(Photo Credit: Amanda Butera)
On June 12, 2025, Avril Lavigne brought her Greatest Hits Tour to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, St. Louis, delivering a high-energy, nostalgia-packed performance that had fans of all ages singing along. With special guests Simple Plan and We The Kings warming up the crowd, the night was a pop-punk time capsule that proved Lavigne’s enduring appeal.
The Venue and Vibe
The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, freshly upgraded for the 2025 season, set the stage for a vibrant evening. Despite some pre-show traffic snarls—a common complaint for this venue—the staff were friendly, concessions were efficient, and the newly renovated restrooms sparkled. The lawn seats offered a relaxed vibe, perfect for millennial parents with kids in tow and Gen Z fans rocking skater-chic outfits inspired by Lavigne’s early 2000s style. The amphitheater’s open-air setup was ideal for a warm June night, though a few fans noted the sound mix was slightly off during quieter moments, echoing feedback from other tour stops.
Opening Acts: Simple Plan and We The Kings
We The Kings kicked things off with their infectious energy, getting the crowd clapping and jumping to hits like “Check Yes Juliet.” Lead singer Travis Clark’s playful banter, including a nod to their viral “Shrek Yes Juliet” merch, had everyone laughing. Their set was a perfect warm-up, though some lesser-known tracks didn’t land as strongly with the casual fans.
Simple Plan followed, transporting the audience back to 2002 with anthems like “I’m Just a Kid” and “Welcome to My Life.” Their tight performance and genuine excitement—especially when they joined Lavigne later for a surprise duet on “Young & Dumb”—had even the lawn crowd bouncing. For many, seeing Simple Plan live was a bucket-list moment, and they didn’t disappoint.
Avril Lavigne: The Pop-Punk Queen
When Lavigne took the stage around 9 p.m., the amphitheater erupted. Emerging on a platform styled like a wall of amps, she sported her signature goth-jock look: a black hoodie with pink skull accents and a pleated skirt. Opening with the explosive “Girlfriend,” she had the crowd screaming every word, with pink confetti cannons adding to the chaos.
The setlist was a masterclass in nostalgia, packed with hits like “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “My Happy Ending,” and “What the Hell.” Each song felt fresh yet timeless, with Lavigne’s voice sounding as raw and powerful as it did two decades ago. She swayed effortlessly on stage, engaging the crowd with stories about her teenage years and her rise to fame, which added a personal touch. A highlight was her guitar-driven performance of “Bite Me,” where she channeled her rebellious energy, and the giant orange and black balloons from her Love Sux era bouncing through the crowd were a fun touch.
Lavigne’s connection with the audience was undeniable. She called out to the “over-30” crowd, joking, “Tonight, we’re 17 again!” The roar from millennials was deafening, but younger fans were just as enthusiastic, proving her cross-generational appeal. A playful moment came when her band donned “Scooby-Doo” costumes during a medley, a quirky nod to her pop culture roots that had everyone grinning.
Standout Moments and Minor Hiccups
The emotional peak was “I’m With You,” where Lavigne’s tender vocals silenced the chatter, and phone flashlights lit up the amphitheater. Fans on the lawn described it as a “chills” moment. Another surprise was her duet with Simple Plan on “Fake As Hell,” a high-octane collab that showcased her knack for blending old and new.
Not everything was flawless. Some fans noted sound issues during softer songs, with vocals occasionally drowned out by the band—a critique also mentioned in Vancouver reviews. The merch lines were long, and a few items, like the Let Go T-shirts, sold out early, frustrating eager buyers. Still, these were minor blips in an otherwise electric night.
Why It Worked
Lavigne’s performance was more than a nostalgia trip; it was a celebration of resilience and authenticity. At 40, she embodies the same defiant spirit that made her a teen icon, yet her softer moments showed growth. The setlist leaned heavily on Let Go and Under My Skin, but tracks from Love Sux fit seamlessly, proving she’s still evolving. The St. Louis crowd, a mix of families, longtime fans, and new converts, left buzzing, with many calling it a “millennial mom night out win” or a “dream come true” for their inner teen.
Final Verdict
Avril Lavigne’s St. Louis stop was a triumphant blend of pop-punk energy, heartfelt nostalgia, and crowd-pleasing spectacle. With Simple Plan and We The Kings as openers, the night felt like a love letter to the 2000s, but Lavigne’s charisma and vocal chops made it clear she’s no relic. Despite minor sound hiccups, the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre was the perfect backdrop for a show that left fans shouting, “Here’s to never growing up!” If you’re debating catching her on this tour, don’t—it’s so worth it.
