It’s been over 20 years since Avril Lavigne came on the scene and the likes of Complicated and Sk8r Boi made their debut and it’s safe to say our world has never been the same since! Currently on the UK and Europe leg of her Greatest Hits Tour Avril’s first stop after landing in the UK was Bedford Park, for her headline show as part of TK Maxx Presents Bedford Summer Sessions, where fans flocked in neck ties, tartan skirts and Avril attire from her many tours over the years.
Support on, what could be described as the perfect sunny, summer day came from US artist Phem, who previously supported Avril on her Love Sux tour and Greater Manchester’s The Lottery Winners who not only warmed up, but thoroughly entertained the crowd, particularly with their impressive crowd sing-along during their special cover of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
As the main event begins, the screen is lit up with visuals and icons from each of Avril’s 7 albums, counting down to the moment our queen of rock appears on stage at the top of a row of perfectly, bright pink speakers to the super catchy, Girlfriend.
The set is broken up into three acts, which see Avril and her band consisting of Steve Ferlazzo, Cameron Hurley, Matt Reilly, David Immerman and Chris Reeve play all the ‘Greatest Hits’, including What The Hell, Complicated, Smile and Here’s To Never Growing Up. For Act 2 Avril brings out her guitar for My Happy Ending, He Wasn’t, and Don’t Tell Me, before taking centre stage with her mic stand for Losing Grip.
We’re also treated to an extra ‘greatest hit’ in the form of Blink-182’s All The Small Things where Avril brings out Phem to join her, as well as number of fans from the crowd. Other hits include those from her most recent album, Love Sux, such as Bite Me and Love It When You Hate Me, but it’s when the all-time favourite Sk8r Boi comes out that the fans really give it their all.
Bringing the night to an emotional close, the encore ends with Head Above Water, When You’re Gone and our final hit from the debut album, Let Go, I’m With You. Queen Lavigne (as also labelled on her first outfit of the night) well and truly delivered.
Following her Glastonbury set on Sunday 30th June, Avril’s UK tour continues with shows in Cardiff and Manchester, before heading back over to Europe.
Bedford Summer Sessions continues with more shows across the summer. Visit the official website to see the full listings.
