When big name artists roll into town, we all stop and notice.
A few weeks ago I had the chance of going to one of these “big league” shows and had a first hand look at what it takes and what it is to be a sellout artist.
Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Tour @ The Molson Amphitheatre
I have only ever been to about 4 BIG TIME shows in my life, the first one being The Spice Girls in 99, then The Backstreet boys, Justin Timberlake and now Avril Lavigne. Keep in mind that Avril is the only Canadian Mega star on that list.
Upon entering the grounds of Ontario Place the atmosphere was generally the same as all the past big shows I have attended. Rammed parking lots, herds of young fans flocking into what is most likely their first live music experience ever, line after line, after line.
When we got into the Amphitheater I was instantly aware of the million dollar marketing and sales aspect behind big league shows. It seemed as if every child had a “Best Damn Tour” t-shirt on and a $10 sticker pack wasted, stuck to their faces. To maintain the hype leading up to the show loud speakers pumped every Avril hit until the bands took the stage. (In my circle of friends we don’t listen any of a bands music the day of their show)
Watching Avril perform was really cool. Although a lot of the set and performance was scripted you could tell when she was genuinely being herself and it came across as humble which I respect. About half way through the set I started to realize just how many smash hits she has had and how many songs I was actually into.
In terms of the SPECTACLE of big time shows, The Best Damn Tour was a bit damn disappointing. When I go to these big shows it’s to be nothing more than entertained. I want my $70 worth of lights, sound, explosions, glitz, glamour and that personal feeling of being close to someone who is just larger than life. I couldn’t believe that I didn’t see one bit of fire or one explosion when the night was over which really made me realize just how sub-par the “show” was.
I mean it was just a glorified band setting like at any other show except with a lot more lights. Oh yeah and Avril had a diamond covered microphone. The highlight or lack there of was in the encore when Avril’s husband and front man of the diminished Canadian pop punk band Sum 41 joined her on stage without so much as a hello and started playing one of his bands hits from 5 years ago while Avril accompanied him on vocals.
All in all it was a good time but the lack of luster and more specifically explosions makes me wonder. How big can a Canadian mega star actually be?
