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Little girls were thrilled with Avril Lavigne's performance at the Patriot Center last week Date published: 11/18/2004 By EMILY GILMORE THE FREE LANCE-STAR FAIRFAX--Who cares if it was a school night? That fact didn't stop hordes of young girls--some of them looked barely old enough to know how to read--and their parents from descending on the Patriot Center last week to see Avril Lavigne perform. Ear-splitting squeals of glee greeted Lavigne as a banner depicting a fist smashing through a wall dropped to the floor to reveal her standing onstage. Lavigne strummed a white Fender Telecaster, which seemed comically large draped over her compact frame, and lit into "He Wasn't" and "My Happy Ending," both from her latest album, "Under My Skin," which was released earlier this year. The peppy pocket-size performer exhibited a solid stage presence as she sang most of the songs from both "Skin" and 2002's "Let Go." As if to silence naysayers who have criticized her for not being an actual musician, Lavigne played piano and electric and acoustic guitar at various points during the show. At other times, she perched on blocks at the front of the stage, microphone in hand, and belted out tunes with a strong voice that carried over the frantic screams of the audience members. Lavigne did best when she showed her softer side and smiled sweetly for the audience. Attempts to show off her punk-rocker cred seemed a bit ridiculous as she performed heavier, somewhat unintelligible songs and thrashed about on stage. Lavigne's encore began with opening act Butch Walker taking over vocals on a cover of Blur's "Song 2" while Lavigne played drums. The song was an interesting choice, considering half the kids in the audience were barely talking when it came out in 1997, but a second appearance by the charismatic Walker was a treat. Next came Lavigne's mega-hit "Complicated," followed by "Slipped Away," with Lavigne on piano. After a couple of waves and awkward bows, Lavigne jogged offstage, her long blond hair trailing behind. She has come under fire for putting on just as much of a façade as other pop queens, but does it really matter? Britney Spears Lavigne is not, and that's a good thing. Lavigne's exhortation to her audience members to be themselves, stand up for themselves and believe in themselves sounded more authentic than it would have coming from Spears. As a pop singer, Lavigne does everything right, just without all the flashy outfits and dance moves. She belts out her singles, she engages the audience and she even plays a bit of her own music. Even though Lavigne's actions seem calculated, and she performs as if she is trying to prove herself as a "serious artist," she's taking steps toward becoming the real deal. To reach EMILY GILMORE: 540/374-5426 egilmore@freelancestar.com
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