Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne has made her mark on music since kicking off her career with her debut studio album, Let Go. After this became the best-selling album by a Canadian artist in the 2000s, Lavigne’s name became increasingly well-known.
Kelly Osbourne and Avril Lavigne during the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 28, 2003 (Credit: WENN)
This artist paved the way for development in the pop-punk genre, inspiring more female-inclusive pop-punk music as we delved into the early years of the 21st century.
Singles such as Sk8er Boi and Complicated earned Lavigne her iconic persona of being a pop-punk queen, allowing her to set standards in the musical field with her soprano vocal range.
Despite her flawless talent and drive to be the primary songwriter of global top hits, no success can happen without struggle, which can be seen through Lavigne’s battle with Lyme disease.
So, why did this artist stop singing during this struggle, and how has it affected her journey? Read on for more information!
Avril Lavigne’s Battle With Lyme Disease: A Journey of Resilience
Experiencing a life-threatening battle with Lyme disease left her with a deepened faith in spirituality. Other celebrities diagnosed with the same disease include Shania Twain, Alec Baldwin, Yolanda Hadid, Bella Hadid, Ben Stiller, Daryl Hall, Amy Tan, George W. Bush, Kelly Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Rebecca Wells.
Contracting Lyme disease from a tick bite, Avril Lavigne experienced debilitating symptoms, including severe joint pain and extreme fatigue, which left her bedridden for several challenging months.
Yolanda Hadid promotes her book “Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease” in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on October 3, 2018 (Credit: WENN)
“I could barely eat, and when we went to the pool, I had to leave and go lie in bed. My friends asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ I didn’t know. I had no idea a bug bite could do this. I was bedridden for five months. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t talk and I couldn’t move. I thought I was dying,” she told People in 2015 about her diagnosis and experience with Lyme disease.
Once convinced that she was really dying on one particularly tough night, Lavigne was influenced to write another top hit, Head Above Water – also the name of her 2019 album – demonstrating that this artist’s music truly comes from her heart and her own experiences.
“Today @JustinBieber shared that he has Lyme disease. There are too many people that have this debilitating disease!” she wrote in 2019 after fellow Canadian artist Justin Bieber revealed he’d been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Alec Baldwin, Shania Twain, and Justin Bieber have all been diagnosed with Lyme disease (Credit: WENN / MEGA)
“People I love and care about and many friends and fans I have crossed paths with. To everyone affected by Lyme, I want to tell you that there is HOPE. Because Lyme is a daily struggle, for the better part of two years, I was really sick and fighting for my life,” she added.
Taking a Break: Avril Lavigne’s Pause from Singing Due to Lyme Disease
To recover from Lyme disease, Lavigne took some time away from her career. Although she had not used her singing voice for months, it appeared surprisingly strong after this recovery period, allowing her to delve back into her passion for music as soon as she was well enough to continue.
Avril Lavigne performs on the Other stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, on June 30, 2024, in Glastonbury, England (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Lavigne admitted that music has been extremely healing to her, especially since she was questioning the length of her music career after contracting her illness.
Since fighting through this struggle, Lavigne continues to weave messages of empowerment from a female perspective into her songs.
Recent Appearances: Avril Lavigne’s Empowering Comeback
Although making a comeback can be frightening for anyone recovering from a life-threatening illness, this inspirational artist readily did this.
Lavigne appeared on the red carpet at Variety’s 2021 Music Hitmakers Brunch, which was held at LA’s City Market Social House. She turned heads with her incredible outfit and air of empowerment.
Singer Avril Lavigne at the Variety 2021 Music Hitmakers Brunch presented by Peacock and Girls5eva and sponsored by IHG Hotels and Resorts held at the City Market Social House on December 4, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, United States (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
When she awarded Olivia Rodrigo the Songwriter Of The Year Award at this prestigious event, Lavigne associated herself more deeply with her love of pop-punk as she started recognizing and celebrating fresh and upcoming artists in this genre.
Additionally, this artist attended the MTV Video Awards, making a punk fashion statement and her red-carpet debut with her new boyfriend, Mod Sun, who has also dipped his toe in the music industry as a talented artist and producer.
Avril Lavigne rocks a bright pink Area Pre-Fall 2021 suit with her boyfriend, Mod Sun, at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2021, at the Barclays Center in New York City (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
Among an eye-catching list of presenters at this awards event, the Sk8er Boi singer associated herself with other captivating stars such as Billie Eilish, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, Rita Ora, and many more!
What’s Next for Avril Lavigne? Future Plans and Musical Endeavors
Following her 2014 diagnosis, Avril Lavigne has managed to bring her Lyme disease increasingly under control. This progress has allowed her to consider touring again as she makes more public appearances.
With a fiery passion for music, it’s no surprise that Lavigne was determined to return to her career despite the severe struggle. She found powerful healing through music, highlighting its importance to her and her fans worldwide.
Fans can expect more appearances from Avril Lavigne soon as she continues to evolve and thrive in the music industry.
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun met through their mutual friend Machine Gun Kelly (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
With the release of her intriguing new song, “Bite Me,” Avril Lavigne demonstrates her dedication and motivation in the music industry, hinting at the possibility of a new album coming later this year.
Recovering from Lyme disease and coping with its effects has transformed Lavigne into an even greater musical inspiration for younger generations aspiring to make their mark on music.
Refusing to give up on her ultimate love of singer-songwriting, Lavigne’s break from music has undoubtedly ended.
Avril Lavigne flaunts her legs while leaving her hotel on June 5, 2013, in London, England (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN)
Do you remember Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi” days? The pin-straight hair, the baggy pants, and the excessive number of studded bracelets? (Ah, the early 2000s.)
The punk-pop singer has come a long way since then, but we’re glad she still sticks to her fun, edgy roots in some ways.
Avril Lavigne’s Edgy Elegance: Rocking a Snakeskin Mini-Dress and Leather Jacket in London
In June 2013, Avril was spotted leaving her hotel in London wearing an ensemble that struck the perfect balance between rocker edge and feminine sex appeal.
Avril Lavigne wears a snakeskin-printed mini-dress and a leather jacket (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN)
Wearing a snakeskin-printed mini-dress layered beneath a leather jacket and black Kurt Geiger wedges, the then 28-year-old proved that her younger years were far behind her.
Avril Lavigne shows off her feet in black Kurt Geiger wedges (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN)
She can’t seem to ditch the overdone eye makeup, but that’s okay. It seems to suit her anyway.
Avril Lavigne displays her size 7 (US) feet in gladiator-inspired wedge sandals (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN)
Do you miss her “Sk8er Boi” days? Avril’s Kurt Geiger wedges are a far cry from the distressed Converse shoes she used to wear faithfully.
But these wedges, with their gladiator-inspired design and rows of buckles, carry their form of street cred. Would you wear them?
KG by Kurt Geiger “Mandy” Buckled Wedges in Black, $220.61
If black is not your color, these shoes also come in tan.
KG by Kurt Geiger “Mandy” Buckled Wedges in Tan, $220.61