The Canadian pop rock star opened this year’s Sounds of the City series with a spectacular show in Manchester.
Last night, Avril Lavigne brought her signature pop punk energy to Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, marking the start of this year’s Sounds of the City concert series. The iconic Canadian singer, celebrated for her early 2000s hits, delivered a dynamic set that thrilled the crowd and showcased her enduring appeal.
A Night of Iconic Hits
Avril opened her performance with the high-energy track Girlfriend, immediately igniting the atmosphere. Dressed in a tartan skirt, fishnet tights, and a black and red jacket reminiscent of her early career style, she took the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, including Complicated, Sk8er Boi, My Happy Ending, and What the Hell.
The singer paused during her set to reflect on her long-standing connection with UK audiences. Before performing Losing Grip from her debut album Let Go, she asked the crowd, “Does anyone out there still have a copy of my first album?” The enthusiastic cheers that followed proved her fans’ deep-rooted admiration for her music.
A Career Worth Celebrating
Now 39 years old, Avril remains a defining figure in pop rock. Her debut album, Let Go, not only earned five Grammy nominations but also achieved multi-platinum status in the UK, making her the youngest female solo artist to reach Number One on the charts at just 17.
The Castlefield Bowl crowd also celebrated her other achievements, including her triple-platinum album Under My Skin, the double-platinum The Best Damn Thing, and her most recent work, Love Sux, which features collaborations with Machine Gun Kelly and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182.
Support from Simple Plan
Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, Canadian rock band Simple Plan performed as the opening act. Best known for their early-2000s hits such as Perfect and I’m Just a Kid, the band delivered a lively set that warmed up the crowd before Avril’s headline performance. Their inclusion in the show was a fitting tribute to the era that defined both acts.
Highlights from the Setlist
Fans were treated to a mix of Avril’s greatest hits and fan favorites, with the setlist closely mirroring her recent shows. The night featured standout performances of tracks like:
- Girlfriend
- Complicated
- Smile
- Here’s to Never Growing Up
- He Wasn’t
- My Happy Ending
- Sk8er Boi
Every song was met with thunderous applause, as the crowd sang along to the anthems that have defined multiple generations.
A Memorable Start to Sounds of the City
Avril’s performance set the bar high for this year’s Sounds of the City series, which will continue with headline acts such as Manic Street Preachers, Fatboy Slim, Jungle, and Tom Grennan in the coming weeks. The Castlefield Bowl’s open-air setting provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia.
As the lights dimmed and the final chords of Sk8er Boi rang out, the audience left with a sense of joy and connection, knowing they had witnessed a masterclass in pop rock from one of the genre’s most beloved icons.