Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional Kick Off Tour in Arizona

Last night marked the highly anticipated kickoff of the Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional’s summer tour—and Phoenix got the first taste. I was only able to catch the beginning, but even the opening songs made it clear: this tour is a nostalgic, emotional ride wrapped in rock and heart.

Dashboard Confessional opened with a beautifully raw set. Chris Carrabba wasted no time pulling us in emotionally, starting with “Don’t Wait”, followed by the fan-favorite “Saints and Sailors”, and then “The Sharp Hint of New Tears.” His vocals were as vulnerable and commanding as ever—honest, stripped down, and gripping.

Then came the Goo Goo Dolls, stepping onstage to huge cheers. They kicked things off with “Not Goodbye,” a new track that landed surprisingly well live. That rolled into “Naked,” a moody and melodic throwback, before exploding into “Slide”—a moment that had the whole crowd singing along. Even in just those first three songs, they managed to blend new energy with their timeless sound.

Even though I had to leave early, the show’s emotional pull and nostalgic charge were already in full swing. If the rest of the tour follows this momentum, fans are in for something special.