Josephine Best
Photographer and music journalist based in South West London. Coffee, wine and music enthusiast.
A pop-punk fantasy night filled of nostalgia as Avril Lavigne took on the first evening of Bedford Summer Sessions
On Saturday we headed up to Bedford to witness Avril Lavigne deliver a powerhouse performance that celebrated her iconic discography following the release of her ‘Greatest Hits’ album. Supported by Phem and The Lottery Winners, the evening was a masterclass in pop-punk nostalgia.
Avril Lavigne’s entrance was nothing short of spectacular. Catching everyone off guard and opening with the explosive ‘Girlfriend‘, she set the bar high from the get-go. The crowd, a diverse mix of longtime fans and younger admirers were instantly transported back to the early 2000s.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through her greatest hits, a nod to her recently released album and ongoing Greatest Hits Tour. From iconic throwbacks like ‘What The Hell’ and ‘Complicated’, to some slightly new tracks like ‘Bite Me’, every song was met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, just when you thought she had played all her hits, there was more.
Dressed in her signature punk-inspired attire, Lavigne was every bit the rock star we all grew up idolising. Her energy was contagious as she bounced around the stage, wielding her guitar with the same rebellious spirit that made her a household name. The band backing her was impeccable, delivering the hard-hitting sound that fans have come to expect from her live shows. Throughout her set, Lavigne’s rapport with the crowd was genuine and heartfelt as she expressed gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support over the years.
The standout moment of the night had to be when Lavigne asked “I’ve got a little question for you…Where are my skater boys at?!” which turned the entire park feral, everyone, including myself screaming as she broke into one of her most iconic tracks of all time. ‘Sk8ter Boi’ the infectious pop-punk anthem had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. It was a true testament to Lavigne’s enduring appeal and the timelessness of her music. Everyone in attendance was truly living their pop-punk princess fantasy.
As the night drew to a close with an emotional rollercoaster of an encore, it was clear that Avril Lavigne had not only met but exceeded expectations. Her ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance made for a memorable performance that resonated with fans old and new. The evening was a triumphant celebration of her career and a testament to the enduring power of rock and alternative music. For those lucky enough to attend, it was a nostalgic night to remember.
Verdict: 🖤🩷🖤🩷🖤
Setlist:
- Girlfriend
- What The Hell
- Complicated
- Smile
- Here’s To Never Growing Up
- Hot
- My Happy Ending
- He Wasn’t
- Don’t Tell Me
- Losing Grip
- All The Small Things (Blink 182 Cover)
- Love It When You Hate Me
- Bite Me
- Sk8ter Boi
- Head Above Water
- When You’re Gone
- I’m With You
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