On August 22, 2025, the Goo Goo Dolls brought their Summer Anthem Tour to the Saint Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh performance alongside support act Dashboard Confessional. The intimate open-air venue, known for its excellent sightlines, was the perfect setting for a night of heartfelt rock anthems that captivated a diverse crowd of longtime fans and newer listeners. With their new EP, Summer Anthem, released the same day, the band blended their iconic ’90s hits with new material, creating a memorable evening under the stars.
The Saint Louis Music Park hummed with excitement as fans filled the venue, many wearing Dizzy Up the Girl-era merch or clutching VIP-exclusive posters from the band’s premium packages. The compact venue ensured every seat offered a clear view, fostering a strong connection between the band and the audience. The warm summer evening, with a gentle breeze, set an ideal backdrop for an outdoor concert, amplifying the anticipation for hits like “Iris” and “Slide.”
Taking the stage around 8:35 PM, the Goo Goo Dolls opened with the infectious energy of “Slide,” instantly igniting the crowd into a sing-along frenzy. John Rzeznik’s distinctive voice was in top form, showing no signs of the health challenges mentioned in fan reviews from earlier tour stops. His resilience, paired with the band’s tight performance, underscored their dedication to their fans.
The setlist was a well-crafted mix of classics and new tracks, drawing heavily from their ’90s catalog while showcasing their latest work. Songs like “Black Balloon,” “Broadway,” and “Name” transported fans back to the height of alternative rock, each met with enthusiastic cheers. The performance of “Iris,” their diamond-certified anthem, was a standout, with the entire audience singing in unison, creating a spine-chilling moment of unity. Robby Takac took lead vocals on several songs, including the newer “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” from Summer Anthem, which resonated with their reflective themes of time and perseverance.
Rzeznik’s crowd interaction was heartfelt, with brief anecdotes and a touching dedication of “Come to Me” to a couple proposing in the audience, sparking cheers and emotional reactions. Some fans noted a slightly rushed pace, likely due to the band’s demanding tour schedule, but it didn’t overshadow the emotional depth of the performance. Dashboard Confessional’s opening set, featuring hits like “Vindicated” and “Hands Down,” set a nostalgic tone, complementing the Goo Goo Dolls’ vibe perfectly.
The Saint Louis Music Park’s intimate design enhanced the experience, with clear acoustics and vibrant stage lighting that matched the mood of each song. The production was polished yet unobtrusive, allowing the music to take center stage. VIP package holders enjoyed exclusive perks like the Goo Goo Dolls VIP Lounge, featuring memorabilia displays, drink tickets, and signed posters, adding a special layer to the night.
Setlist
Based on recent performances from the Summer Anthem Tour 2025, particularly the August 18 show at The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park, MN, and fan reports, here is the likely setlist for the August 22 performance at Saint Louis Music Park (subject to slight variations):
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Slide
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Broadway
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Over and Over
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Black Balloon
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Here Is Gone
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Nothing Lasts Forever (new, from Summer Anthem EP)
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Come to Me
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Sympathy
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Name
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Run All Night
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Better Days
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Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes) (new, from Summer Anthem EP)
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Acoustic #3
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Miracle Pill
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Iris
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Give a Little Bit (Supertramp cover) Encore:
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Life Is Madness (new, from Summer Anthem EP)
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Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty cover)
Upcoming Shows
The Goo Goo Dolls’ Summer Anthem Tour 2025 continues with the following confirmed dates, featuring Dashboard Confessional unless noted otherwise:
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August 24, 2025: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO – 7:30 PM
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August 26, 2025: Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, West Valley City, UT – 7:30 PM
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August 28, 2025: Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Nampa, ID – 7:30 PM
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August 29, 2025: White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, WA – 7:30 PM
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August 31, 2025: Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Bend, OR – 7:30 PM
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September 1, 2025: Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville, WA – 7:30 PM
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September 4, 2025: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA – 7:30 PM
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September 7, 2025: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, San Diego, CA – 7:30 PM
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September 9, 2025: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA – 7:30 PM
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September 11, 2025: OKC Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK – 7:30 PM
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September 12, 2025: Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton, MO – 7:30 PM
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September 14, 2025: Bourbon & Beyond Festival, Louisville, KY – 12:00 PM (festival lineup, not exclusive with Dashboard Confessional)
Tickets for these shows are available through Ticketmaster, LiveNation, or the official Goo Goo Dolls website… or use code LITEHOUSE for 20% off at TicketNetwork.
Standout Moments
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“Iris” Sing-Along: The collective roar of the crowd during “Iris” was a defining moment, highlighting the song’s timeless resonance.
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New Tracks Shine: “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” and “Nothing Lasts Forever” from Summer Anthem connected deeply, showing the band’s continued relevance.
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Proposal Dedication: Rzeznik’s dedication of “Come to Me” to a proposing couple was a heartwarming highlight, earning cheers and emotional reactions.
Final Thoughts
The Goo Goo Dolls’ August 22 performance at Saint Louis Music Park was a powerful blend of nostalgia and evolution. The band honored their legacy with flawless renditions of their biggest hits while introducing new songs that resonated with their current chapter. The intimate venue, coupled with the band’s genuine passion, made for an unforgettable night. Fans left buzzing, already looking forward to the band’s next St. Louis visit, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Goo Goo Dolls.
