Jack & Jack Illuminate Cologne: A Night of Music, Nostalgia, and Connection
After six long years, Jack & Jack returned to Europe with a stop in Cologne, reigniting the stage at Luxor with an electrifying performance that pulsed with energy, nostalgia, and an undeniable bond between the duo and their devoted fans. From the first note, the air shimmered with excitement, and with Ellie Dixon setting the tone, the crowd was in for an unforgettable evening.
Ellie Dixon – A One Woman Power-house
Opening the night, Ellie Dixon wasted no time getting the crowd on their feet. By the second song, she had the entire room dancing and singing along, her vibrant and effortlessly magnetic presence. One of the standout moments was her cover of Britney Spears’ Toxic, which sent waves of exhilaration through the crowd. The crowd, we included, loved every second of it, screaming at the top of our lungs.
Her original song Spaced Out radiated a contagious energy. As she revealed that each of her songs was written and produced in the intimacy of her bedroom, a deep sense of authenticity washed over the audience, making every lyric feel personal and profound. Then came a breathtaking, three-layered acappella rendition of Dancing Queen—a moment so ethereal it felt like time had paused.
She brought humor and relatability to the stage with an unreleased track, Miscalculations, a witty exploration of the irrational things our minds conjure when we’re scared. But perhaps the biggest surprise was Vibe Like a Biscuit, a title that raised eyebrows initially but transformed into an unexpected party anthem. It was a lovely surprise. Dixon wrapped up her set with Knight Shift, a pulsating, recently released track that left the audience exhilarated and eager for more.
Jack & Jack: Pure Energy, Nostalgia, and Unconditional Love
When they stepped on stage and kicked things off with Thought I Was Dead, Jack & Jack commanded every inch of Luxor. The duo brought an infectious mix of energy and emotion, creating an atmosphere of unity with their fans. As soon as they launched into Stuttering and No One Compares to You, the crowd sang along, their voices blending with the duo’s in a wave of nostalgia and excitement.
Midway through the show, the duo stripped things down for an acoustic set, settling onto stools at the center of the stage. Here, the depth of their artistry shone brightest—raw and unfiltered. Beg and Rise resonated deeply, their lyrics carrying messages of resilience and growth. With Rise, their collaboration with DJ Jonas Blue underscored the song’s uplifting message, dedicating it to the younger generation as an empowerment anthem.
A Love Letter to Germany & Unbreakable Bonds
Throughout the night, Johnson repeatedly expressed his love for Germany, throwing out “Dankeschön” after nearly every song. “I love Germany. I love Cologne. I love Köln,” he declared, emphasizing that Americans should say Köln the right way. The crowd erupted when he flexed his German skills with “Fischers Fritz fischt frische Fische,” nailing the pronunciation to everyone’s delight. And when Gilinsky jokingly said, “Maybe Johnson should marry a German,” the response was deafening.
Taking a nostalgic turn, the duo invited fans down memory lane with a medley of their earlier hits, including Flights, Wildlife, California, and Tides. The response was overwhelming, proving that their music remains timeless for fans who have been with them since 2014.
Their chemistry was magnetic, their friendship woven into every note and lyric, reminding everyone why they’ve stood the test of time.
But it wasn’t just about the past. Jack & Jack shared details about the Symbiosis era and their upcoming album, which will be released in a few months. In Johnson’s words: “There’s no way that we can’t be individuals as a duo.” The album will feature Jack & Jack tracks and solo material from each artist, emphasizing their long-standing yin-yang dynamic.
A Glimpse Into the Future
A truly special moment arrived when Gilinsky performed Baby Blue an unreleased gem initially written in 2020, set to debut in the coming weeks. Produced by Johnson, the song enveloped the venue in a wave of raw emotion, with fans raising their phone flashlights in silent reverence. The raw emotion in Gilinsky’s vocals, paired with the song’s hauntingly beautiful melody, made for one of the most intimate moments of the evening. It was a breathtaking reminder of the duo’s ability to evoke deep feelings through their music.
A Grand Finale & A Promise to Return
Jack & Jack unleashed their 2014 classic, Like That, sending the crowd into a euphoric frenzy for the final encore. Voices collided in joyful chaos, a perfect conclusion to a night etched in memory. And as they bid their final goodbyes, they left one last promise ringing: “We’ll be back in 2026!”
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s show was more than just a concert—it was a homecoming, a celebration of music, connection, and growth. The nostalgia, the energy, and the undeniable chemistry between Jack & Jack and their fans made it a night to remember.
Our personal highlights are the medley of their older hits and the breathtaking Hurt People x Revolving Door mashup. These moments perfectly captured their ability to blend past and present, nostalgia and reinvention.
With Symbiosis on the horizon, one thing is clear—Jack & Jack are back, stronger than ever, and the journey ahead is bound to be extraordinary. We are excited about the upcoming album and about what the future holds for them.
The Jacks will be on tour in Europe until April 14th, so buy your tickets and experience it on your own.
VIEW ALL PHOTOS OF THE JACK & JACK BERLIN CONCERT DOWN BELOW.
REVIEW BY
Sabrina
I love sharing the things that bring me joy and make me feel at home. Whether it’s stumbling upon hidden gems, experiencing unforgettable concerts, or finding inspiration in art, books, and film, I’m always chasing moments that matter. Life keeps me moving, and through writing, I get to share my adventures and my love for the artists who inspire me. There’s so much beauty out there waiting to be seen and appreciated!
PHOTOS BY
Lilly Marie
I am a music photographer with a passion for capturing raw emotions and storytelling through live performances and artist portraits. My work focuses on creating authentic and visually compelling moments that connect artists with their audience.
