By: Jenafur Schlangen
August 13, 2025
Chicago, Illinois
The evening of August 13th, at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island in Chicago was pure summertime magic. The air was warm, the skyline glowed, and soon the nostalgic chords of the Goo Goo Dolls began weaving through the night. The band kicked off their Summer Anthem Tour with energy and heart, offering a joyful mix of longtime favorites and new surprises. From the first guitar riff, it was clear that the crowd was ready, and the band was more than happy to deliver.
Dashboard Confessional opened the show with a short but sweet set, full of acoustic emotion and early 2000s charm. Their heartfelt performance was the perfect appetizer before the main course, and the crowd responded with plenty of love. It was a thoughtful pairing, giving fans a dose of reflective vibes before turning up the volume with the headliners.
The Goo Goo Dolls wasted no time diving into their set, blending old and new in a way that felt seamless. Songs like “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and “Name” had the audience singing every word, while newer tracks from Chaos in Bloom brought a fresh energy that still felt true to the band’s roots. John Rzeznik’s voice rang out clear and strong, and the band played with a sense of ease and joy that can only come from decades of shared experience. They looked like they were having as much fun as the fans, and it showed.
The highlight of the night, unsurprisingly, came during “Iris,” when the first few notes sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. Everyone sang along as if the song had just been released yesterday, not nearly thirty years ago. It was one of those magical live music moments that brings everyone together, reminding you why concerts like this are so special. With a final wave and a heartfelt thank you, the Goo Goo Dolls left the stage, and the Chicago skyline sparkled a little brighter as fans drifted out, still humming the songs that made their summer night unforgettable.
Goo Goo Dolls – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Northerly Island – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
