It’s been 10 years since Avril Lavigne performed a headlining tour. That certainly didn’t hinder her incredible ability to perform a stellar show at the Casino Rama Resort recently. Fresh from releasing her seventh studio album Love Sux, she kicked off her Bite Me 2022 Canada Tour to a sold-out crowd.
A last-minute addition to the bill was the all-girl Toronto-based band The Beaches. It was announced via Facebook four hours before the show that they would be performing as the supporting act. They warmed up the crowd with their many radio hits, such as Money, T- Shirt, and Want What You Got.
Singer Jordan Miller said how it was so great to be performing once again and how this was the first Canadian performance since Covid started. Keyboardist/Guitarist Leandra Earl corrected her saying it was in fact their second Canadian date, Timmons being their first. The band got a chuckle from that. “It’s so cool performing at Casino Rama, it’s like looking out onto a landing strip,” Miller quipped.
Their set lasted 45 minutes. The venue wasn’t at full capacity while they performed. But it certainly didn’t hinder their enthusiasm and energy. It’s not my first time seeing them perform, they are consistent in their ability to entertain a crowd.
At 9:15 PM sharp, the lights dropped and the now full capacity crowd roared. On the stage behind a huge curtain was a silhouette of Avril holding her huge balloons, debuting her brand new single Cannonball. With the lyrics “Like a ticking time bomb, I’m about to explode!” the curtain drops to reveal Avril, wearing a huge smile to greet the audience. Her vocals, after such a long hiatus, were above par. So much power, with little effort. The intonation was immaculate. Listening to this first song, I knew the crowd was in for an amazing night.
Avril announced that it’s been nearly 20 years since her first debut single Complicated was released. And 10 years since her last headlining tour happened. “It is so nice to be able to make this tour happen”. It brought me back to a point in time when I had first heard of Avril, in 2002. Honestly speaking, I feel like her performance would have been similar to her beginnings so many years ago. It was hard to imagine her being 37 years old, yet still looking very youthful.
She commented how there were so many familiar faces in the crowd, and that her family and friends were at this show. She also mentioned her friend Shanon bringing her curd cheese, a product not available in the states. Avril also eluded ketchup chips being a must-have while visiting.
For the song My Happy Ending, Avril dawned a guitar for this tune, however, that would not be the only instrument she would play during the evening. During the live debut of Love Sux, Avril appeared behind the drums. Although not overly proficient, it appeared that she was having a blast.
Avril spoke about it being a very special year, announcing the new album, a tour as well as being recently engaged to Mod Sun. Whom might I add, made a surprise appearance during the song I Still Burn For You. They co-wrote this song and it was fitting he was there to perform with her.
Throughout the evening huge balls were bouncing throughout the crowd. At one point Avril batted a ball with her mic and chuckled. She was certainly enjoying the moment.
The prequel to Sk8ter Boi had Avril asking “Where are my Sk8ter Bois at? Where are my Sk8ter Girls at? On the count of three Jump!” And with that, she started the award-winning Much Music Peoples Choice Award (2008) song Sk8ter Boi.
After performing a 14-song set, Avril left the stage. With a moment of darkness, the band reappeared for the encore and on the huge video montage, played a clip featuring Avril underwater. It was an instrumental version of the video Head Above Water. This lasted a few minutes, then Avril returned to the stage, wearing a different outfit to finish off the show. While performing this song, the venue lit up. The fans swayed their cell phone flashlights to the emotion of the song.
To wrap up the show, she performed the song I’m With You. I was kind of surprised to see her take this direction as a show ender. Walking into the show I would have thought either Complicated, Sk8ter Boi, or My Happy Ending would have been the finale. I was way off! Halfway through the last song, without a prompt from Avril, the crowd took over the song. She just stood there, obviously taking it all in. Probably reliving that feeling from performing live again.
Talk about an amazing performance. From the incredible talent to the stage setup and video montage. It checked all the boxes for a fantastic time. The sold-out crowd loved the show, and we were fortunate to be able to witness her great comeback. If I could rate the show, it would easily be an 11/10. There are two more Toronto shows scheduled in the next two months. If you have not already bought your tickets, I would advise doing so. Smash this BUTTON to get yours now. You will absolutely not be disappointed.
For the full setlist click HERE.
A special thanks to Casino Rama for the accreditation.
Connect with The Beaches online: WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
Connect with Avril Lavigne online: WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
All images are ©Sue Hebert Sadzak 2022 . Please do not copy or use without consent.
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