Panic, Dashboard to Headline Halloween Concert

By Connect2Mason Director Grace Kendall

Let’s face it: you’re a bit old for trick-or-treating. So this Halloween you should probably look for a more age-appropriate way to spend your night, like checking out the Rock Band Live tour that is coming to the Patriot Center.

Unlike most concerts where the audience is there only to observe, the Rock Band Live tour encourages crowd participation through rampant product placement. Fans that arrive early can play Rock Band and win the chance to play the game on stage between acts at that night’s show. It’s a chance for all fake instrumentalists to shine between performances by real musicians, which could be a neat twist or a real pain to watch depending on execution.

But however mindless the Rock Band performances might be, the bands performing will make the show worth it.

Panic at the Disco is co-headlining the show, and with their new Beatles-esque pop sound they’re worth a second chance. The band has several radio hits including “Nine in the Afternoon” and “That Green Gentleman,” which offer a less-pretentious and more fun sound that’s generally more approachable. Don’t judge Panic for who they once were — when they lost the eyeliner and exclamation point, they became a much better band.

Claiming the other headlining slot are the intimate alt-rockers of Dashboard Confessional. Their well-crafted emotional songwriting has won the band a great deal of fans and attention over the years, and they are known for connecting with the audience in their live performances. Front man Chris Carrabba has been writing material for a new album, so there’s a chance of possibly hearing new songs in addition to hits like “Stolen” and “Vindicated.”

Rounding out the bill are pop-rock darlings the Plain White T’s, known for their earworm hit “Hey There Delilah,” and up-and-coming rockers The Cab.

Tickets for the show range from $29.95 to 39.95. It may not be quite as nice a deal as dressing up and receiving free candy from strangers, but it’s pretty close.