Jess Nelson The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO set the stage on August 24, 2025, for an unforgettable night of alternative rock. The Goo Goo Dolls headlined the evening, bringing their timeless hits and undeniable energy to the storied venue. Opening the show, Dashboard Confessional delivered an emotive set that perfectly primed the crowd for the headliner. Together, the lineup created a night of nostalgia and powerful performances under the Colorado sky.
Dashboard Confessional
Dashboard Confessional began in 2000 when singer-songwriter, Chris Carrabba, launched the project in Boca Raton, Florida. Carrabba’s intimate songwriting and acoustic arrangements quickly set Dashboard Confessional apart in the rising emo and alternative scene. His emotionally charged lyrics resonated with young listeners who found honesty and vulnerability at the heart of his music.
The band broke through with “Screaming Infidelities,” which earned the MTV2 Award at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. Their 2003 album, A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. This success cemented Dashboard Confessional as a leading voice of the early 2000s emo movement. Their music became a soundtrack for fans seeking raw expression during a pivotal era in alternative rock.
Over the years, Carrabba expanded the sound beyond acoustic roots, creating full-band arrangements that reached a wider audience. Albums like Dusk and Summer featured hits such as “Stolen” and “Don’t Wait,” which earned significant radio play. Dashboard Confessional toured extensively, building a loyal fan base and establishing themselves as a powerful live act.
The band has continued to evolve while staying true to its emotional core. They released All the Truth That I Can Tell in 2022, their first full-length album in over a decade. Critics praised the record for its stripped-down sound and lyrical depth, highlighting Carrabba’s return to the heartfelt storytelling that defined his career.
In recent years, Dashboard Confessional has celebrated milestones with anniversary tours and festival appearances. Carrabba has also reflected on how early digital music sharing helped bring the band to a global audience. Today, Dashboard Confessional remains a beloved force in alternative rock, balancing nostalgia with fresh creativity for both longtime fans and new listeners.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls began in Buffalo, New York, in 1986 when guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac joined forces. Their early sound leaned heavily on punk rock influences, but the band steadily refined its style into alternative rock with a pop sensibility. By the mid-1990s, Goo Goo Dolls had carved out a unique space in mainstream rock with emotional lyrics, sharp guitar tones, and memorable hooks. Their breakthrough came in 1995 with the single “Name,” which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and gave the band its first taste of widespread recognition.
That recognition grew into global fame with the release of “Iris” in 1998, a song originally written for the City of Angels soundtrack. The track dominated radio, holding the number one position on Billboard’s Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 weeks. Its massive success helped launch the band’s sixth studio album, Dizzy Up the Girl, which produced other iconic singles like “Slide” and “Black Balloon.” The record went quadruple platinum, cementing the Goo Goo Dolls as one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1990s.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the Goo Goo Dolls continued releasing charting albums, including Gutterflower, Let Love In, and Magnetic. Goo Goo Dolls earned multiple Grammy nominations and maintained a steady presence on the touring circuit, performing for millions of fans worldwide. Their catalog spans 14 studio albums, with each era showcasing a blend of anthemic ballads and uptempo rock tracks. Songs like “Better Days,” “Here Is Gone,” and “Come to Me” reveal their ability to adapt while staying true to their emotional songwriting roots. Their longevity has been fueled by timeless themes of love, resilience, and hope that continue to connect with audiences across generations.
Today, the Goo Goo Dolls remain an enduring force in alternative rock. John Rzeznik and Robby Takac continue to lead the group, nearly four decades after their debut. Recently, they released the Summer Anthem EP, which features the new singles “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes).” The band has also experienced a digital resurgence, with their classics trending across social platforms and streaming playlists. Their current tours showcase a powerful mix of new music and career-defining hits, reminding fans why their songs have stood the test of time. With their legacy secure and their creativity thriving, the Goo Goo Dolls prove that their story is still being written.
Photos by Jess Nelson Media, LLC. All images © 2025 Copyright Jess Nelson Media, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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