By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
July 23, 2004
Simple Plan have a simple idea — cut their tour short this summer and get back into the recording studio to work on their new album, which they hope to have out this fall.
“We want to build something really great,” says drummer Chuck Comeau, 24. “We’re trying to capture who we are now and also record songs we won’t be tired of playing three years down the line. It’s really exciting.”
The Canadian band’s 2002 debut, “No Pads, No Helmets … Just Balls” (Lava Records) was a resounding hit with the MTV crowd, and the group is hoping its follow-up will do be just as successful. In addition to Comeau, the band lineup includes vocalist Pierre Bouvier, bassist David Desrosiers, guitarist Sebastien Lefebvre and lead guitarist Jeff Stinco.
Comeau took a breather from packing last week to phone from Vancouver, B.C., to chat about his love for Chicago, architecture and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
HERE’S WHAT ELSE COMEAU HAD TO SAY:
What the band means to you: Honestly, I would sacrifice everything for this band.
Being preoccupied with your new record: It’s fun doing things, but all I can think about right now is doing this record.
Top cities to play live: Chicago, Boston, Seattle, New York and L.A.
Favorite city to visit: It’s going to sound so lame, like I’m making it up, but I f—— love Chicago! It’s such a rad place — the architecture and everything is beautiful. I can’t wait to go back. We had to cancel a bunch of dates on the Warped Tour because we have to go back in the studio to finish our record, but we made sure Chicago stayed on the list.
Favorite Chicago hotel: We stayed at the Hotel Monaco last time. It was really cool and in a really nice neighborhood.
What you’d like to do in the city if you have time: Last time, I went to the Sears Tower. I know that’s a tourist cliche, but it was fun. I would love to see the John Hancock building this time. I’ve never been there. I’m really into architecture. I’d also like to go to a Cubs game and maybe see a show at the House of Blues. And eat pizza. That’s good stuff. That would be rad. I love the town.
Why Chicago is so dear to you: The fans there are amazing. Our first show there was opening for another band and the fans were so nice to us. They made us feel really welcome. The last time we came, we played the Aragon Ballroom and that was sick! The kids in Chicago are so rad.
Best thing about being you: I get to wake up every day and do something I really love to do.
Last good movie you saw: “Magnolia” is one of my favorites. “Terminal” was rad. It was really cute. And Catherine Zeta-Jones is flaming!
Other favorite hotties: My girlfriend! If she read that, that’d be good. Katie Holmes is pretty hot. And Rebecca Romijn without the Stamos.
Best advice you ever got: I don’t follow it, but, “Enjoy the moment.” I’m always thinking a year ahead. I wish I could be more in the moment.
Worst advice you ever got: Think about the moment. To do that, you kind of don’t see the big picture.
