(photos and article by Meagan Sullivan)
The Toyota Music Factory was alive with nostalgia and raw emotion as Boys Like Girls and Dashboard Confessional closed out their tour in a grand finale that did not disappoint. For fans of early-2000s emo-pop and rock, the night was a time capsule, capturing both the highs of adolescence and the timeless power of music to bring people together. Packed with dedicated fans who sang along to every word, the show felt like a celebration of not just the end of a tour but the enduring impact these bands have had over the years.
Unfortunately opener Taylor Acorn had to leave the tour early due to illness, so Dashboard Confessional’s guitarist Armon Jay and backing vocalist Abigail Kelly took to the stage with a short acoustic set comprised of Jay’s original songs. For a surprise opener, the crowd received Jay and Kelly extremely well, offering up cheers of support after every song.
Boys Like Girls then kicked things off with "Love Drunk," and the crowd erupted, belting out every word like it was 2009 all over again. The energy in the room was palpable as lead singer Martin Johnson, sporting his signature charisma and relatable charm, seemed genuinely moved by the audience's excitement. Johnson effortlessly held the crowd’s attention, his voice still carrying that powerful mix of angst and melody that has come to define Boys Like Girls. From the soaring "Hero/Heroine" to "Five Minutes to Midnight," each song ignited a new wave of energy, proving that these tracks have aged well with time. They even slipped in "Thunder," a fan favorite that had the audience swaying and singing, bringing the crowd into a collective memory of love and heartbreak.
Boys Like Girls brought out their musical chops as well, moving seamlessly from pop-infused hooks to energetic guitar solos, with bassist Bryan Donahue and drummer John Keefe adding a level of dynamism that kept the show lively and fresh. Toward the end of their set, Johnson instructed the audience to record a snippet of “The Great Escape” and then put their phones away for the full version so everyone could experience the anthem together.
As Boys Like Girls wrapped up their set, the anticipation for Dashboard Confessional was thick in the air. Chris Carrabba entered with his trademark vulnerability, pouring his heart out through every lyric as he played through “The Best Deceptions”. Known for his deeply emotional lyrics and intimate acoustic sound, Carrabba held nothing back, pouring every ounce of himself into each note.
There was something profoundly moving about Carrabba’s performance, particularly when he shared heartfelt moments of gratitude with the audience. He spoke to the crowd with a level of sincerity that made each person feel seen and appreciated. He paused multiple times to reflect on how much the fans' support over the years has meant to him, visibly overcome by the shared emotion in the room. The connection between Carrabba and the audience was further enhanced when he encouraged them to sing along on several choruses. Hearing thousands of voices belt out "Vindicated" and "Hands Down" was truly a communal experience, adding an almost spiritual layer to the night.
Musically, Dashboard Confessional showcased both their full-band power and Carrabba's signature stripped-down acoustic style. The show’s production was minimalist at times, keeping the focus on Carrabba and his guitar, as if inviting everyone to sit in on an intimate storytelling session. His backing band filled out the sound perfectly, balancing his acoustic lines with an added depth that gave each track an anthemic feel. The show was as much about vulnerability and catharsis as it was about musical prowess, and Carrabba’s performance left everyone in awe.
The highlight of the night came toward the end, as Boys Like Girls and Dashboard Confessional joined forces for a cover that surprised and delighted fans. The camaraderie between the bands was genuine, as they shared the stage in a fitting tribute to the tour's end, cementing the night as one for the books.
For fans, the evening was a reminder of the music’s power to connect across time, and both Boys Like Girls and Dashboard Confessional left it all on stage. The Toyota Music Factory may have been the last stop on this tour, but the memories created will resonate with fans for years to come.
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