Author: Abby Graham
Photo Creds for cover photo: Jack and Jack
On October 30th, PRETTYMUCH’s Edwin appeared alongside Jack & Jack on their Symbiosis Tour at The Crocodile downtown in Seattle. If you know me, you know Jack and Jack. I’ve been their biggest fan since their MAGCON days — I even had a MAGCON-themed 13th birthday party and used to write Jack Johnson fanfiction (no shame). So, being able to attend and review their show was beyond exciting. From hearing new songs by Edwin to screaming the lyrics to “Groove,” my night was unforgettable — made even better by the small, intimate venue that let me get up close and personal with them.
Honestly, if 13-year-old me found out that I’d be attending a Jack & Jack show and reviewing it, she would’ve kept all that J&J merch she swore she didn’t need after their 2020 hiatus.
Walking into the venue, I instantly felt out of place — not because of the crowd, but because I’m used to excessive security at bigger shows. The laid-back vibe actually made me a little nervous for the performers, but I loved how relaxed everyone was. I even spotted a NCT lightstick (a Neo Bong!), which made me laugh — Jack Gilinsky, I bias Chenle too.
I chatted with a few fans who had VIP passes, and everyone said the same thing: Jack and Jack are so kind and genuine.Many mentioned how the duo took time to actually talk to fans and learn about their interests. So sweet.
The opener, Edwin, immediately caught my attention. At first, I couldn’t figure out why he looked so familiar — and then it hit me: he’s Edwin from PRETTYMUCH! (“If I pulled you closer, would you mindddd?”)
At first, I was ready to make lip-sync allegations, but nope — he’s just really good. He even stuck around after his set to take pictures with fans (though I was too nervous to go up). I ended up adding a bunch of his songs to my playlist afterward because I had no idea how good his solo music is. He’s officially my N.B.T. — Next Big Thing.
A few highlights? His dancing. You could see the boy band training from a mile away. It’s rare nowadays to see male performers dance that well and stay perfectly on beat, but he did it. No mic stand or wire could hold him back.
Jack and Jack named this tour Symbiosis to represent the creative relationship they’ve rebuilt after years apart. Following their hiatus in 2020, both Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson spent time focusing on solo projects and personal growth. Symbiosis symbolizes how they’ve come back together — not as two halves of a duo trying to recreate the past, but as two fully realized artists thriving off each other’s energy. The tour feels like a celebration of that — a merging of their separate journeys into something even stronger.
Jack and Jack came on stage four minutes early (and as my dad always says, if you’re early, you’re on time). They opened strong, and the second I heard their harmonies, I remembered exactly why I loved them. They even threw in a MAGCON mention, which instantly transported me back to 2014 Tumblr. I was in the crowd thinking, “Why didn’t I wear Converse and a skater skirt?”
They started their set with newer songs that instantly hooked me — like “Role Model” (??? That song had me spinningggg). I had no idea they were still making hit after hit. I’ll admit, I was waiting for their older music, so when they performed “Flights,” I almost fainted.
One of my favorite moments was their mashup of “Mutt” by Leon Thomas and “Yukon” by Justin Bieber. At the end of the day, these guys have serious talent, and it showed. Gilinsky’s smooth, calming vocals were so beautiful that I started recording them — I’m seriously considering using them as white noise to fall asleep to. Johnson (my main man) absolutely ate his verse during “Yukon.” I was grooving so hard that the person behind me politely asked if I could “stand a little more still” because apparently the string from my shirt fell into her drink. Oops.
The most exciting part of the night was their throwback mashup: “Groove,” “California,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Like That.” You know you’re an OG J&J stan if you still say “Miley Cyrus be twerking” instead of “Megan Thee Stallion be twerking” during “Like That.”
This show honestly healed my inner child. I spent so much of my youth obsessing over MAGCON — especially Jack and Jack — and being able to live out those 13-year-old dreams as a 21-year-old felt surreal. Thank you to Edwin, Jack Johnson, Jack Gilinsky, and everyone who made this tour possible. It was truly one of the greatest nights of my life. My only regret? Not getting merch — but after two hours of jumping up and down, that line looked way too long. If you ever get the chance to see Jack & Jack live: Do it. They’re insanely talented, charming, and still know how to get a crowd moving — especially during “Wild Life.”
Photo creds: Jack and Jack
Abby Graham | Digital Media Director