Avril Lavigne's Greatest Hits Tour arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 14, 2024, for what was a spectacular evening of nostalgia, punk-pop anthems, and special guest performances. The show at the Canada Life Centre marked one of the final stops on Lavigne's tour, and the addition of fellow Canadian icon Fefe Dobson made the night even more electric.
Kicking off the night, Fefe Dobson's return to the stage was nothing short of electrifying. Known for her fierce attitude and alt-rock hits, Dobson was met with roaring applause as she launched into "Ghost," setting the tone for her high-energy set. The crowd sang along to fan favourites like "SHUT UP AND KISS ME" and "Bye Bye Boyfriend," her mix of punk and pop-rock still as fresh as ever. The emotional "Stuttering" closed her set, with Dobson commanding the stage in a performance that felt like a victory lap for one of Canada's most underappreciated pop-punk heroines. Her chemistry with the crowd was undeniable, and her inclusion for the final leg of the tour was a perfect fit, amping up the energy early on.
Simple Plan took the stage next, delivering a setlist packed with pop-punk classics that catapulted the audience back to the early 2000s. Starting strong with "I'd Do Anything" and "Shut Up!," the band had the crowd bouncing, reliving their rebellious teenage years. A surprise highlight came when Fefe Dobson rejoined the stage for a duet on "Jet Lag," their voices blending effortlessly, making it a standout moment. Their mashup of Smash Mouth's "All Star" and The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" added an unexpected twist of nostalgia and humour, while their rendition of "What's New Scooby-Doo?" was a playful treat, made even more memorable with a Scooby-Doo mascot dancing on stage.
The band ended on a heartfelt note, with songs like "Untitled" and "Perfect" bringing emotional depth to their set. Simple Plan knows how to balance fun and sentimentality, and they delivered a performance that was as much about celebrating their journey as it was about connecting with longtime fans. When Avril Lavigne finally hit the stage, the atmosphere in the arena shifted to a fever pitch. Starting with the infectious "Girlfriend," she immediately brought the energy to a new level, and it didn't let up from there. Lavigne, clad in her signature punk style, effortlessly moved through her catalogue of hits like "Complicated" and "Here's to Never Growing Up," each one met with cheers and a sea of fans singing every word.
The show was filled with surprises. Simple Plan joined her for a spirited cover of their own song "Addicted," with Lavigne adding her unmistakable edge to the track. Fefe Dobson then returned for a collaboration on blink-182’s "All the Small Things," a powerful, crowd-pleasing moment that showcased all three acts uniting in punk-rock harmony.
Although Lavigne's set featured shorter versions of "Hot" and "When You're Gone," the pacing kept the energy flowing. Deep cuts like "Nobody's Home" and "Losing Grip" provided a rawer, more emotional side to the night, reminding fans of Lavigne's versatility as both a performer and songwriter.
The encore, however, stole the show. Returning with "Head Above Water," Lavigne showcased the vocal power and resilience that has kept her career thriving. She closed with "I'm With You," leaving the crowd in a state of bliss, swaying with arms raised, the emotion of the night pouring out in a collective singalong.
Avril Lavigne's Greatest Hits Tour in Winnipeg was a masterclass in pop-punk nostalgia, filled with high-energy performances, emotional moments, and unforgettable collaborations. Fefe Dobson brought a fierce edge to the night, and Simple Plan was as fun and heartfelt as ever. But it was Lavigne who reminded everyone why she's still the queen of pop-punk, her voice and presence commanding the stage with every hit. Fans left the arena with hoarse voices and full hearts, a perfect end to a tour that celebrated not only Lavigne's greatest hits but an era of music that defined a generation.
Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.