There’s something electric about a Goth Babe show—an intangible magic that can turn even the most unsuspecting of nights into an unforgettable celebration. This was absolutely the case on Friday when Goth Babe and The Aces took over the Arizona Financial Theatre in downtown Phoenix. Over halfway through their current headliner, the band showed no signs of slowing down and delivered a performance that not only lived up to expectations but shattered them.
Kicking off the night was The Aces, whose fantastic chemistry and infectious energy filled the venue and set the perfect tone for the evening. It’s rare to see an opener command a stage like that, but The Aces made it look effortless with their bouncy setlist that had the crowd moving from the first note. Their undeniable connection as a band, along with tight harmonies and punchy rhythms, left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. By the time they wrapped up their set, the crowd was buzzing with excitement and ready for what was to come.
As the lights dimmed, anticipation hit its peak: Goth Babe was about to take the stage. Griff Washburn- the mastermind behind Goth Babe- has built a reputation for interactive, high-energy sets that never disappoint. Early in the set, the crowd got a special treat as a superfan—someone Washburn recognized from other Phoenix shows—took to the air, crowd-surfing atop an inflatable Etch-a-Sketch. Shortly after, a cascade of inflatable beach balls and a giant inflatable pizza slice bounced around the crowd, adding to the joyful chaos. It was the kind of spontaneous, playful moment that Goth Babe is known for and turned the night into a celebration.
Midway through the show, Washburn turned things up a notch by sending a life size cardboard cutout of Buddy the Elf surfing out into the crowd. The audience erupted in laughter, pointing and snapping photos as Buddy bobbed and floated on a sea of hands, adding an extra dose of humor and holiday spirit to the set. It’s little surprises like these that remind everyone that a Goth Babe show is as much about fun and connection as it is about music.
The surprises didn’t stop there- Washburn also engaged the audience in an impromptu Mario Kart competition that was projected onto the screen behind the band. Suddenly the room was split between two camps of cheering fans, rooting for their favorite characters. This interactive element had the entire venue buzzing, proving once again that Goth Babe’s performances are as much a collective experience as they are a show.
But the wild antics didn’t overshadow the music. The band’s setlist was a perfect blend of new and classic tracks, each song building on the one before it. Washburn’s ability to move seamlessly between upbeat anthems and more introspective moments kept the energy flowing and the crowd fully engaged. It was impossible to resist dancing, whether to the driving beat of “Weekend Friend” or the summery vibe of “Canary Islands”. The music provided the backbone for the night’s lively atmosphere, and every note felt intentional, inviting everyone to lose themselves in the moment.
The night reached a peak during “Weekend Friend”, when confetti cannons burst overhead, showering the crowd in a cascade of vibrant colors. As confetti swirled through the air and fans sang along, it felt like a snapshot of pure, unfiltered joy—an unforgettable high that made everyone forget the outside world for a little while.
By the time Goth Babe returned for the encore, everyone was already riding high. The show closed on an even brighter note with an unexpected remix of “I’ve Got Sunshine”. It’s no wonder that Goth Babe shows have become something of a pilgrimage for fans—each night is its own special experience, brimming with surprises, joyful chaos and unforgettable moments. Friday night’s show in Phoenix wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of music, community, and the pure, unfiltered joy of being alive.
