AVRIL LAVIGNE LIVE AT THE XFINITY THEATER HARTFORD

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 design and girlfriends.

friends with Goldfinger's Travis Mills and Nick Gross opened the night packing 9 songs into their 30 minute set. The crowd filled up really well when they took the stage and entertained throughout bringing a ton of energy.

When Simple Plan came out, the venue was packed to the gills as most fans were just as excited to catch their set. Going with “I'd Do Do Anything” and “Shu Up!” The crowd was definitely ready when Pierre Bouvier (Vocals) asked everyone to their feet for “Jump”. “Welcome to My Life” had everyone clapping and streamers belting out “Iconic.” Giant beach balls were thrown into the crowd for “Summer Paradise,” followed by a fast-paced medley of Smash Mouth's “All Star” and The Killers' “Mr. Followed Brightside.”

About 10 people in Scooby Doo costumes appeared and danced during “What's New Scooby Doo?”. “Where I Belong” was next and then ironically followed by everyone riding “I'm Just a Kid”. Bouvier jumped on drums, Chuck Comeau (Drums) came out in the pit to crowdsurf and Travis Mills from girlfriends came out to sing vocals. Bouvier grabbed an acoustic guitar and was joined by just Jeff Stinco (Lead Guitar) for “Untitled.” The band also featuring Sebastien Lefebvre (Rhythm Guitar) and touring bassist Nicholas Kennedy returned to join in on the closing number “Perfect”. So far this night of music has been just that.

Lavigne was next and it did not disappoint. The Streamer guns went off during the opening number “Girlfriend” and after “What the Hell” came the cool of being in Connecticut. Letting everyone know that it's been 22 years since her first single we went 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 scared 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 was shown and then was pretty obvious for the rest of the show. After a video montage for a set change and an outfit change for Lavigne he grabbed a guitar for “Hot” but only the chorus and “My Happy Ending”. “He wasn't” he had Lavigne controlling the crowd by having them clap and then stop at her command.

“Don't Tell Me” was next as well Lavigne he talked about getting a record deal at 15, making a record at 16, releasing it at 17 and 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 can be seen running backstage trying to find their way on stage.

When they appear Lavigne comes back and they play the Simple Plan song “Addicted”. Lavigne and Bouvier fire guns and throw t-shirts into the crowd. Then Lavigne informs the audience that her first tour in 2003 was with Simple Plan. The beach balls for this set were released during “Bite Me” along with the flames and fireworks showers.

Band introductions 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 appeared with white lace flowing over them as Lavigne stepped out in a chic white dress for 'Head Above Water' and 'I'm With You'.

A great show to end my summer adventures as unfortunately school starts again. I have to make a living to pay for concert tickets, so that's a tradeoff I'll always take.

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