Avril Lavigne, Boys Like Girls play Philips

Things to Do

Avril Lavigne, Boys Like Girls play Philips

Avril Lavigne brings her Best Damn Tour to a modestly full Philips Arena in Atlanta on Friday, April 18 with opening act Boys Like Girls..

Avril Lavigne brought her Best Damn Tour to a modestly full Philips Arena Friday night with opening act Boys Like Girls.

Born on Sept. 27, 1984, in the small Canadian town of Belleville, Ontario, Avril Ramona Lavigne was writing songs and playing guitar by her early teens. Arista president Antonio 'L.A.' Reid offered her a record deal at age 16.

Avril Lavigne opens the concert with the hit 'Girlfriend.' She has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

The singer, guitarist, actress and model was recently ranked No. 7 in the Forbes 'Top 20 Earners Under 25,' with an annual earnings of $12 million.

Atlanta's Butch Walker has produced some of Avril's records.

Avril Lavigne made her film debut in the animated film 'Over the Hedge, 'which is based on the comic strip of same name. She worked alongside William Shatner, Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte and Steve Carell. She is also acting in the Richard Gere film 'The Flock, 'as the girlfriend of a crime suspect, and her third project was 'Fast Food Nation,' based on her favorite book.

Lavigne made a cameo in the film Going the Distance and also appeared in an episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, performing "Sk8er Boi" with her band.

In Avril's official MySpace page, she affirms that her music genre is Pop/Punk/Rock; but All Music Guide and other reviewers consider her 'Punk, Punk-pop, Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Alternative Pop-Rock, Modern Rock and Post-Grunge.' The reason for the confusion appears to be for her punk-like appearance, however, she has frequently stated that she's 'not punk,' and that she never claimed to be.

Avril Lavigne has a star tattooed on the inside of her left wrist that matches the style of the one used for her first album artwork. It was created at the same time as friend and musical associate Ben Moody's identical tattoo. In late 2004, she had a small pink heart-shaped tattoo featuring the letter 'D' applied to her right wrist, which represents her husband Deryck Whibley, from the band Sum 41.

Avril Lavigne has been involved in a number of charities, such as Make Some Noise Amnesty International, AmericanCPR.org, Camp Will-a-Way, Music Clearing Minefields, U.S. Campaign for Burma, Make-a-Wish Foundation and War Child. She has also appeared in ALDO ads with YouthAIDS to raise money to educate people worldwide about HIV/AIDS.

Singer-guitarist Martin Johnson fronts pop rockers Boys Like Girls, who hail from Andover, Mass.

Boys Like Girls lists its musical influences as a variety of contemporary pop punk bands, such as Jimmy Eat World, Story of the Year, Relient K, The Academy Is .... , Kelena and Dashboard Confessional. They even find influences in the post hardcore band Atreyu.

Driving from Peachtree City to the Philips Arena concert Friday were Payton Rye (left), Payton Single and her mom, Rebecca Single.

Upcoming Philips Arena shows include Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Katt Williams and George Michael.

Alex Meyer (left) and Chelsey Kitchens get ready for Avril Lavigne to hit the stage.

Avril Lavigne and Boys Like Girls rocked Philips Arena Friday evening.

1/16

Avril Lavigne brought her Best Damn Tour to a modestly full Philips Arena Friday night with opening act Boys Like Girls.

Today's Gallery Headlines

404Ward Hills4ATL

PHOTOS: Hills4ATL builds community at Piedmont Park, one hill at a time

Stone Mountain Easter sunrise service

PHOTOS: Stone Mountain Easter Sunrise Service

The Center tour

PHOTOS: An early look at CNN Center's redevelopment in downtown Atlanta

Wayfair Tour

PHOTOS: Wayfair opens first Atlanta store

More Galleries

the weeknd

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park