Avril Lavigne
By: Lori Smerilson Carson
She was only in her mid-teens when she entered the music scene and completely took it by storm. In 2002, Singer/Songwriter Avril Lavigne released her debut album Let Go which ended up selling over sixteen million copies and spawned hit singles “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi”. She continued to release hit singles and albums racking up more sales in the millions, as well as receiving several accolades which included winning three American Music Awards and eight Grammy nominations. Now, Lavigne has released a GREATEST HITS album and is taking these fans favorites on tour. Florida fans have the opportunity to see her shows on June 20th in Tampa at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, on June 21st in Hollywood at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and on June 23rd in Jacksonville at Daily’s Place.
Lavigne took the time to catch up with SFL Music Magazine just prior to her tour where she revealed some details about her new show, her music, a bit about her past, and what fans can look forward to.
SFL Music Magazine: What can fans look forward to with the new upcoming shows in Tampa, Hollywood and Jacksonville?
Avril Lavigne: This tour is an extension of my Greatest Hits Tour last year. I am so grateful to have a full setlist of hits and fans can look forward to hearing all of their favorites from the last 20+ years. Plus, I have added a more stripped-back, acoustic storytelling section, which has become a fan favorite. I am also performing my new song “Young & Dumb” every night which features Simple Plan, who are supporting me out on the road so of course I’ll bring them out for that!
SFL Music Magazine: Your Greatest Hits album (Greatest Hits) was released in June 2024. What inspired you to make this album?
Lavigne: My seventh studio album Love Sux was released in 2022 and around that time, my debut album had its 20th anniversary. With these two big milestones happening very close together, I began reflecting on my 20+ years in music and my career as a whole. I had the realization that I need to do a Greatest Hits album when I was looking at my setlist from a show that year and realized “wow, every single song here is a hit” which is something that I wanted since the beginning so I thought, what better way to celebrate that then to do the album and couple it with a show.
SFL Music Magazine: What would you say inspires your music in general?
Lavigne: I usually write about what I am going through, my lived experiences, and my thoughts and feelings around those things. I have always loved writing songs because they offered me an outlet to express myself.
SFL Music Magazine: What inspired you to become a musician? I read that your parents were very encouraging.
Lavigne: Since a young age, I have always loved performing, and my parents were super encouraging. I am always so thankful that my mom saw how much I wanted to be in the church chorus, and though I was too young, she convinced them to let me join. I think I always loved that when I performed, it seemed to spark joy in those around me, and that really inspired me to become a musician.
SFL Music Magazine: You have a lot of accolades. You’ve been nominated and have won many awards over the years. What would you say attributes to your success and longevity?
Lavigne: I have always stayed authentic to who I am in all aspects of my life. My songs resonate with people because I write about universal experiences that you can relate to whether you were born in 2002 or 2025. It is these universal themes that have allowed me to have long-term success, and it’s really great at my shows you see so many parents with their kids and they're both singing along at the top of their lungs.
SFL Music Magazine: What would you recommend to an up-and-coming musician?
Lavigne: Find a team who believes in you and doesn't want to change you. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was so lucky that those who first signed me didn’t pressure me to change who I was.
SFL Music Magazine: I read you played hockey in high school. Do you still play or participate in other sports or work out routines? Also, who would you like to see win the Stanley Cup?
Lavigne: I get 90 minutes of straight cardio every night – Ha! When not on the road, I lead a pretty active lifestyle where I like to go paddleboarding, walk on the beach, and stick to a workout routine. I have played hockey my whole life, and I learned to skate at a very young age! Since the Toronto Maple Leafs are out of course, I have to root for the Oilers.
SFL Music Magazine: Are there any upcoming music projects or videos for fans to look forward to?
Lavigne: I just put out a song, “77” with Billy Idol, which was such an incredible experience; we are both on our own tours right now. I am a huge fan of country music, and at the end of last year, I put out a song with Nate Smith called “Can You Die From a Broken Heart” which you can hear now on country radio. I have a couple more features this year, and then I am ready to dive into my own next chapter. I have some big goals not only in music but also in other creative fields, and I am excited to get home and make a plan to get them all accomplished.
