Avril Lavigne turns back the clock at Boston Calling 2025

Pop-punk sensation Avril Lavigne delivered an electrifying performance on Day 2 of Boston Calling 2025, holding court during the penultimate set of the night on the Green Stage.

Lavigne’s return to the festival was highly anticipated by fans, many of whom still remember her standout appearance at the festival in 2022.

“It’s incredible to be back!” she said to the screaming crowd. “I love Boston so much, we always have the best [expletive] shows here.”

This year, Lavigne once again took fans on a nostalgic journey through her biggest hits, starting off strong with “Girlfriend,” “What The Hell,” and “Complicated.” Lavigne played back-to-back bangers, including newer songs from across her discography, like “Here’s to Never Growing Up,” before tossing it back to the 2000s.

Her energy was contagious, with the crowd singing, head-banging, and dancing along throughout the set. For “My Happy Ending,” Avril brought out a slime green guitar to play alongside her bandmates. 

Her performance showcased not just her enduring charisma but also her ability to connect across generations: Longtime fans and newbies, young and old alike, eagerly sang along to her lyrics.

In her 2022 Boston Calling appearance, Lavigne surprised the audience with a guest performance by rapper MOD SUN for their duet “Flames.” This time around, Lavigne brought out fellow Boston Calling performer Alex Gaskarth — the lead guitarist of All Time Low — for their new song together, “Fake As Hell.”

Lavigne’s solo command of the stage was more than enough to keep the audience captivated. The crowd went wild as  “Sk8er Boi” began, with Lavigne asking “Sk8er bois” and girls in the audience to sing along.

Lavigne ended her set with a powerful rendition of “I’m With You,” drawing cheers and scream-singing from longtime fans – and wishing Boston farewell before leaving the stage.

Lavigne’s Boston Calling set felt like a celebration of the Canadian’s legacy and her ongoing relevance in the music scene. With her signature pop-punk flair and rebellious charm, Lavigne reminded everyone why she remains a beloved icon.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.