A female skateboard enthusiast longer identifies as Avril Lavigne
Around two decades ago, the music scene saw a significant shift with Avril Lavigne from Canada making her mark. At just 17, this pop-punk singer with a distinctive style, characterized by her baggy pants, tie, and skateboard, was turning heads. Now, she's celebrating her 40th birthday.
The year 2002 was a notable one for female artists: Norah Jones was enchanting audiences with her smooth jazz renditions, Shania Twain was effortlessly dominating the country-pop genre, and Christina Aguilera was transitioning away from teen pop with the edgier "Stripped". Yet, amidst this, a young Canadian woman with long straight hair and an oversized wardrobe was making her mark in the industry with her raw attitude and unapologetic music: Avril Lavigne.
Her debut album, "Let Go", released in 2002, became a hit, with "Complicated", "Sk8er Boi", and "I'm with You" as its notable singles. It has been over 22 years since its release, and Lavigne turns 40 on September 27.
Lavigne's success can be attributed to her infectious tunes as well as her unique persona. She was marketed to the public as a rebellious skater girl, dressing in oversized clothes, ties, and carrying a skateboard. Her music, largely about love, self-expression, and the quest for home, resonated with her young audience. Moreover, the media has always been intrigued by the sensational details of her personal life.
A series of marriages and divorces
Her first marriage was to Deryck Whibley, the lead singer of Sum 41, a band known for their credible punk attitude. Whibley had to endure "Avril is annoying" signs at his concerts and accusations of genre sell-out. Despite this, they tied the knot in 2006, with Whibley being 26 and Lavigne 21.
Whibley, in a recent interview with "GQ", shared his perspective on their marriage, saying, "I still felt like a suburban Toronto teenager back then. But the Canadian press treated it like a royal wedding." Their busy schedules led to a strained marriage, and they parted ways after four years.
Subsequently, Lavigne had a two-year relationship with Kim Kardashian's stepbrother. Following this, she married Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. They married in the summer of 2013, having collaborated on music the previous year.
However, this marriage also didn't survive, and Lavigne announced their separation on Instagram two years later: "Not only have we created incredible moments through marriage, but also through music. We remain the best of friends and will stay so forever." Indeed, they continue to work together on music projects.
Overcoming health challenges
Lavigne's life has been relatively quiet lately, which can be attributed to medical reasons. In 2014, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, an infection that can affect the nervous system and joints. During this period, she often felt fatigued and too weak to even shower, she later revealed to "People" magazine. "I thought I was dying. It felt like all the life was being drained out of me," she said. It took her five years to release her comeback album, "Head Above Water", and return to the limelight.
Today, Lavigne looks back on seven studio albums and a recently completed "Greatest Hits" tour. She has launched three perfumes, started her own fashion label, and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
After her last tour concert, Lavigne posted a photo on Instagram with thousands of fans, accompanied by a caption that embodies her resilience: "I've been on the road for so long in my life," it reads, "but at the end of every tour, I realize how special this is, how many people it takes to make my vision a reality - and how much I'm looking forward to the next time."
In the midst of her successful music career, Avril Lavigne faced a major health challenge when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014. Despite the illness, she continued to create music and released her comeback album, "Head Above Water", five years later.
Lavigne's music career has been marked by numerous milestones, including seven studio albums, a "Greatest Hits" tour, and launching her own fashion label. Her resilience and passion for music are evident in her Instagram posts, expressing her excitement for future tours and collaborations.
