The Greatest Hits Tour is the ongoing eighth concert tour by Canadian recording artist Avril Lavigne. It began on May 22, 2024, in Vancouver, Canada, and is set to conclude on September 18, 2024, in Calgary, Canada. Designed to promote Lavigne's discography, the majority of concerts on the Greatest Hits Tour will take place in North America, while her European dates will primarily consist of festival appearances.[1]
| Promotional tour by Avril Lavigne | |
 Promotional poster for the tour | |
| Location |
|
|---|---|
| Associated album | Greatest Hits |
| Start date | May 22, 2024 |
| End date | September 18, 2024 |
| Legs | 3 |
| No. of shows | 45 |
| Supporting acts | |
| Website | avrillavigne |
| Avril Lavigne concert chronology | |
Background
During 2022 and 2023, Lavigne embarked on her Love Sux Tour, promoting her seventh studio album Love Sux (2022). This tour spanned across Asia, Europe, North America and South America.[2] At the end of 2023, Lavigne revealed a series of European festival dates, accompanied by select stand-alone concerts including performances in Pula, Croatia and Cardiff, Wales.[3] In January 2024, she announced a lineup of tour dates across the United States and Canada, officially naming the tour the Greatest Hits Tour.[4]
Critical reception
North America
For the opening show of the Greatest Hits tour, the Vancouver Sun's Stuart Derdeyn praised the performance for delivering a high-energy, nostalgia-filled experience that delighted longtime fans.[5] He noted that Lavigne "really did deliver all hits and no filler", and described the show as "the kind of legacy act showcase that will paste smiles on the faces of her now 40-something fans".[5] Reviewing the same opening night in Vancouver, Alyson Eng of BroadwayWorld commended Lavigne's vocal performance and nostalgic appeal, though she mentioned some technical issues with the sound.[6] Eng observed that despite these problems, the concert was "a powerful testament to Lavigne's enduring connection with her fans".[6] The first concert also received praise from Caroline Charruyer of Canadian Beats, noted that the "setlist was well-curated," with songs that "showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth." Charruyer described the event as a celebration not only of the artist's greatest hits but also of "the remarkable journey of an artist who has remained true to herself." Each song was met with "enthusiastic cheers and fervent sing-alongs," and the crowd "erupted in thunderous ovation." She characterized the concert as "a triumphant celebration of her career, filled with nostalgia, emotion, and pure rock energy," making it "a night to remember for all in attendance."[7]
Reviewing the Mountain View concert, Jim Harrington of the The Mercury News highlighted Lavigne's strong vocals and engaging stage presence, noting that the show featured "unfussy pop-punk pretty much from start to finish" and was well-received by the crowd of longtime fans.[8] Santiago Hernandez of Out Magazine also praised Lavigne for her high-energy performance and nostalgic appeal, noting that "there's something magical about an entire stadium screaming a 22-year-old song".[9] Kat Sophia of Santa Barbara Independent also praised Lavigne's energy and nostalgic performance, noting that "highlights like "My Happy Ending", "I'm With You" and "Sk8er Boi" lit up the energy in the venue in a palpable manner".[10] Conversely, Gabe Lehman of SFGate observed that while the audience was enthusiastic and fully committed to the pop-punk vibe, Lavigne's energy did not match that of her fans, making parts of the performance feel like "Avril Lavigne karaoke".[11] Mike DeWald of Riff Magazine, also praised Avril Lavigne's Mountain View Shoreline show, stating that she "is in the midst of a renaissance" and her Greatest Hits tour is "a smashing success". He lauded the production, noting that "it felt like a spectacle," and highlighted her interaction with the crowd. DeWald emphasized that her "biggest strengths are the songs and her voice." He also mentioned how Lavigne "thanked fans for their support over the years and reflected on her humble beginnings" multiple times during the concert. Additionally, he observed that Lavigne now appears more comfortable on stage than in her previous concerts: "Lavigne looked more at ease interacting with the crowd; before, she was more awkward."[12]
Europe
Commenting on her first concert of the European leg of the tour at the Rock for People festival in Hradec Králové, Ondřej Hricko from Music Server praised Lavigne's vocal performance, noting that she "handled the concert vocally excellently" and lauded how she established a welcomed female counterpart amidst the predominantly male headliners.[13] He further explains how she maintained a strong connection with the audience and showcased her charisma.[13] Šárka Hellerová from Headliner praised Lavigne for delivering what fans expected.[14] She further explains how Lavigne's second encore created an emotional moment, saying, "I watched some fans singing with all their hearts".[14] However, others remarked on her getting out of breath easily and leaving the stage for an extended break.[15][16]
Reviewing Lavigne's debut concert in Croatia, critics highlighted the memorable and nostalgic experience delivered by singer.[17][18] Marko Bratoš of Glazba.hr praised the performance, emphasizing the powerful connection between Lavigne and her fans. Bratoš noted, "Nostalgia has rarely managed to disrupt reason and bring a huge silly smile to one's face as it did last night at the Arena".[17] He also mentioned that the show was filled with energy and excitement, with Lavigne's strong vocal performance and infectious enthusiasm impressing the audience.[17] Barbara Ban of Jutarnji list further lauded Lavigne's concert, noting that "the performance in Pula was a significant event for Croatian fans".[18] Juraj Dukić Hrvoić of Sound Guardian echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impressive setlist and visual presentation. Dukić Hrvoić commented, "The concert was an unforgettable blend of nostalgia and high energy", with Lavigne captivating the audience both visually and vocally.[19] Emanuela Plišić of Music Box further confirmed these sentiments, praising Lavigne for her ability to engage and energize the audience.[20]
Set list
The following set list was taken from the show in Vancouver on May 22, 2024. It does not represent all shows throughout the tour.[21]
- "Girlfriend"
- "What the Hell"
- "Complicated"
- "Smile"
- "Here's to Never Growing Up"
- "My Happy Ending"
- "He Wasn't"
- "Don't Tell Me"
- "When You're Gone"
- "Fake as Hell" (All Time Low cover with All Time Low)
- "Bite Me"
- "Love It When You Hate Me"
- "Sk8er Boi"
- Encore
- "Head Above Water"
- "I'm with You"
Notes
- Starting with the second concert in Auburn on May 25, 2024, "Hot" and "Losing Grip" were added to the set list.[22]
- During the Mountain View concert on May 28, 2024, "The Best Damn Thing" was performed.[8]
- During the Las Vegas concert on June 1, 2024, Deryck Whibley joined Lavigne for a cover of Sum 41's "In Too Deep", performed instead of "Smile" as part of the setlist.[23][24]
- During the Pula, Croatia concert on June 17, 2024, Lavigne performed a cover of Blink-182's "All the Small Things".[25]