AVRIL LAVIGNE LIVE AT THE XFINITY THEATER HARTFORD
By Joe Perusse
On Wednesday, the Meadows at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford welcomed a packed house for Avril Lavigne and her “Greatest Hits” tour with supporting acts Simple Plan and girlfriends.
girlfriends featuring Travis Mills and Nick Gross of Goldfinger opened the night packing 9 songs into their 30 minute set. The crowd was filling in pretty good when they took the stage and they entertained throughout bringing a ton of energy.
When Simple Plan came out the place was packed including the lawn as most fans were just as excited to catch their set. Leading off with “I’d Do Anything” and “Shut Up!” the crowd was certainly ready when Pierre Bouvier (Vocals) requested everyone get on their feet for “Jump”. “Welcome to My Life” had everyone clapping along and streamers shot off for “Iconic”. Giant beach balls were thrown into the crowd for “Summer Paradise” and then a quick medley featuring “All Star” by Smash Mouth and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers followed.
About 10 people in Scooby Doo costumes appeared and danced around during “What’s New Scooby Doo?”. “Where I Belong” was next and then ironically it was followed by everyone moving around during “I’m Just a Kid”. Bouvier jumped on drums, Chuck Comeau (Drums) went out in the pit crowdsurfing and Travis Mills from girlfriends came out to sing vocals. Bouvier grabbed an acoustic guitar and was joined by only Jeff Stinco( Lead Guitar) for “Untitled”. The band which also includes Sebastien Lefebvre( Rhythm Guitar) and touring bassist Nicholas Kennedy came back out to join in on the final number “Perfect”. So far this night of music was just that.
Lavigne was next and did not disappoint. Streamer cannons went off during opening number “Girlfriend” and after “What the Hell” came the nice to be in Connecticut shoutouts. Letting everyone know it has been 22 years since her first single ever we were taken back in time with “Complicated”. “Smile” came with instructions that if you were there with someone who makes you smile hug them and give them a kiss. I think I startled the beer guy.
Grabbing a huge glass of beer Lavigne toasted to Wednesday and “Here’s to Never Growing Up”. The first pyro of the night appeared and then was pretty evident the rest of the show. After a video montage for a set change and a outfit change for Lavigne she grabbed a guitar for “Hot” but just the chorus and “My Happy Ending”. “He Wasn’t” had Lavigne controlling the crowd having them clap and then stop on her command.
“Don’t Tell Me” was next and Lavigne talked about getting a record contract at 15, making a record at 16, having it released at 17 and the just living on a tour bus. “Losing Grip” and “When You’re Gone” preceded the next set change of the night. This time the video featured a FaceTime call where Lavigne asks Simple Plan to come out and help her on stage. The band is seen running around backstage trying to find their way on stage.
When they appear Lavigne returns and they play the Simple Plan song “Addicted”. Lavigne and Bouvier shoot off smoke guns and throw t shirts into the crowd. Afterwards Lavigne lets the crowd know that her first tour in 2003 was with Simple Plan. The beach balls for this set were released during “Bite Me” along with Flames and firework sparkler showers.
Band intros followed. Current band members include Steve Ferlazzo (Keyboards), David Immerman (Rhythm Guitar), Matt Reilly (Bass), Chris Reeve (Drums) and Cameron Hurley (Lead Guitar). “Love It When You Hate Me” was next and then everyone was on their feet as “Sk8er Boi” closed the main set. For the encore there was another set change and floating lanterns with white lace flowing down from them appeared as Lavigne came out in an elegant white gown for “Head Above Water” and “I’m With You”.
A great show to end my summer weeknight adventures as sadly school starts up again. I do need to make a living to afford concert tickets so that’s a trade off that I’ll always take.
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