Pop-punk music is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, and two of the most influential bands from the genre’s early 2000s peak have come together for an unforgettable celebration at the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). This event showcases the enduring appeal of pop-punk, capturing the hearts of both old fans and new listeners alike.
Avril Lavigne took center stage as the headliner on the iconic main stage set against the historical backdrop of the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City on a vibrant Friday night (July 4), thrilling over 80,000 enthusiastic fans. This spectacular performance also marked the grand finale of her Greatest Hits Tour, which she co-headlined with fellow Canadian band Simple Plan. The event was a remarkable celebration of their shared history and the impact they’ve had on the pop-punk genre.
The two bands recently unveiled an exciting collaborative track titled “Young and Dumb,” which poignantly reflects on their peak years in 2002 through the lens of their current experiences. During their electrifying performance at FEQ, they delighted the audience by playing this nostalgic anthem. They invited a diverse group of fans onto the stage, including young children and dedicated followers who have supported them for over two decades, and generously gifted each of them with signed Avril Lavigne skateboards, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia.
As this was their final show together, Lavigne invited Simple Plan to remain on stage a bit longer, creating a special moment for fans. They decided to honor another legendary pop-punk band that significantly influenced both of their careers: blink-182. Together, they passionately performed a cover of one of blink-182’s most beloved hits, “All The Small Things,” which had the crowd singing along in unison, celebrating the enduring legacy of pop-punk music.
Lavigne has been actively collaborating on cover songs recently, notably reuniting with her ex-husband Deryck Whibley for a memorable performance of Sum 41’s “In Too Deep” during a recent Warped Tour event. These collaborations showcase her dedication to maintaining connections within the pop-punk community and celebrating the genre’s rich history.
While the mall-set teenage angst and intense emotions of the early 2000s pop-punk boom felt incredibly dramatic to the teenagers of that era, Lavigne has begun to embrace the campy charm of the music, highlighting its playful aspects. This evolution reflects not only her personal growth but also the shifting dynamics within the pop-punk genre as it continues to evolve.
Many fans, now in their late 30s or early 40s like Lavigne herself, arrived dressed in her iconic “Complicated” era black eyeliner and necktie ensemble. Lavigne dazzled the audience with a shimmering green guitar during her performances of timeless hits such as “My Happy Ending.” She raised a celebratory toast to teenagers, adults, and even “adults who still act like teenagers” during her anthem “Here’s to Never Growing Up,” leading enthusiastic sing-alongs of classics like “Sk8er Boi.” Additionally, she took a moment to express her pride in her hometown of Napanee, Ontario.
While Lavigne may not exhibit the same level of animated stage presence as she once did, her extensive catalog of hits kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout the show. During songs like “What the Hell,” she took the opportunity to showcase her impressive vocal abilities, reminding everyone that beneath the catchy pop hits, she has always possessed a remarkable voice capable of captivating listeners.
In their earlier set, Simple Plan energized the audience with their dynamic performance. Hailing from Montreal, they embraced the unique opportunity to connect with their Quebecois fans by conducting most of their stage banter in French. They also brought rising Quebec singer Claudia Bouvette on stage for their bilingual rendition of “Jet Lag,” originally a duet with Marie-Mai, showcasing the band’s commitment to celebrating local talent.
Lead singer Pierre Bouvier sported a playful shirt that read “I’m Just a Kid,” with “Kid” crossed out and replaced with “Adult,” perfectly encapsulating the fun spirit of their music. They leaned into the playful aspect of their catchy tunes, even breaking out into their What’s New Scooby-Doo? theme song while fans dressed in Scooby-Doo costumes danced around them. The band delighted the crowd with their own crowd-pleasing covers, offering their unique spin on Smash Mouth’s “All Star” and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” At one memorable moment, Bouvier switched places with drummer Chuck Comeau, diving into the audience to crowd-surf, creating a thrilling experience for fans.
The atmosphere felt reminiscent of the vibrant energy of 2002, transporting fans back to the height of the pop-punk era.
This article was originally published on Billboard Canada.
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