Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits Tour electrified a packed crowd at Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre on Saturday night, delivering a nostalgic, hit-filled performance that had fans singing along from start to finish.

The eight-time Grammy nominated and diamond-certified singer kicked off the Canadian leg of her 2024 tour with a sold-out show, leaving no seat empty and no fan disappointed. The atmosphere was electric even before the show began, with fans pouring into the arena as early as 6 p.m., eager to catch a glimpse of the pop-punk icon.

Lavigne’s performance was part of her 27 date North American headline tour, Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits, produced by Live Nation. Her setlist promised some of the biggest hits from her two-decade career, including chart-toppers such as “Complicated,” “Girlfriend,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “Here’s To Never Growing Up.”

By the time she hit the stage, it was clear that Winnipeg was ready to relive the early 2000s in all their pop-punk glory.

However, before Lavigne took the stage, the crowd was treated to opening acts by Fefe Dobson and Simple Plan. Dobson, whose own career spans nearly two decades, brought out some old-school hits like “Bye Bye Boyfriend” and “Take Me Away.”

Though Dobson’s set sparked some nostalgic moments for a few fans, it didn’t fully ignite the crowd. The energy seemed to lag, especially as Dobson’s face was rarely seen on the venue’s big screens, and the stage design left much to be desired.

Simple Plan, on the other hand, managed to turn things around. The Canadian rock band, well-known for hits like “I’m Just a Kid” and “Perfect,” brought the energy of a mini-concert to their performance. The crowd roared as the band took them on a trip down memory lane, their upbeat sound filling the arena with palpable excitement.

“I’m Just a Kid,” a song that recently found new life as a viral TikTok trend, had the crowd on their feet and belting out lyrics. The nostalgia was undeniable, and the band made sure their final night on tour with Lavigne was unforgettable.

Still, despite Simple Plan’s energetic set, the production value was notably less than Lavigne’s. Both Dobson and Simple Plan’s performances felt like they were operating on a lower budget, with minimal visuals to fully engage the audience. The opening acts were enjoyable, but the real anticipation was for Lavigne herself.

After a bit of a wait, Lavigne finally made her grand entrance at 9:10 p.m. — a little later than expected, given the show’s 10 p.m. scheduled end. The delay did little to dampen the crowd’s excitement, and as soon as the opening notes of “Girlfriend” blasted through the speakers, the audience erupted.

Lavigne wasted no time diving into her most iconic tracks.

After “Girlfriend,” she powered through “What The Hell” and “Complicated,” setting the tone for the night as a celebration of her biggest hits. The crowd, ranging from longtime fans to new listeners, responded with enthusiasm, shouting along to every word. There was a palpable sense of joy in the air as Lavigne performed the songs that defined many audience members’ teenage years.

The set design for Lavigne’s performance was a noticeable step up from the openers, with vibrant visuals, fun videos, and an array of effects like confetti and balloons filling the stage between songs. These elements allowed for seamless set changes and kept the momentum going throughout the evening. The stage became a visual feast, complementing the music and giving the concert a polished, professional feel that had been lacking earlier in the night.

One of the standout moments of the evening came toward the end of Lavigne’s set when she invited both Dobson and Simple Plan back on stage for one final song. It was a true collaboration, with all three acts coming together to deliver a high-energy performance that felt like a fitting farewell to Simple Plan, who were performing their last show of the tour with Lavigne. The band members even brought up three lucky fans from the audience to meet their favorite artists, adding an intimate touch to the night.

Lavigne then closed out her main set with a powerful rendition of “Sk8er Boi,” leaving the crowd roaring for more. Though it seemed like the concert had come to an end, the show wasn’t quite over yet. A video played on the screens, showing Lavigne clothed in white, surrounded by water. The video appeared to symbolize a rebirth, and when Lavigne reappeared on stage, dressed in white, the audience knew they were in for a treat.

She performed “Head Above Water,” a newer song that brought the emotional energy in the arena to a high. The performance was both heartfelt and deeply resonant, showing a more vulnerable side of Lavigne that contrasted with the playful pop-punk anthems she had been belting out all night. The crowd, many of whom were visibly moved, swayed along to the ballad.

Finally, Lavigne ended the night with “I’m With You,” one of her most beloved hits. It was a perfect closer, with the audience singing along in unison. Though the concert ran overtime, wrapping up at around 10:30 p.m., most fans didn’t seem to mind. Lavigne had delivered a full-circle experience, blending nostalgia with her newer material in a way that felt cohesive and satisfying.

In the end, the night felt like a three-part mini concert, with Dobson and Simple Plan serving as appetizers to Lavigne’s main course. Despite the early technical hiccups, the concert’s latter half more than made up for it, proving that Avril Lavigne remains a force to be reckoned with on stage.