News
Simple Plan’s “Bigger Than You Think!” 2026 Tour — What You Need to Know
Dec
Simple Plan’s “Bigger Than You Think!” 2026 Tour — What You Need to Know
Introduction: A Comeback 25 Years in the Making
When you look at the poster above — with the skull-faced zeppelin hovering over European landmarks and the bold tagline “Bigger Than You Think! Europe/UK Tour 2026” — it’s clear: this is no ordinary concert run. For 2026, Simple Plan are embarking on what may be their biggest headlining tour in over a decade, marking 25 years since their formation. (NME)
In this article, we break down all the key details from the tour dates and venues, through to supporting acts, how to buy tickets, what to expect from the live show, and how fans can make the most of the “Bigger Than You Think!” experience.
Why This Tour Matters
- Celebrating a 25-Year Legacy: The band has publicly stated that the 2026 European/UK trek is part of their 25th-anniversary celebration. (NME)
- Biggest Headline Tour in Years: After acting as support for other major acts recently, this tour marks a return to full-scale headline shows across major arenas and venues in both UK and mainland Europe. (Kerrang!)
- Extensive Reach — Multiple Countries: From Manchester to Paris, from Brussels to Oslo — the tour spans dozens of cities across many countries, giving fans across Europe a chance to attend. (stereoboard.com)
- Supporting a Good Cause: For every ticket and VIP package sold, €1 / £1 will be donated to the Simple Plan Foundation, the band’s charitable initiative supporting young people in need. (stereoboard.com)
2026 UK & Europe Tour Dates — Full Schedule
Here’s a full list of the announced 2026 UK and European headline shows for Simple Plan’s “Bigger Than You Think!” tour: (NME)
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 02 Oct 2026 | Manchester, UK | O2 Apollo (NME) |
| 03 Oct 2026 | London, UK | OVO Arena Wembley (NME) |
| 05 Oct 2026 | Brussels, Belgium | Ancienne Belgique (NME) |
| 08 Oct 2026 | Düsseldorf, Germany | Mitsubishi Electric Halle (NME) |
| 09 Oct 2026 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | AFAS Live (NME) |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Hamburg, Germany | Sporthalle (NME) |
| 12 Oct 2026 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Den Grå Hal (NME) |
| 13 Oct 2026 | Oslo, Norway | Sentrum Scene (NME) |
| 14 Oct 2026 | Stockholm, Sweden | Fållen (venue) (NME) |
| 16 Oct 2026 | Berlin, Germany | UFO concert hall/venue (NME) |
| 17 Oct 2026 | Warsaw, Poland | Expo XXI (NME) |
| 18 Oct 2026 | Prague, Czechia | O2 Universum (NME) |
| 20 Oct 2026 | Vienna, Austria | Gasometer Vienna (NME) |
| 23 Oct 2026 | Munich, Germany | Zenith Concert Hall/Venue (NME) |
| 24 Oct 2026 | Milan, Italy | Alcatraz Club/Venue (NME) |
| 26 Oct 2026 | Barcelona, Spain | Sant Jordi Club (NME) |
| 27 Oct 2026 | Madrid, Spain | Palacio Vistalegre (NME) |
| 29 Oct 2026 | Zürich, Switzerland | Halle 622 (NME) |
| 31 Oct 2026 | Paris, France | Accor Arena (NME) |
🔔 Note: On the European leg (outside the UK), the shows will feature support from Neck Deep. (NME)
How to Get Tickets & What to Know
- The tour was announced on 1 December 2025. (NME)
- General on-sale begins Friday 5 December 2025 at 9:00 GMT for UK shows, and 10:00 local time for European shows. (NME)
- Some venues had presales earlier (e.g. Brussels show presale from 4 December 2025). (livenation.be)
- For each ticket or VIP package sold, €1 / £1 will go to the Simple Plan Foundation. (stereoboard.com)
- At certain venues (e.g. AFAS Live in Amsterdam), there are practical policies: cashless payments only, security & bag checks, restrictions on outside food/drinks, etc. (afaslive.nl)
Tips for fans shopping tickets:
- Buy from official sources (venue website, official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster or local equivalents). Some venues warn tickets bought from unofficial resellers may be invalid. (ovoarena.co.uk)
- If you want VIP, consider acting fast — these tend to sell out quickly.
- If you plan to attend in a group (friends), coordinate early since popular dates (like London, Paris) likely will sell out first.
What to Expect: Show Content, Setlist & Supporting Acts
A Career-Spanning Setlist
According to the band’s announcement, the 2026 tour will feature “all of our biggest hits along with fan favourites we rarely play live, spanning our entire discography.” (NME)
Expect anthems such as:
- “I’m Just a Kid”
- “Welcome to My Life”
- “I’d Do Anything”
- “Perfect”
- “Shut Up!”
- “Addicted”
- “Summer Paradise”
- “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” (Grande Rock webzine)
And — likely — some deep cuts, rarities or older fan favourites that don’t always make it to regular shows, plus possibly new tracks or surprises reflecting the band’s evolving catalogue.
Support Act: Neck Deep (Europe Only)
For all European dates (outside the UK), support will come from the Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep. (NME)
That means: arrive early if you want to catch Neck Deep’s set — which will warm up the crowd before Simple Plan hits the stage.
Production & Experience
Venues like the London OVO Arena Wembley and Paris Accor Arena are huge — expect full-scale production, strong lighting and stage design, possibly special effects, visuals — a big theatre-style show tailored for large audiences. (NME)
For fans, that means a chance to experience Simple Plan’s energy on a grand scale, singing along with thousands, and maybe even some surprises (rare songs, throwbacks, or meaningful moments reflecting the band’s long career).
The Band’s Recent History & Why They’re Touring Now
To understand why 2026 is such a big year for Simple Plan, a few recent highlights:
- In 2022, they released their sixth studio album, Harder Than It Looks. (NME)
- In 2025, they released a career-spanning documentary on Amazon Prime Video, The Kids in the Crowd, charting their journey from humble beginnings in Montreal to global success — offering fans deeper insight into their story. (Grande Rock webzine)
- They also collaborated with Avril Lavigne on a nostalgic single, “Young & Dumb” — a full-circle moment highlighting their pop-punk roots and influence. (NME)
- Leading up to 2026, they supported big acts like The Offspring on their European arena tour — giving them renewed exposure before launching their own major headline run. (Kerrang!)
All this makes “Bigger Than You Think!” not just another tour — but a milestone celebration of longevity, evolution, and gratitude toward fans.
Why the Tour Title “Bigger Than You Think!” Fits
- Ambitious Scope: The tour spans nearly 20 cities across the UK and Europe — a scale not seen from them in many years.
- Full-Career Retrospective: Playing both major hits and rare fan favourites across their entire 25-year discography.
- Big Venues & High Production: From OVO Arena Wembley in London to Accor Arena in Paris — arenas that can hold thousands.
- Celebratory Spirit: Marking a major anniversary. The energy, nostalgia, and community around the tour make it bigger than a standard concert.
What Fans Should Do to Prepare: Practical Tips
If you’re a fan planning to attend — here are some practical pointers to make the most of the experience:
- Buy tickets early — especially for major cities (London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, etc.) — these are most likely to sell out first.
- Check venue rules carefully — some venues enforce bag checks, cashless payments, and forbid outside food/drinks (e.g. AFAS Live). (afaslive.nl)
- Arrive early — to catch the support act (Neck Deep), especially on European dates.
- Consider VIP packages if available and within budget — they support a good cause (Simple Plan Foundation) and often include perks.
- Prepare for a long, energetic show — the band plans to cover hits across decades. Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive, but also brace for nostalgia, crowd energy, and perhaps even some emotional moments.
- Share and support the cause — knowing that part of your ticket goes to the Simple Plan Foundation adds meaning. (livenation.be)
About Simple Plan & Their Legacy
Formed in Montreal in 1999, Simple Plan exploded in the early 2000s with their blend of pop-punk, emo, and alt-rock — capturing the angst and spirit of a generation. Over more than two decades, they’ve:
- Released six (to date) studio albums: No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls (2002), Still Not Getting Any… (2004), Simple Plan (2008), Get Your Heart On! (2011), Taking One for the Team (2016), and Harder Than It Looks (2022). (Sortiraparis)
- Sold millions of albums worldwide. (O2 universum)
- Gained a reputation for emotional lyrics, catchy melodies, high-energy live shows, and a connection with fans across generations. (NME)
- Founded the Simple Plan Foundation in 2005 — using music to help young people in need, giving direction and purpose through charitable work. Over the years, the foundation has donated millions of dollars to good causes. (livenation.be)
Given all this, the 2026 tour isn’t simply another concert series — it’s a celebration of a legacy, a love letter to fans, and a reaffirmation of the power of music.
What the 2026 Concert Means for Fans — Whether New or Old
For longtime fans
- A chance to relive childhood and teenage memories — singing along to songs like “I’m Just a Kid” or “Welcome to My Life” with thousands of others.
- Hearing rare or deep-cut songs they haven’t heard live in a long time.
- Celebrating the band’s longevity and growth.
For newer fans
- A perfect opportunity to discover the band’s full catalogue live.
- Experience the energy, passion and showmanship that made Simple Plan legendary.
- Share the moment with long-time fans — bridging generations over shared love for music.
Final Thoughts
The “Bigger Than You Think!” 2026 tour is more than a concert series — it’s a milestone. A 25-year journey culminating in one of the most ambitious tours for the band yet. With a full roster of European cities, major arenas, a support act fans love (Neck Deep), and the promise of both beloved hits and unexpected surprises, this is an event any Simple Plan fan — old or new — should keep an eye on.
If you’re planning to go: get your tickets early, mark the date, travel smart, and bring your voice. Because once the lights go down, and Simple Plan hits that first chord, it’s going to be a night to remember.
And whether you’re standing in Manchester’s O2 Apollo, shouting along with the crowd in Berlin, or experiencing the epic finale at Paris’s Accor Arena — you’re part of something bigger than just a concert. You’re part of a 25-year legacy.
