Avril Lavigne’s much-anticipated “Greatest Hits” tour blasted off in spectacular fashion at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC on May 22, 2024. The show, initially delayed roughly 25 minutes, had the crowd buzzing with excitement. This delay only heightened the energy in the arena, as fans engaged in the wave, perhaps still riding the high from the Vancouver Canucks' recent playoff run.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
As the band finally took the stage and anticipation reached its peak, the arena was illuminated by a massive heart-shaped screen adorned with bones, stars, x's, hearts, and iconic clips from Avril’s illustrious career. The stage setup was a nostalgic journey through her evolution as an artist, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Bursting onto the stage with her hit "Girlfriend," Avril was a vision of punk rock perfection, clad in her signature style complete with pyro, smoke, and an explosion of confetti. The opening notes electrified the crowd, who sang along word for word, their voices merging into a collective anthem.
Following the high-energy start, she transitioned seamlessly into "What the Hell," keeping the momentum alive and the crowd's enthusiasm at a peak. After powering through these opening songs, Avril paused to share a heartfelt moment with the audience. She reminisced about living in Vancouver for a month at 17 and playing one of her first shows at the Commodore Theatre. This connection to the city added a special layer to the performance, endearing her even more to the local fans.
The eight-time GRAMMY nominated, diamond-certified icon continued the set with "Complicated," a song that instantly transported fans back to the early 2000s. The familiar chords and lyrics had everyone singing along, creating a unified and nostalgic atmosphere. "Smile" and "Here’s to Never Growing Up" followed, each track a testament to her enduring appeal and ability to craft anthems that resonate across generations.
Midway through the set, Avril treated the audience to "My Happy Ending," a song that showcased her powerful vocals and emotional depth. The inclusion of “He Wasn’t” and “Don’t Tell Me,” performed live for the first time since 2019, was a delightful surprise that had fans cheering wildly and added a layer of unpredictability to the show.
One of the night's standout moments was the collaboration with All Time Low on "Fake as Hell." The synergy between Avril and the band was electric, and their joint performance highlighted the tour's collaborative spirit. The energy was infectious, and the crowd responded with roaring applause.
As the night progressed, Avril continued to dazzle with tracks like "Bite Me" and "Love It When You Hate Me," both from her latest album, showcasing her ability to evolve while staying true to her punk rock roots. The main set closed with the iconic "Sk8er Boi," a song that never fails to ignite the crowd and bring the house down.
The encore featured "Head Above Water" and the poignant “I’m With You.” These final songs provided a powerful and emotional conclusion to the evening, showcasing Avril's incredible vocal range and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. The crowd swayed and sang along, creating a moment of unity and shared experience that is the hallmark of a truly great concert.
The “Greatest Hits” tour promises to be a spectacular journey through Avril’s career. With stops in cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Toronto, and Chicago, fans across North America will have the chance to experience this phenomenal show. Special guests All Time Low and Simple Plan will join Avril on select dates, adding even more excitement to an already stellar lineup.
Avril Lavigne's Vancouver setlist was a showcase to her enduring appeal and her ability to connect with fans across generations. From the explosive opening to the heartfelt encore, every moment was crafted to perfection, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As the tour continues, one can't help but wonder what other surprises Avril has in store. Will she dig even deeper into her catalog, or perhaps debut new music? One thing is certain: fans are in for a treat.
As Avril’s tour continues to roll through North America, fans will undoubtedly keep the question in their hearts: What magical moments will she create next?
Upcoming Tour Dates:
May 25 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre
May 26 - Ridgefield, WA - RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
May 28 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
May 30 - Inglewood, CA - Kia Forum
Jun 01 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
Jun 02 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Aug 14 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
Aug 16 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
Aug 17 - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC - Festival International de Montgolfières
Aug 20 - Buffalo, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater
Aug 21 - Hartford, CT - The XFINITY Theatre
Aug 23 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug 24 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
Aug 27 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug 29 - Camden, NJ - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Aug 31 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
Sep 01 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
Sep 03 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sep 04 - Nashville, TN - Ascend Amphitheater
Sep 06 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
Sep 07 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sep 09 - Milwaukee, WI - American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sep 10 - Chicago, IL - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sep 12 - Minneapolis, MN - The Armory
Sep 14 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre
Sep 16 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
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