Simple Plan have been confirmed as one of the performers on this year’s festival “International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu” in Canada, on August 16th 2012. Check out more info below:

Here is a video in which Chuck, Pierre and Sebastien invite fans to see them at this event:

As it’s been known for a couple of weeks now, Simple Plan will be playing in Moose Jaw, Canada this summer (on August 11th to be exact) and a day after that in Estevan, Canada and they won’t be playing alone! The opening band for this show has just been announced today and it’s no-one other then the guys from Faber Drive, a fellow Canadian band that Simple Plan have a lot in common with.

Not only have Faber Drive toured with Simple Plan across Canada in summer of 2008, but also Pierre and Chuck have been repeatedly helping Faber Drive with some of their lyrics. On Faber Drive’s second album, “Can’t Keep A Secret”, Simple Plan have co-written the songs “Our Last Goodbye” and “G-Get Up And Dance” and on their upcoming record called “Lost In Paradise”, the SP guys have worked with FD on a song called “Do It In Hollywood” and at least one other (yet unknown) song.

An online lifestyle magazine Urban Expressions recently interviewed Simple Plan’s lead guitarist, Jeff Stinco, about his relationship with the city of Montreal.

You can check it out here:

Where were you born?
I’m originally from Pierrefonds, but as a teenager, I escaped the boredom of the suburbs by taking three buses to the city as often as I could. I moved to the Plateau when I was 18.

Which neighbourhood is your favourite?
I live in Old Montreal, but I feel closest to Mile End where I lived the longest, though Griffintown is really coming into its own right now. Between the Drinkerie, The Burgundy Lion and Liverpool House -the healthy mix of Anglos/Francos and the good music, it rocks.

What’s your favourite street in Montreal and why?
The most iconic and colourful street in Montreal is St-Laurent. We don’t call it ‘The Main’ for nothing. That being said, St-Viateur is probably my favourite street: bagels, cute little shops, great coffee, and the best chocolate in town … it’s all there.

Where do you go to dance?
I don’t really ‘dance’, but on Friday and Saturday nights there’s a little neighbourhood bar called Philemon in Old Montreal that turns into a pumping party place. I love how eclectic the crowd is: gay, straight, moustaches, bald … and no “Jersey Shore” approved t-shirts allowed!

Where do you like to eat out in Montreal?
For upscale, I think the best restaurant in Montreal is Le Club Chasse et Pêche. I have had killer ‘surf and turf’ there! For casual, I love Pizzeria Magpie, and for brunch Le Cartet in Old Montreal does a heavy Québécois breakfast AND a west coast-ish healthy plate really well. I try to make a pit stop there every time I return home.

Who is your favourite Montreal personality?
Leonard Cohen on the Anglo side, and Danny Laferriere on the Franco side – his books are evocative little gems!

Which Montreal event/festival do you look forward to all year?
I’ve never been around for Osheaga, but I’d love to check it out, the line-ups are always spectacular. And of course the jazz festival is a must.

Where do you go to relax in Montreal?
I often go for a run on the mountain. It’s not super busy on weekday mornings and I feel like I’m in the country, yet I’m only five minutes away from downtown!

What is your most cherished Montreal memory?
My first Bell Center show with Simple Plan was quite memorable. Our bassist, David, lived right by the Bell Center when we started out, and we often spoke about playing that place for years. It was a magical moment for all of us when we actually did.

Even though this can hardly be considered news since the Philémon bar has celebrated its 1st anniversary last December, only a few days ago the media have revealed that Jeff Stinco from Simple Plan is actually its co-owner.

This bar, which has gained a huge popularity among the citizens of Montreal in the past year, has a very sophisticated atmosphere. It is located in the old Montreal and consists of one main room, which is dominated by a central round bar. Apart from food, the customers can enjoy a variety of red and white wine and also champagne.

Jeff has mentioned his bar in one of his tweets back in December to celebrate the 1 year of its existence and recently has spoken about it publicly again in an interview for Montreal.tv that you can check out below (thanks to Helene for the translation from French):

Judith Perron: Jeff, we know you’re often on tour but when you’re in Montreal, where do you hang out?

Jeff Stinco: Well, I’m gonna say the truth. I live a few meters from here, in the Old Montreal. I go to Philémon, it’s my bar! I love Philémon! I don’t talk about it a lot. I think Philémon is the best bar in Montreal.

Today, the Canadian Sarnia Bayfest festival has announced a couple more bands that will perform there in July. The Offspring are scheduled to perform on July 15th as the headlining act and before that the fans will be able to enjoy bands like Hedley and Simple Plan.

The members of Simple Plan stopped by their local Warner Music Canada office to receive a plaque for 1 million Simple Plan records sold just in Canada! Congratulations boys!