Fans of Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan gathered in the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday for a night filled with nostalgia and throwbacks.
The arena quickly filled up with excitement as everyone eagerly awaited Canada’s pop-punk princess to take the stage. Fans dressed in plaid, leather, pink tutus, and, of course, ties around their necks—a nod to Avril’s iconic style throughout the years.
Pop-punk band, Girlfriends, took the stage first and got the crowd ready for Simple Plan. the Montreal natives did a fantastic job energizing the fans, interacting with them and spreading joy across the Canadian Tire Centre. Their set included lively covers like “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, and they closed with their hit, “Perfect.”
Girlfriends Performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Photo: Adib Chowdhury
As the house lights went down, the ‘Star Wars’ theme song came over the speakers and the crowd was amped to welcome Montreal natives Simple Plan. Lead singer Pierre was a ball of energy on stage making sure that everyone knew they were there to have fun The added benefit of being able to speak to the crowd in both English and French is always a bonus in this bilingual city. At one point large beach balls were launched into the audience and when the song Summer Paradise was over Pierre mentioned that it was a dream come true to be playing “in Ottawa and having everyone playing with our balls”.
Simple Plan Performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Photo: Adib Chowdhury
The anticipation was intense as we waited for Avril to take the stage. It had been nearly 20 years since I last saw her perform at this venue, but this time, the show was sold out with not a single empty seat in sight. Avril opened the nearly two-hour show with “Girlfriend,” her voice as smooth and familiar as if I were listening to her on my car speakers. The night was not only nostalgic for her fans but also for Avril herself. She shared with the crowd that she had once performed on that very stage with Shania Twain after winning a radio contest. Reflecting on that time, she said, “I hoped one day I’d get to do this, and here I am! Every day I feel so lucky to be living my dream; it never gets old. It just keeps getting better and better.”
Avril Lavigne Performs at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Photo: Adib Chowdhury
Avril released her 7th studio album in June, featuring her greatest hits. She’ll be on the road until the end of September.
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