The night kicked off with a wave of early 2000s emo nostalgia as Dashboard Confessional took the stage, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Chris Carrabba made it clear this would be a night defined by generational anthems. From the moment the Goo Goo Dolls took the stage at Ascend Amphitheater, the crowd was instantly transported back to the golden era of ’90s and early 2000s alternative rock. The band’s energy was electric, and frontman John Rzeznik’s vocals sounded just as powerful and emotive as they did decades ago. The setlist was a perfect mix of deep cuts and massive hits, striking a balance that pleased both longtime fans and casual listeners. The harmonies were on point, particularly during "So Alive". The lighting design added a powerful dynamic to the performance, its shifting hues perfectly mirroring the emotional journey of each song. A particularly poignant moment came when Rzeznik shared a vulnerable story about his struggles with sobriety, revealing how his guitar became his lifeline during those dark times, the instrument through which “Sympathy” was born. When the opening chords of "Slide" rang out, I closed my eyes and let the song's timeless melancholy wash over me.
The track is older than me, but alive in a way that made it brand new. Three generations of fans singing every word, some remembering their youth, others like me understanding why this music endured. In that moment, the distance between 1998 and today disappeared Special guest Colbie Caillat joined the band for a rendition of "Give a Little Bit," adding a breezy, sunlit vibe to the evening. Her harmonies with Rzeznik were a standout moment, blending their voices seamlessly. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. As the first notes of "Iris" began, the amphitheater erupted in a collective surge of recognition. Thousands of voices rose together, singing every word of the band's signature ballad with a kind of reverence. The performance was flawless, Rzeznik's voice cracking with the same raw emotion it carried 25 years ago, the band swelling behind him. It was more than a finale; it was a communion between artist and audience, a perfect encapsulation of why these songs still matter. Whether you were there for the sing-along hits or the deeper album tracks, the Goo Goo Dolls delivered a night of pure, heartfelt nostalgia, proving their music remains timeless. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate. They’re still at the top of their game.
- Michelle Jacks
Photos Courtesy of Cheyanne Parkans (For Bell Music Magazine)
