Avril Lavigne performs live at XFINITY Theater in Hartford
Joe Perus
The Meadows at Hartford’s Xfinity Theater had a sold-out show on Wednesday. Avril Lavigne as well as her “Greatest Hits” tour and supporting roles simple plan and girlfriend.
Girlfriends, starring Goldfinger band members Travis Mills and Nick Gross, kicked off the evening, performing nine songs in a 30-minute set. The atmosphere in the audience was great when they took the stage and they brought great energy to the audience.
When A Simple Plan came out, the venue was packed, including the lawn, as most of the fans were equally excited to see them perform. Opening with “I’d Do Anything” and “Shut Up!” the audience was ready when Pierre Bouvier (vocalist) asked everyone to stand up and sing “Jump.” “Welcome to My Life” had everyone clapping and streamers playing for “Iconic.” Giant beach balls were thrown into the crowd and “Summer Paradise” played, followed by a speedy medley of Smash Mouth’s “All Star” and “Mr.” Next is “Brightside” by The Killers.
During “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” about 10 people showed up and danced in Scooby-Doo costumes. Next up is “Where I Belong,” which ironically everyone follows around during “I’m Just a Kid.” Bouvier jumped on the drums, Chuck Comeau (drums) went out to crowd surf, and Travis Mills from Girlfriends came out to sing. Bouvier picked up an acoustic guitar and was joined only by Jeff Stinco (lead guitarist) on “Untitled”. The band also included Sebastian Lefebvre (rhythm guitar) and touring bassist Nicholas Kennedy, who returned to join in the final song “Perfection.” That’s it for this musical evening so far.
Lavigne What followed was and it did not disappoint. Ribbon cannons rang out during the opening song “Girlfriend,” and after “What the Hell,” there were cheers in Connecticut. Let everyone know that it has been 22 years since her first single “Complicated”. “Smile” side note, if you’re with someone who makes you smile, hug them and kiss them. I think I scared the beer guy.
Grab a big beer Lavigne Cheers to Wednesday and “Here’s to Never Growing Up.” The first flame of the night came and then became very apparent throughout the rest of the show. After a video edit, set changes and costume changes were made Lavigne She picked up a guitar on “Hot,” but only for the chorus and “My Happy Ending.” “He’s not” Lavigne Controlling the crowd, making them clap and then stop at her command.
Next up is “Don’t Tell Me” Lavigne Talking about getting a record deal at 15, making a record at 16, releasing an album at 17, and living on a tour bus. “Losing Grip” and “When You’re Gone” were the songs before the next set of the night. This video includes a FaceTime call, in which Lavigne Please simply plan it out to help her get on stage. The band can be seen running around backstage trying to find their way on stage.
when they appear Lavigne When they came back, they played the song “Addicted” by Simple Plan. Lavigne Bouvier fired a smoke gun and threw T-shirts into the crowd. Then Lavigne Let the audience know that her first tour in 2003 was with Simple Plan. The set’s beach balls are released during “Bite Me” along with a rain of fire and pyrotechnic sparks.
Next is the band introduction. 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 out the main set. During the encore, there was another set change, with floating white lace lanterns hanging from them to look like Lavigne Appeared in an elegant white dress in “Head Over Water” and “I’m With You”.
A great show ended my summer weekend adventure and unfortunately school started again. I do need to make a living to be able to afford concert tickets, so that’s a trade-off I’ll always make.
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