Concert review: Goo Goo Dolls & Dashboard Confessional | 08.21.25, Saint Louis Music Park (with photo gallery)

Photo of Goo Goo Dolls by Laura Jerele

What seemed like an unlikely pairing at first turned out to be paired just right as Dashboard Confessional and Goo Goo Dolls joined forces for the aptly named Summer Anthem 2025 tour. The night was full of emotional singalongs that are perfect for the ’90s and ’00s throwback vibes we’re feeling these days. And thank goodness the sweltering heat broke, because Saint Louis Music Park was packed early for this very fun double header. PACKED!

Dashboard Confessional sounded as good as they always have, with catchy hooks and Chris Carrabba’s emotive vocals. The highlight of their set was definitely having the sun set as “Screaming Infidelities” was played and the crowd sang their hearts out while obviously reliving their heartbroken youth. Huge stage, huge lights, nothing seemed spared as they performed their set:

The Best Deceptions
The Sharp Hint of New Tears
Southbound and Sinking
Saints and Sailors
State of America
Remember to Breathe
Stolen
Turpentine Chaser
Again I Go Unnoticed
No More Bad Days
Vindicated
Screaming Infidelities

Dashboard Confessional, live at Saint Louis Music Park. Photo by Laura Jerele.

Goo Goo Dolls were a huge band for good reason: they’re a damn good band. For many years, Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac have been dedicated bandmates who are perfectly in tune in all aspects while performing. I’ve seen them many times over the years and while Rzeznik might be the face everyone instantly recognizes, it’s bassist Robby Takac who really keeps the Goo Goo Dolls’ live set buzzing with unpredictable energy. The dude runs around endlessly and never stops smiling. Where John plays it cool and composed, Robby is the band’s wild card, the guy who never seems to stop moving! He’s got that bouncing, punk-leaning stage presence that reminds you this band started in a New York garage before they were headlining amphitheaters.

Oh, and a fun fact here: this band once began their career under the name the Sex Maggots. Yes, you read that right, but then again, it was the eighties. Goo Goo Dolls doesn’t sound so bad after all, eh? And did you know that they were also label mates to St. Louis‘ own Anacrusis on the much-lauded metal label Metal Blade? Well, now ya know.

Goo Goo Dolls set was full of the hits you know, a fabulous Tom Petty cover, and new songs as well:

Naked
Slide
Think About Me
Here Is Gone
Black Balloon
Miracle Pill
Nothing Lasts Forever
January Friend
Big Machine
Dizzy
Sympathy
Name
Come to Me
Over and Over
Ocean
Run All Night
Life’s a Message
Bringing On the Light
Better Days
Broadway
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty cover done very well!)
Not Goodbye
Iris

Tours like this are not just for nostalgia and bringing back old memories tied to your favorite songs, they are all about making new ones on an amazing summer night. | Laura Jerele