You may remember that almost 6 months ago Simple Plan recorded a little send-off video for Commander Chris Hadfield, who was about to be launched into space – to the International Space Station as the first Canadian Commander of the ISS.

While in space, Chris Hadfield has been updating Twitter many time every day, informing his fellow earthlings about what it’s like to be in space 24/7 by posting incredible pictures of Earth and even videos – for example he showed the whole planet what would happen if astronauts cried in space. Since yesterday, Mr. Hadfield is finally safely back on Earth, but when he was still up on the ISS, he decided to record a little video for the guys in Simple Plan, in which he played their song “Astronaut” on his acoustic guitar, making it Simple Plan’s wish to send off their own Astronaut into space finally come true. Chris’ video is followed by Pierre’s welcome message to Chris Hadfield, in which he finishes the first part of Astronaut after Chris’ intro.

You can check out this very meaningful video below:

As Jeff has said, last night’s Simple Plan show in Lima, Peru, will sure be remembered forever. The band’s first concert with this country was filled with unexpected surprises and a well-handled improvisation. After the opening band 6 Voltios finished their set, it was Simple Plan’s time to wow the audience of 1500 Peruvians.

Towards the middle of their set, suddenly a random figure dressed in a astronaut space suit entered the stage and rocked with Simple Plan through-out their whole single “Astronaut”. In the end, when the person finally took down his mask, it turned out it was a male fan, who’s dream to dance with his favourite band on stage just came true.

Another interesting moment happened almost at the end of this Simple Plan show, when during I’d Do Anything, the lights went out. The situation was luckily resolved very quickly and the generator was back up again, allowing the band to finish their show in Lima.

Below you can check out first pictures from the show (but you can expect the photo album to be updated with some better ones throughout the day):

And here is a video in which you will be able to see the astronaut dancing on the stage with Simple Plan:

In December 2012, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will be heading for a six-month stay at the International Space Station (ISS) and during the second half of this mission, he will become Canada’s first Commander of the ISS.

And to kill the time up there, Chris will be bringing lots of music and recording it there as well, as he is a very passionate musician himself. Recently, he has even made a deal with his fellow Canadians – Simple Plan – that he would play their very fitting single “Astronaut” while in space.

“Canadians have written some of my favourite music. I look forward to floating weightless by the Cupola window, up high across Canada, playing and singing songs from Lightfoot to Simple Plan…a wonderful way to stay close to home,” said Chris.

As a little pay back, three members of Simple Plan recorded a special message for Chris which also features a cut-out 2D version of him. Make sure to check it out below:

The Canadian music station Much Music has revealed the nominations for this year’s annual Much Music Video Awards and the Simple Plan fans can be very proud because their band has scored two nominations!

The first nomination that Simple Plan are in, is in the category “Best International Video By A Canadian” – for their music video for the song “Astronaut”, directed by Mark Staubach. In this category they will be competing against Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Drake and Nickelback.

Their second nomination was the fans’ doing because Simple Plan have (yet again) received a nomination for “UR FAVE VIDEO”, for their music video for “Summer Paradise”, directed by Randall “RT” Thorn and Mark Staubach. Here, in order to win against Carly Rae Jepsen, Drake, Hedley and Marianas Trench, YOU can help them by voting every day on the MuchMusic website.

Congratulations!

Whether Simple Plan wins or not we will find out on June 17th 2012 when the MMVAs take place in Canada. Unfortunately, the band will not be able to attend the event this year, as they are still touring Australia at that time.

Thanks to our colleagues over at SPB.com you can now check out the previously mentioned “naked” version of the song Astronaut, which has appeared for the first time on the digital single of Summer Paradise, that is now available on iTunes.

What do you think about this new version? Which “Astronaut” is your favourite?

Simple Plan created a limited edition of Astronaut posters, which are all being signed by the band and you can buy them at the merch stand on the current Get Your Heart On! tour. Below you can check out a new vlog, in which Chuck and Pierre talk about them… and then Seb appears.