Multi-platinum recording artists Simple Plan
recently took a couple of days off during their extensive world tour in
order to shoot a poignant video for their new single, "Untitled (How Could
This Happen To Me?)." Written and co-directed by the band and director
Marc Klasfeld, "Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?)" is an emotional
look at how a family is torn apart by the inconsiderate act of drunk
driving.
An early cut of the video was sent to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
for feedback and the organization lauded the band's bravery in tackling
this important message. "MADD is pleased that the band recognizes the
seriousness of this issue and supports the work of MADD to stop drunk
driving, support victims of this violent crime and to prevent underage
drinking," said Steve Emerick, manager of school outreach.
The band's support of MADD includes a tag at the end of the video that
says, "Traffic crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens and nearly one-third
of teen traffic deaths are alcohol-related." For more information,
1-800-GET-MADD, www.madd.org. Also, the band will participate in some
capacity in MADD's school assembly show to debut in fall 2005.
"With each video, Simple Plan continues to triumph creatively," remarked
Lee Trink, General Manager of Lava Records. "'Untitled' is a milestone for
the band and the video's message will undoubtedly save lives. We are
honored to be affiliated with a band as talented and socially conscious as
Simple Plan."
The "Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?)" video premiered May 3rd on
MTV's daily countdown show TRL where it debuted at #4. The video has since
jumped to the #1 slot several days running and remains in the Top 5 to this
day. The video's emotional message and overall content continues to
resonate with fans. The band's website which spawned the micro-site
http://www.simpleplan.com/untitled, has received over 4000 postings since
May 2nd, many of which are from fans who have experienced a similar tragedy
on some level.
In an open letter to their fans, Simple Plan stated:
"This song is a very personal look at what happens when tragedy hits close
to home and we wanted to make a video that was as powerful and as special
as the song was to the five of us.
"Over the last few years, a lot of people we know have been involved in
tragic crashes caused by drunk driving. One of the students at our high
school crashed his car driving back from a weekend trip and killed his best
friend. It was a very sad time that none of us will ever forget. When a
crash happens, there's a lot more victims than people think, and many lives
are changed forever... Parents, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters,
grandparents... everybody feels the impact.
"This is the story we wanted to tell with this video: the story of all the
innocent victims caused by drunk driving. We hope you will take the time
to watch the video. Thanks for all your support." -Simple Plan
Simple Plan is on the road in support of their latest release, "Still Not
Getting Any..." Since its release in late October 2004, the album has sold
over 2 million copies around the world on the strength of the chart topping
single "Welcome To My Life" and the follow-up single "Shut Up." Simple
Plan kicked off their North American "Noise To the World" tour with pals
Good Charlotte on May 1st and are expected to play in front of legions of
fans. Simple Plan will also make an appearance on Warped tour this summer.
Simple Plan's debut album "No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls," was released
in 2002 and has sold 3 million albums worldwide and spawned several top 10
hits including "I'd Do Anything," "Addicted" and "Perfect." In addition,
Simple Plan were honored in 2003 and 2004 with MuchMusic People's Choice
Awards, for Favorite Pop Act at the 2005 MTV Asia Awards, and a nomination
for Best New Artist at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. The band has also
previously appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with
Conan O'Brien," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and the "Late Late Show with Craig
Kilborn."
Simple Plan is Pierre Bouvier (vocals), Chuck Comeau (drums), David
Desrosiers (bass, backing vocals), Sebastien Lefebvre (guitar, backing
vocals) and Jeff Stinco (lead guitar). For more up-to-date Simple Plan
information go to www.simpleplan.com.
For more information contact Lava Records publicity:
Lisbeth Cassaday
212-707-2074
lisbeth.cassaday@lavarecords.com
Amy Derouen-Nelson
212-707-2553
amy.derouen@lavarecords.com