Twenty-three years after “Complicated” first crashed radio waves, Avril Lavigne proved she could still uncomplicate a room full of devoted fans at Canada Life Place on June 3. The pop-punk princess delivered a career-spanning performance that balanced arena-sized anthems with coffee-shop intimacy, reminding London why she remains Canada’s most enduring rebellious sweetheart.
Opening with the defiant “Girlfriend,” Lavigne commanded the stage with the same bratty confidence that made her a household name in 2002. The 39-year-old singer moved seamlessly from the aggressive pop-punk of “What the Hell” into the acoustic vulnerability of “Complicated,” establishing early that this Greatest Hits Tour would honor both her chart-topping singles and deeper album cuts.
The night’s emotional centerpiece arrived mid-set when Lavigne paused to reflect on her journey. “It’s incredible, the amount of people singing,” she told the crowd, noting that her last London appearance was likely two or three years ago. Her voice carried genuine appreciation as she acknowledged performing so close to her Ontario roots, describing the proximity as particularly meaningful.
In an unexpected moment that transformed the arena into a living room, Lavigne invited her mother onstage. “She’s so shy,” the singer laughed, before sharing how her mother first recognized her musical calling when she was two years old, singing after returning from church. The story continued with Lavigne crediting her mother’s encouragement for her first stage performance at age five or seven, also at a church.
“Thank you for believing in me and for letting me sign a record deal at 16 years old,” Lavigne said, her gratitude extending beyond mere performance banter. She recalled how her mother supported her move to Los Angeles, living in a hotel suite while she worked on her debut album. This personal revelation added weight to the subsequent songs, particularly “Here’s to Never Growing Up” and “Rock n Roll”.
The singer’s reflection on her artistic evolution proved equally compelling. “It’s been a really cool tour because we’re going through all the different albums, playing different songs and singles from different eras and periods in my life,” she explained. When she asked the audience about familiarity with her first album, the enthusiastic response validated her decision to include deeper cuts alongside radio staples.
Lavigne’s storytelling reached another peak before “Breakaway,” originally recorded for a film soundtrack. She described the unique experience of writing for cinema, explaining how she received scripts and channeled the movie’s emotions while sitting in her home studio. The song’s journey to Kelly Clarkson became another talking point, with Lavigne expressing pride in the collaboration and the track’s continued radio presence.
The setlist’s surprising covers demonstrated Lavigne’s willingness to acknowledge contemporary influences. Her rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” felt both unexpected and natural, while the Kelly Clarkson cover of “Breakaway” carried added significance given their professional relationship. These choices suggested an artist comfortable with her legacy while remaining curious about current trends.
Band introductions revealed Lavigne’s tour camaraderie, particularly her admission to consuming multiple cappuccinos daily. “We decided to travel with a cappuccino maker in my dressing room,” she confessed, adding a humanizing detail that resonated with caffeine-dependent fans. Her acknowledgment of guitarist Steve Panazo’s three tours together highlighted the professional relationships that sustain her live performances.
The main set concluded with career-defining moments: “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me” showcased her recent material, while “Sk8er Boi” triggered the evening’s most unanimous sing-along. The transition between eras felt seamless, suggesting an artist who has successfully integrated her past and present creative identities.
The three-song encore opened with “Head Above Water,” Lavigne’s deeply personal track about her Lyme disease battle, before closing with fan favorites “When You’re Gone” and “I’m With You”. These selections provided emotional catharsis while honoring the songs that originally connected her with this audience decades ago.
Opening the evening, was the one, the only, the legend: Fefe “Fucking” Dobson. She delivered a seven-song set that reminded everyone why she deserves recognition as a Canadian rock pioneer. The Toronto native’s performance included fan favorites like “Ghost” and “Take Me Away,” showcasing the raw energy and honest songwriting that influenced a generation of female rock artists. Her stage presence commanded attention without demanding it, a quality that has always distinguished her work.
Dobson’s inclusion on this tour represented more than nostalgia; it highlighted the Canadian alternative rock scene that produced both artists. Songs like “FCKN IN LOVE” and “Stuttering” demonstrated her continued relevance, while her obvious chemistry with the London crowd proved that great songs transcend their original moment. As Lavigne’s contemporary and occasional collaborator, Dobson’s presence added historical context to an evening celebrating Canadian pop-punk’s enduring appeal.
All photos by Dan Savoie
Avril Lavigne:
Fefe Dobson:
