friends before the storm that was yet to come. The energy wasn’t just high like any normal show…it was literally ready to explode…. There wasn’t one person there that was not absolutely thrilled for the night ahead. And when the lights finally dropped, 713 transformed into pure pop-punk mayhem, setting the tone for a night Houston (and myself) won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

When 3OH!3 hit the stage it was like a flashback to the soundtrack of my teenage years. Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte kept things lighthearted and fun, leaning into the playful chaos they’ve always been known for. The mix of electronic beats with live instruments gave their set a surprising punch, and it worked perfectly in the space. Hearing songs like “Starstrukk” and “Touchin’ On My” instantly took me back to 2008… with my wild makeup and scene hair. I couldn’t help but smile and sing along. The crowd felt the same way, with people of all ages bouncing to every track, whether it was a throwback or something newer. What stood out most wasn’t just the music, but how natural the duo’s wildness and charm felt; they made the venue feel more like a giant party than a performance. By the time they wrapped up with “Don’t Trust Me”, the fans completely lost it…screaming every word at the top of their lungs. It was the kind of moment that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this band in the first place, and it left the room buzzing for what was still to come.

Bowling For Soup didn’t waste any time reminding Houston why they’ve been fan favorites for decades. The Texas veterans hit the stage with the same mix of humor and hooks that’s kept them going strong, and the crowd was locked in from the start. Their whole set felt like one big hangout session…equal parts music and comedy. Jaret Reddick kept the jokes rolling between songs, trading jabs with the band and cracking up the fans, and honestly it felt like everyone in the room was in on it. I mean… I definitely haven’t laughed that much in the photo pit… just saying. They powered through favorites like “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “High School Never Ends,” with the entire venue singing every word. The room lit up again for “1985,” proving it’s still an anthem that never gets old, while “Punk Rock 101” had the floor bouncing like it was the early 2000s all over again. One of the best moments came when Jaret spotted a sign in the crowd… turns out it was a petition covered in signatures asking them to come back to Texas. He stopped mid-set to call for it, proudly held it up for the audience, made some jokes, and then the band signed it before sending it back. It was the most “Bowling For Soup” move imaginable and had the whole venue laughing. What stood out most was how effortless the whole performance felt. The songs, the laughter, the way the crowd responded…it all came together to make the night the blast it was.

Simple Plan opened their headlining set with “I’d Do Anything,” and from that first chorus the room was instantly alive, more than ever… confetti blasted through the air, streamers rained down, and the crowd’s cheers set the tone for what turned into a massive pop-punk celebration. The production was insane and vibrant, every light and effect timed perfectly to amplify the energy without ever feeling overdone. Their setlist blended early favorites with fan essentials. Tracks like “Shut Up!” and “Jump” had the floor moving nonstop, while “Welcome to My Life” pulled everyone into a full-volume singalong. One of the most striking moments came when Pierre Bouvier left the main stage and appeared at a keyboard stationed by the soundboard, delivering an emotional performance of “Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?).” As he played, the audience raised their phones, turning the venue into a space full of stars… The mood shifted from emotional to playful when the band jumped into “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” A handful of fans dressed as Scooby made their way onstage, and the crowd loved every second of it. From there, the band kept the energy high with singalongs like “Summer Paradise” and “Perfect,” before closing the night with the classics “I’m Just a Kid” and “Welcome to My Life.” It was the perfect way to end a show for us 2008 teens.

By the end, with confetti still clinging to the floor and voices hoarse from shouting, it was obvious that Houston got something special. From 3OH!3’s madness, Bowling For Soup’s comedy, and Simple Plan’s insane finale, I couldn’t imagine a better lineup of talented musicians. I swear I haven’t had this much fun at a show in a hot minute.