Sébastien Lefebvre – Simple Plan Interview

One of our favourite bands ever, Simple Plan, recently popped over to play a show in London.

There aren’t many bands who can stay together for over a decade, with no changes to the line-up, and still be adored worldwide.

We had a chat to guitarist Sébastien Lefebvre to find out the band’s secrets, all about their new album and who gets the most female/male attention…

Hello, how are you?
Very good, thanks for asking.

You guys have been together for a long time now, and with no line-up changes, what’s the key to a long and happy (band) life?
Communication. For real, talk about things, solve your problems… And I mean at this point, we all see the big picture, we all want the same things for this band. Keep going and be relevant and keep making music for many years to come. When you think like that, it’s easier to get over things.

You look just as youthful and fresh-faced as when you burst onto the scene, what’s your secret?
We love what we do. This record is very fun, we are excited to play some new songs. We still have a good time doing what we do. Honestly, if we didn’t, the work and traveling and jet lag and all that would not be worth it. But we don’t complain ’cause we love it!

Did you enjoy your recent show in London?
The show was super fun. The UK crowd had an awesome energy. We got to hang with a bunch of fans outside after the show – love the people over there.

What do you love/hate about the UK?
Love the people, the shows, most of the food [winks], we always have a good time there. Not a big fan of the rainy weather, I have to say.

Do you have a favourite city to play?
It’s hard to answer that without making anyone mad so I’ll go with the diplomatic answer… Home town shows are always special. When we play the arena in Montreal and our friends and family show up to cheer us on, it’s very special.

What is the first rule of touring?
No number twos on the bus.

Do you have any tour survival tips?
Make sure to rest when you can, and don’t take it too seriously. Have some fun!

Tell us about the new album, Get Your Heart On.
There’s much to tell. In a nut shell, it’s a fun album, the best we ever made. Everything you love about SP. Fun, fast, up beat, energy, the occasional deep song…

What’s the meaning behind the title?
It’s a penis joke, but a double meaning. Also, we want people to get their actual hearts on. Be passionate, start caring. Music has that effect on people so it’s very fitting.

What is your favourite track on the new album?
That changes every day. Right now, it’s probably Loser of the Year. It’s fun to play live.

Sell it to us! Why should we buy Get Your Heart On?
IT’S AWESOME! It’s a record that will make you feel good, put you in a good mood, make you forget about your problems, maybe even dance.

Have you ever received any weird gifts from your fans?
Mostly good ones. Some of the best ones are scrapbooks with pictures and letters from people around the world. Always very touching.

Who gets the most female attention?
Me!

Who gets the most male attention?
Not me.

Who spends the longest on their hair?
I would say Pierre, but it’s still not very much.

Who gets the most homesick on the road?
That happens to everyone once in a while.

Who is the coolest?
Me!

Who is the geekiest?
Still me.

What is next for Simple Plan?
Much much touring. We’re gonna have to go everywhere with this record. That should keep us busy for the next two years. Make sure to check www.simpleplan.com for all the tour dates. We pretty much put them on there as we book them. No more secrets, as soon as we know, you know.