Better Days, Hands Down

Two generational defining titans rolled through the Scotiabank Saddledome on Monday evening.

Dashboard Confessional soared with its signature raw yet refined sound that defines a generation and a genre.  Chris’ vocals delivered studio quality sound, but also with an expansive maturity that effortlessly navigated new sonic territory.  The band expertly nailing every note; knowing exactly when to lean in and pull back, allowing the deeply personal and emotional lyrics to land with its intended intention.  Highlights included ‘Stolen’, ‘Screaming Infedelities’, ‘Hands Down’, and ‘The Best Deceptions’.  This marked my third time seeing Dashboard and simply put, the best one of the best ones.

Next up, The Goo Goo Dolls.  A performance that I’d say would rival anything that has echoed through the Saddledome walls to date.  Perfectly fitting, as the building goes into its final year of existence.

Johnny, Robbie, and co put on a masterclass in stand and deliver.  From opening with ‘Naked’ through a personal favourite, ‘Name’, to ending with the darling moment of the current day, ‘Iris’, the group firmly reminded audiences both old and new of its place among the greatest acts of the past several decades.  No matter what timeline the audience entered the musical canon.

A nostalgia fuelled evening.  A reminder that even in today’s tumultuous times, moments like these matter deeply.  Old memories revisited, new stories made. Better Days indeed. Hands Down.

#googoodolls #dashboardconfessional #yyc #saddledome