Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional recently performed live at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap, and Steve Satzberg was there to photograph the show!
The following article was produced by ChatGPT to accompany original photos by Steve Satzberg.
On July 27, Dashboard Confessional kicked off the evening with an intimate and emotionally charged set lasting just under an hour. Chris Carrabba and his band delivered fan favorites like “The Best Deceptions,” “The Sharp Hint of New Tears,” and “Southbound and Sinking,” drawing early applause from the crowd. The band wove deeper cuts into the mix — “Saints and Sailors,” “Remember to Breathe,” and “Stolen” — before ramping into nostalgic hits “Vindicated,” “Screaming Infidelities,” and closing with “Hands Down.”
Watch Dashboard Confessional perform “Hands Down” for Paste on YouTube:
Throughout, Carrabba’s earnest storytelling and raw vocals created a confessional vibe, delighting long‑time fans and reminding why they remain a cornerstone of emo music.
After a short break, Goo Goo Dolls took the stage, launching into a high‑energy, career‑spanning set.
They opened with the edgy new‑era rocker “Naked,” immediately shifting gears into nostalgic fan favorites “Slide” and “Think About Me,” setting an engaging early tempo. John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar) and Robby Takac (bass, vocals) maintained strong momentum through “Here Is Gone” and the poignant “Black Balloon,” before previewing new material with “Miracle Pill” from their latest album.
Watch the official music video for “Miracle Pill” by Goo Goo Dolls on YouTube:
A dynamic blend of eras followed: the heartfelt “Nothing Lasts Forever,” “January Friend,” “Big Machine” and “Dizzy.” Midway through, a humorous moment: “Acoustic #3” had to be restarted when Rzeznik forgot a lyric — earning laughs and applause as he restarted and jokingly apologized.
The band propelled into larger anthems: “Name,” “Over and Over,” “Ocean,” and an enthusiastic rendition of “Run All Night.” Brief acoustic reflections surfaced with “Come to Me” and “Life’s a Message,” before building to dramatic crescendos with “Bringing On the Light,” “Broadway,” and “Not Goodbye.”
The show’s climax landed with “Iris” — a two‑billion‑stream, diamond‑certified classic that clearly lit up the audience — and a joyous singalong finale.
The Filene Center provided a lush, open‑air setting with excellent acoustics and sightlines. Fans on Reddit noted that demand was intense — lawn seats and resale tickets sold fast, with peak prices well above face value. Early arrivals sought prime lawn views well before the first act took the stage.
Here are some photos of Goo Goo Dolls performing live at Wolf Trap on July 27, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
Here are some photos of Dashboard Confessional performing live at Wolf Trap on July 27, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
