Since the early 2000’s, Dashboard Confessional has been a staple of the emo and alternative rock scene, their heartfelt lyrics and acoustic-driven sound resonating with a generation of fans who wore their hearts on their sleeves. Led by frontman Chris Carrabba, the band became synonymous with songs that captured the emotional highs and lows of youth, love, and loss. On this tour, they returned to the stage with the same authenticity and raw emotion that made them famous, proving that even after more than two decades, their music still strikes a deep chord with fans. The anticipation for their performance at a packed Stage AE was palpable as the crowd waited for a night of cathartic sing-alongs and poignant moments.

Opening the evening was Taylor Acorn, whose highly energetic pop-punk sound made her a perfect opener for the night. Taylor’s set was a heartfelt introduction to the evening, her powerful voice filling the entire venue. Songs like “Coma” and “Psycho” were crowd favourites, with fans singing along to the catchy choruses. Her authenticity and open, vulnerable songwriting endeared her to the audience, setting the stage for the emotional depth that would follow. As a Pennsylvania native who has spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh, she effortlessly won over the crowd.

It’s certainly a statement to take the stage while smoking, especially in 2024, but Boys Like Girls made it work. After a couple long drags and puffs of smoke, they immediately burst into their iconic high-energy pop-rock that had everyone jumping and singing along from the very first note of “Love Drunk.” It was clear that many in the audience were there as much for Boys Like Girls as for Dashboard Confessional, with the band’s pop-punk anthems like “The Great Escape” and “She’s Got a Boyfriend Now” igniting a wave of nostalgia. Mixed in with beloved favourites were a few tracks from Boys Like Girls’ 2023 album “SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS,” which seemlessly flowed with the rest of the setlist. Frontman Martin Johnson delivered an electrifying performance, engaging the crowd with charisma and energy, making sure no one could resist dancing or belting out the lyrics. To end the set, fans were encouraged to put their phones away and throw it back to 2006, just living in the moment and enjoying the music that defined so many lives.

When Dashboard Confessional finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into something intimate and emotionally charged. Opening with the mesmerizing acoustic “The Best Deceptions,” Carrabba immediately drew the audience into the heart of the band’s catalog, his voice raw and unfiltered as it echoed through the venue. Dashboard Confessional’s ability to evoke such deep emotion in a live setting has always been their strength, and this night was no different. The setlist was a journey through their discography, including favorites like “Screaming Infidelities” and “Vindicated,” songs that felt as relevant and powerful as ever. Fans were singing along to every single song, regardless of if they knew the words or not. As Carrabba put it: “If you don’t know the words, make up your own.”

Also included in the set was a (as of the show) yet to be released track “Watch The Fire” in collaboration Boys Like Girls. The heartfelt track was absolutely bursting with emotion, and the acoustic guitar of Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls made it burn bright as an instant new favourite. The song is out NOW, just a few days after the Pittsburgh show, and will surely be played on repeat by many.

Carrabba’s stage presence was a masterclass in connecting with an audience, every strum of his guitar and every lyric delivered with sincerity. Between songs, he took time to reflect on the band’s journey, expressing gratitude to the fans who have stayed with them through the years and even stating that this has been his favourite tour. It was clear that this was more than just another show – it was a reunion of sorts, a gathering of people who had grown up with his music.

By the end of the night, the energy in the room was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, the kind of atmosphere that only a band like Dashboard Confessional can create. Their ability to evoke such strong emotions while maintaining a connection to their past is what makes them so beloved. As the final notes of “Hands Down” rang out, fans lingered in the moment, savoring the shared experience. This wasn’t just a night of music; it was a celebration of a band that has been the soundtrack to so many lives. And as the crowd filtered out, it was clear that Dashboard Confessional had once again reminded everyone why their music continues to resonate, years after it first made an impact.

September 17th, 2024