tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:/blogs/goonews?p=28
GooNews
2024-03-14T19:34:22-04:00
Absolute Goo
false
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7367233
2024-03-14T19:34:22-04:00
2024-03-14T19:34:22-04:00
Bring Me the News - Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows to headline return of Basilica Block Party
<p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><strong>The music festival is returning after a two-year hiatus</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><i><strong>By Tommy Wiita</strong></i></span></p><p>The full lineup for the Basilica Block Party has been released, featuring the Goo Goo Dolls and the Counting Crows as headline acts.</p><p>Tickets go on sale March 22 at 10 a.m., via the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://basilicablockparty.org/tickets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="return phoenixTrackClickEvent(this, event);"><u>event's website</u></a>. Two-day block party passes are $159 and one-day passes will be available for $89.</p><p>Organizers <a class="no-pjax" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/basilica-block-party-to-return-in-2024-at-boom-island-park"><u>originally teased a return</u></a> of the event in February, saying it will return on Aug. 2 and 3 at Boom Island Park.</p><p><strong>Here's a look at the main stage acts for each day:</strong></p><p><strong>Friday, Aug. 2</strong></p><ul>
<li><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Fray</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dean Lewis</strong></li>
<li><strong>Red Clay Strays</strong></li>
<li><strong>Yam Haus</strong></li>
</ul><p><strong>Saturday, Aug. 3</strong></p><ul>
<li><strong>Counting Crows</strong></li>
<li><strong>NEEDTOBREATHE</strong></li>
<li><strong>Judah & The Lions</strong></li>
<li><strong>Phillip Phillips</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ingrid Andress</strong></li>
<li><strong>Guytano</strong></li>
</ul><p>The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://basilicablockparty.org/?fbclid=IwAR2-eihamGPlTd1XVWHzkc9vVLJfCqT3yqh-uVVZ4tFG40gXbaC09e2IcMw" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="return phoenixTrackClickEvent(this, event);"><u>festival will also feature</u></a> an all-local second stage. Performing there on Friday will be Run Westy Run, Black Widows, The Ocean Blue, Whiskey Rock and Roll Club, Parishes and Cindy Lawson.</p><p>On Saturday, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://bringmethenews.com/tag/st-paul-mn"><u>St. Paul</u></a> and The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://bringmethenews.com/tag/minneapolis-mn"><u>Minneapolis</u></a> Funk All Stars, Nur-D, The Mary Jane Alm Band, She's Green, and The Muatas will perform on the local stage.</p><p>The block party returned in 2021 after its 2020 event was shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was then canceled in both <a class="no-pjax" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/basilica-block-party-wont-go-ahead-in-2022"><u>2022</u></a> and 2023.</p><p>This year's event has shifted to Boom Island Park, having typically been held in July on the grounds of the Basilica of St. Mary.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/goo-goo-dolls-counting-crows-to-headline-return-of-basilica-block-party">https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/goo-goo-dolls-counting-crows-to-headline-return-of-basilica-block-party</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7365784
2024-03-12T11:46:56-04:00
2024-03-12T11:46:56-04:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Heyhey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby for this month, coming to you from the frozen, icy shores of Lake Erie here in Buffalo, NY! I'd just like to start off by saying I hope anyone that anyone who is joining us from the earthquake affected areas in western Japan is safe and in the process of recovering from any misfortune they may have met up with during this tragic time.</p><p>Some of you may be familiar with my Good Charamel Records label and our involvement with Japanese musical acts. RINKO, the lead singer from one of the bands we work with called The MOLICE is from the Kanazawa area and felt the urge to write a song to raise awareness and funds for earthquake relief. Another thing you may or may not know is that my hometown of Buffalo is the Sister City of Kanazawa Japan. We thought it would be a good idea to strengthen this sister city bond by recording RINKO's new song alongside a new Buffalo band called Letter to Elise. The song was recorded by The MOLICE in Japan and Letters to Elise will be working with myself and producer / engineer Jay Zubricky (Every Time I Die, The Menzingers, Taking Back Sunday) here in Buffalo this week. We will release the single through Good Charamel Records in early February to raise funds and awareness for the earthquake affected areas. We'll be sharing more information on this and links to official outlets you can support with relief as the project proceeds.</p><p>Goo Goo Dolls are preparing for a trip to Australia and New Zealand which begins in early February with Matchbox 20, but before we leave winter here in the US and head into summer in Australia we got to escape snowy Buffalo for a few days with a trip to The Cayman Islands in The Bahamas. The band was fortunate enough to be asked to perform at the 15th Annual Cayman Cookout which is a super high end event that gathers a gang of “rock star” chefs preparing meals for a full weekend of tropical fun and food capped off by a rock show, and this year it was Goo Goo Dolls! The show was really a lot of fun, with the stage set up by the ocean, surrounded by swaying palm trees and vacationing party goers …. it really was quite a scene! They were amazing hosts as we visited and I even got to spend an extra day at the amazing resort hosting the event!<br><br>It was so nice to be able to spend an extra day just chilling after the busy holiday season here at home, and I spent it swimming in the ocean, being lazy and doing some snorkeling! Our guitarist brad and myself went out on a rented boat and explored the reefs surrounding the Grand Cayman Island. We saw so many things down there; sea turtles, starfish and manta rays, tons of tropical fish and we even got to go swimming with Sting Rays out on a sandbar about a mile out from the shore. The Sting Rays were unexpectedly friendly and comfortable with humans, as they know we have some food for them probably, but it was such a special experience being able to interact with these beautiful and graceful creatures in their own environment…. They even liked to kiss, which I'm not sure they're looking at the same way as we are, either way it was a great day and something I'll never forget!</p><p>Alright, a few more things coming up for us in the next couple of weeks, but I'll fill you all in next months when we get together again …. as we have for many, many years now here in the pages of the mighty In Rock!</p><p>Peace!</p><p>Robby</p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7359677
2024-02-29T18:03:56-05:00
2024-02-29T18:03:56-05:00
Star News - Review: Matchbox Twenty light up Christchurch
<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"><i><strong>By Christchurch reviewer Dan Buchanan </strong></i></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">Somewhere in a record company boardroom the suits are looking for a demographic with money to spend and not a lot of time to spend it. "Hey what about them 90's bands?" says one between puffs of cigar smoke. "That's money!" says another. "Crack the champagne!" High fives and belly laughs all round.</span></p><p>Okay, maybe not. These days they probably get AI to figure these things out. Either way. Wolfbrook Arena was sold out for Thursday night's GooGoo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty show.</p><p>The GooGoo Dolls' opening riff to acoustic rock anthem 'Slide' hit the crowd right in the memories and they were up on their feet. Frontman John Rzeznik said "I'm gonna speak real slow cos I have a funny accent" before "let's have a good time!" And a good time we had. He and bassist Robby Takac never stood still for more than a second, pacing and bouncing through more classic tracks. It was infectious and everyone was into it. The band left the stage with John alone on an acoustic guitar.</p><p>"This was our first song on the radio. And I'm probably gonna ham it up!" And he did. But he stopped playing guitar and sang the opening verse of 'Name' acapella. You could've heard a pin drop. New track 'Run all Night', as well as older tunes 'Bringing On The Light', 'Better Days' and 'Broadway' were fantastic. The closer, 'Iris', absolutely brought the house down, with phone lights lit up like stars.</p><p>Matchbox Twenty walked out and the crowd went mental. Opening tracks 'Friends', 'How Far We've Come' and 'Real World' were note perfect. "How we doing Christchurch?!" asked frontman Rob Thomas mid-song, dancing and conducting the crowd on their turn to sing.</p><p>The crowd booed when Thomas confessed it had been "30 years we've never been here", before promising that "the next two hours it's just you and us, giving and receiving good vibes". With the crowd eating it up they pulled out 'Disease' and 'Wild Dogs' before piling into 'She's So Mean', 'All I Need' and then ballads 'Hand Me Down' and 'If You're Gone' stripped back to guitar and vocals.</p><p>Like GGD's Rzeznik, Rob Thomas' iconic voice was in fine form. 'Mad Season' and other songs were grand and the band were superb throughout, showmanship high, swinging guitars and mic stands around. Thomas' ability to work a crowd is first class and it was magic to watch him make fun of the encore process. "Pretend like you're not sure if we're coming back!"</p><p>When they did, Thomas was sporting an All Blacks jumper with his name and number 14 on the back. Perhaps the ABs could use a singer winger? Big hits '3am', 'Unwell' and 'Push' capped an epic show.</p><p>Matchbox 20 play Taranaki's Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth on Saturday, March 2.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/review-matchbox-twenty-light-christchurch">https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/review-matchbox-twenty-light-christchurch</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7359676
2024-02-29T17:53:00-05:00
2024-02-29T17:54:17-05:00
BNN - Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty Electrify with Nostalgic Christchurch Show at Sold-Out Wolfbrook Arena
<h2>The Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty delivered an electrifying performance at Wolfbrook Arena, marking an unforgettable night of music and memories.</h2><p><i>By Justice Nwafor</i></p><p><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);">Wolfbrook Arena witnessed an unforgettable night as the </span><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);"> and </span><strong>Matchbox Twenty</strong><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);"> took the stage, delivering a performance that left fans ecstatic and longing for more. The event, marked by a sold-out venue, saw both bands performing their greatest hits and new material, ensuring a night filled with nostalgia and energy.</span></p><h2>A Trip Down Memory Lane</h2><p>From the moment the Goo Goo Dolls' iconic opening riff to 'Slide' echoed through the arena, it was clear the night was going to be special. Frontman John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac captivated the audience with their dynamic presence, proving their timeless appeal. The acoustic rendition of 'Name' was a standout moment, showcasing Rzeznik's vocal prowess and the band's ability to connect deeply with their fans. Their setlist, a blend of new tracks and classic anthems, set the stage for an evening that transcended generations.</p><h2>Matchbox Twenty's Unmatched Energy</h2><p>Matchbox Twenty's entrance was met with thunderous applause. Rob Thomas and the band wasted no time, delivering performances that were both note-perfect and emotionally charged. Their interaction with the crowd, including promises of good vibes and playful banter about their long-awaited visit, added a personal touch to their set. Thomas' vocal excellence and the band's musicality shone through, especially in stripped-back renditions of 'Hand Me Down' and 'If You're Gone'. Their showmanship and the genuine enjoyment they took from performing were evident, making it a memorable experience for all in attendance.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/goo-goo-dolls-and-matchbox-twenty-electrify-with-nostalgic-christchurch-show-at-sold-out-wolfbrook-arena">https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/goo-goo-dolls-and-matchbox-twenty-electrify-with-nostalgic-christchurch-show-at-sold-out-wolfbrook-arena</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7359675
2024-02-29T17:47:40-05:00
2024-02-29T17:49:16-05:00
New Zealand Herald - Review: Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls deliver perfect performance to thunderous, sold out Christchurch crowd
<p><strong>By Anna Leask</strong></p><p><strong>OPINION</strong></p><p>I have, legitimately, never heard a crowd as loud as last night.</p><p>I’ve been going to concerts since I was 17 — more than two decades — and I cannot think of an occasion where a crowd sang its absolute heart out like it did at Wolfbrook Arena last night.</p><p>It started with the Goo Goo Dolls.</p><p><strong>Name</strong>. <strong>Iris</strong>. Vocal chords stretched, voices soaring.</p><p>And then Matchbox Twenty. SWOON.</p><p><strong>Long Day</strong>. <strong>3am</strong>. <strong>Unwell</strong>. <strong>Push </strong>— the crescendo was unreal, vibrating through every one of the almost-9000 fans.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(17,22,23);">There are some bands whose music has a permanent place in the innermost fibres of your soul.</span></p><p>Songs that, after hearing only an opening chord or lyric, catapault you back through time to long-passed moments and memories and the deepest-seated feelings.</p><p>Between them, the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty have a cache of tracks that do that for me.</p><p>In the mid-90s as I navigated my teenage years, music fed my poor “tortured” soul.</p><p>Grunge definitely had my heart (decades later there are still Nirvana and Silverchair posters rolled up in the depths of the wardrobe in my childhood bedroom) but somewhere along the way, something softer infiltrated my CD collection.</p><p>In 1995, the Goo Goo Dolls released what would be their breakthrough single — <strong>Name</strong>.</p><p>In 1996, Matchbox Twenty released their first album <strong>Yourself or Someone Like You</strong>, prefaced by the single <strong>Long Day</strong>.</p><p>Both bands became — and stayed — among my favourites, staying in the CD rack throughout my uni years, then the iPod and eventually added to the favourites list on Spotify.</p><p>The powerful yet fragile vocals of Rob Thomas and John Rzeznik, the gritty and often-relatable lyrics delving deeply into heartbreak, humiliation, loss, loneliness, anger, addiction, love, adultery, depression, conflict and yearning.</p><p>It was rock but not hard, it was grunge but not dark — my parents were probably stoked to have something more melodic seeping through my bedroom walls instead of the usual bleak and black noise.</p><p>And last night, after years of thrashing the tracks of Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls, I got to see both of them perform, one after the other in my hometown.</p><p>It’s a thrill to see one of your old faves in the flesh but to see two - myself and thousands of others in that crowd were like over-excited kids at Christmas.</p><p>The bands are in New Zealand for two shows only as part of Matchbox Twenty’s Slow Dream tour, which boasted 50-plus dates across the US.</p><p>The main act has sold more than 40 million records worldwide — not including Rob Thomas’ success as a solo artist — and the numbers keep rising after the release of their first album in 11 years, <strong>Where The Light Goes</strong>.</p><p>Note to OG fans here — the new album is the perfect mix of big feelings, upbeat and catchy power choruses that get you right in the heartbeat.</p><p>Matchbox Twenty have not been to Aotearoa since 2008 — and never to Christchurch — so it was only right they sweetened their visit by bringing the Goo Goo Dolls along for the ride.</p><p>(They play the Bowl of Brooklands in Taranaki on Saturday and there’s still tickets left and you MUST go!)</p><p>For more than three hours last night we were entertained, we were wooed we were absolutely spoiled as the bands played hours of their oldest and greatest hits with a good mix of the newer material.</p><p>I’m not one for spoiling set lists but the Goo Goo Dolls started strong with <strong>Dizzy </strong>and built their way to Iris which was, honestly, a lifetime highlight.</p><p>In between they took us on a nostalgic journey — founding members Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist <a class="no-pjax" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robby_Takac">Robby Taka</a>c’s energy and love of performing their music patently clear.</p><p><strong>Black Balloon</strong>. <strong>Slide</strong>. <strong>Here Is Gone</strong>. <strong>Run All Night</strong>. <strong>Broadway</strong>.</p><p>One of their deepest lyrics, arguably is: “Scars are souvenirs you never lose — the past is never far.”</p><p>And the Goo Goo Dolls made us feel that last night — their music hitting us right in the depths of our feels more than 20 years after we first fell in love with them.</p><p>I would have gone home a happy gal if the night was over when their set finished. But there was more — much, much more to come.</p><p>Matchbox Twenty took the stage at 8.52pm — and held us in their grasp until 11pm.</p><p>It was EVERYTHING.</p><p>They opened with something new, launched into <strong>How Far We’ve Come</strong>, straight to <strong>Real World</strong> and then took us on an emotional tour of their catalogue.</p><p>Thomas is a genuine showman and the crowd hung off every word.</p><p>His profuse apology for the band never visiting Christchurch in the past, his promise that the band’s set would make up for that, and a further vow to return.</p><div class="article__ad-wrapper" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(17, 22, 23);font-family:"Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:17px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:1rem;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' data-test-ui="ContentRect6"> </div><p>He was engaging, charming and captivating and his seemingly endless energy was matched by the rest of the band throughout the show.</p><p>Their collective charisma forced 99 per cent of us on our feet and had us singing ourselves hoarse, dripping with sweat as we danced along.</p><p>The playlist was dreamy — the brilliant new songs <strong>Wild Dogs (Running in a Slow Dream)</strong>, <strong>Don’t Get Me Wrong</strong>, <strong>Where The Light Goes</strong>.</p><p>Old favourites: <strong>Mad Season</strong>, <strong>Bent</strong>, <strong>Long Day</strong>.</p><p>A stunning pared-back rendition of <strong>If You’re Gone</strong>.</p><p>And then the “finale” <strong>Rebels </strong>from the new album with lyrics that old fans like me felt to the core.</p><p>“When you lose yourself in a photograph, and the room gets heavy, cos you can’t go back to sixteen.”</p><p>“We’re all rebels when we’re young.”</p><p>But wait — <a class="no-pjax" href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quelle_surprise">quelle surprise</a> — there was more. MUCH more.</p><p>Matchbox Twenty delivered the best encore I have ever seen at a concert. Thomas had told the crowd it was coming, that they’d pretend to leave the stage, that we’d chant and stomp and scream for more, that they would come back and sing a little more for us.</p><p>When he burst back on to the stage — wearing an All Blacks jersey with Thomas 14 emblazoned on the back — and launched into <strong>3AM</strong>, the crowd noise that I didn’t think could get any louder literally doubled.</p><p>From there our already-full hearts beat through mega-hits <strong>Unwell </strong>and <strong>Push </strong>before what we thought was the real finale.</p><p>And then, there was still more.</p><p>One last track, dedicated to the crew that move the band between venues, set up their stage, protect their gear and get them in front of maniacal crowds like us.</p><p>It was glorious. It was loud. It was bloody majestical.</p><p>A cover of Simple Minds’ <strong>Don’t You Forget About Me</strong>.</p><p>To Rob, Bryan, Kyle and their Kiwi drummer — a lad from Auckland on his first tour with the band after Paul Doucette couldn’t make the tour — we definitely won’t forget you. Not a chance.</p><p>And we cannot wait to see you again.</p><p>Let’s see how far you’ll come…..</p><p><strong>Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls and Christchurch artist Pickle Darling are heading to New Plymouth for a second final concert on Saturday, March 2. Tickets are still available via Ticketek.</strong></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/review-matchbox-twenty-goo-goo-dolls-deliver-perfect-performance-to-thunderous-sold-out-christchurch-crowd/AZEENGZBRBA6XOJ47JRHKDNFMA/"><strong>https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/review-matchbox-twenty-goo-goo-dolls-deliver-perfect-performance-to-thunderous-sold-out-christchurch-crowd/AZEENGZBRBA6XOJ47JRHKDNFMA/</strong></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7355057
2024-02-21T17:23:02-05:00
2024-02-21T17:23:02-05:00
QRock - Taste of Joliet Friday Night Rock Act Announced
<p>The <strong>Joliet Park District</strong> is excited to announce the <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> as the Friday night headliner at the <strong>2024 Taste of Joliet.</strong></p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls have sold over 15 million records worldwide, garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations and nearly a dozen platinum & gold singles combined, and grabbed a page in the history books by achieving 16 number one and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”</p><p>Among a string of hits, “Iris” held #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts.</p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls will take the stage at <strong>9 PM on Friday, June 21st</strong> at the <strong>Taste of Joliet</strong>. Tickets are available for purchase now at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://tasteofjoliet.com/"><u>www.tasteofjoliet.com.</u></a></p><p>Previous Friday night headliners at the Taste of Joliet include: Train, REO Speedwagon, STYX, Sammy Hagar and Cheap Trick.</p><p>The 2024 Taste of Joliet is brought to you by D’Arcy GMC and the Joliet Park District.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.qrockonline.com/taste-of-joliet-friday-night-rock-act-announced/">https://www.qrockonline.com/taste-of-joliet-friday-night-rock-act-announced/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7355056
2024-02-21T17:18:40-05:00
2024-02-21T17:18:40-05:00
Music Talk with Marty Duda - Goo Goo Dolls are Coming! Here’s Robby
<p>Listen to the interview here - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://player.captivate.fm/episode/98e2b377-4699-40e0-b73f-de186f1309a2">https://player.captivate.fm/episode/98e2b377-4699-40e0-b73f-de186f1309a2</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7350698
2024-02-13T12:57:39-05:00
2024-02-13T12:57:39-05:00
Robby's New InRock Blog!
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby for this month's catch up! It's been a lot of travel for the folks of GGDS this month as we went to do a festival in Bangalore India! It was our first visit to India and it was a whirlwind trip, not even 3 full days for the visit but we fit in a bunch of stuff in such a small amount of time, I'll do my best to fill you in!</p><p>We flew from NY to Frankfurt, Germany and then after a lengthy layover made our way to the gate for our Bangalore flight! I had a chance to sleep as did the rest of the guys, so we were fairly fresh when we arrived in Bangalore at 4:00 in the morning! After checking into the hotel and a little bit more sleep we met up with our tour coordinators and they took us out for some sightseeing around the city. Our first stop was at a temple in the downtown area called the ISKCON temple, one of the largest temples in Bangalore which is in honor of the story of the Hindu deities Radha Krishna. We witnessed some of the rituals and ceremonies and toured the temple with our group before we headed into to do some shopping at a local shop. After finding a nice little Ganesh statue to bring home for my daughter and checking out some of the amazing jewelry, Hindu statues, and traditional clothing we made our way to have some lunch at a local restaurant.</p><p>The restaurant we visited was a traditional Indian restaurant that served several curries and other Indian dishes, with no plates or silverware as is the custom, so as our table full of western rock musicians enjoyed our delicious curries and rice served on a banana leaf we clumsily shoveled food into our mouths with our bare hands like the locals! When in Rome right? The meal really was delicious, but we were all exhausted and went back to the hotel to rest up for a bit before heading to a dinner the promoter arranged for the band War on Drugs and ourselves who were also performing on our stage the next night. It was a nice time, but we had been traveling with a vengeance and we needed to get some rest before the show so we quietly exited the party and got to bed for the night.</p><p>The next morning, we got up for soundcheck and went to a dusty field which was used for horse riding throughout the year. The festival had 2 large stages with Indian bands performing on one and the international bands performing on the other. As I mentioned on the international stage with us on Saturday was The War on Drugs and the following night featured Australian punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers and the legendary British heavy metal band Deep Purple. The festival went off without any problems at all, the crowd was amazing, it's still unbelievable to me when we are literally on the other side of the globe and people are sharing the songs we created with us all these years later. I can't wait to make another trip and see more of the country of India, the people are so kind, and the food and culture are just amazing. I hope to be back soon and make some more music for the Indian people!</p><p>I'm wishing you all a super fun holiday season and I hope 2024 is the best year ever for my friends here in the pages of the Mighty In Rock, until next month, keep it real and make sure to live your best life every day!</p><p>Peace!<br>Robby</p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7347726
2024-02-07T20:16:14-05:00
2024-02-07T20:16:14-05:00
That's So Tampa - Taking Back Sunday, Goo Goo Dolls, Hoobastank announced for Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest
<p>By Andrew Harlan</p><p>I just want to buy these tickets so badly…Scene and emo kids of the early aughts are in for a treat as Taking Back Sunday is just one of the major bands set to perform live during Busch Gardens’ annual Food and Wine Festival.</p><p>These festivities officially kick off on March 9 with Goo Goo Dolls — this time they do want the world to see them. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is included with daily park admission, but guests who want to take full advantage of all the park and festival have to offer can snag their annual passes now and for a limited time receive a free upgrade to the next pass level.</p><p>The Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of the culinary regions of the world paired with the star-studded lineup of A-list performers. Starting on March 9 and running Saturdays and Sundays through May 19, guests can sip and savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats, discover their new favorite brew or cocktail and immerse themselves in electrifying concerts from chart-topping acts across pop, Latin, rock, country, and beyond.</p><p>In addition, local artists will be showcasing their talents and selling unique creations from charming cabins scattered throughout the park. Food and beverage are not included with park admission and are available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.</p><p>“The Food & Wine Festival is an event our guests look forward to every year, and this year is going to be the best one yet,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “From craveable food and beverage options to top musical talent, our guests are really in for a treat.”</p><p>Current concert lineup:</p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Goo Goo Dolls </strong>– March 9</li>
<li>
<strong>Starship ft. Mickey Thomas </strong>– March 10</li>
<li>
<strong>Taking Back Sunday </strong>– March 23</li>
<li>
<strong>Owl City </strong>– April 6</li>
<li>
<strong>Grupo Niche </strong>– April 7</li>
<li>
<strong>Better than Ezra & Vertical Horizon </strong>– April 13</li>
<li>
<strong>Hoobastank</strong> – April 14</li>
<li>
<strong>Michael Ray </strong>– April 20</li>
<li>
<strong>Gavin DeGraw </strong>– April 21</li>
<li>
<strong>Andy Grammer</strong> – April 27</li>
<li>
<strong>Chris Lane </strong>– April 28</li>
<li>
<strong>Boys Like Girls </strong>– May 4</li>
<li>
<strong>38 Special</strong> – May 5</li>
</ul><p>More bands will be announced in the coming weeks. We will update this story as the announcements are made. All concerts take place at the Festival Field Stage, located past the Festival Walkway and behind the award-winning hybrid roller coaster, Iron Gwazi. To view showtimes and purchase reserved seating and VIP packages, guests can visit <a class="no-pjax" href="https://buschgardens.com/tampa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="Link opens an external site in a new window.">BuschGardensTampa.com</a>.</p><p>Sampler Lanyards, and VIP seating passes are also available on Busch Gardens website.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thatssotampa.com/busch-gardens-tampa-bay/">https://thatssotampa.com/busch-gardens-tampa-bay/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7345375
2024-02-03T14:54:14-05:00
2024-02-03T14:54:14-05:00
Mayhem Music Magazine - HomeNews Goo Goo Dolls Return With New Single “Beautiful Lie”
<p><i><strong>Press Release</strong></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Of the mellifluous track, Goo Goo Dolls’ frontman and founder John Rzeznik says, “The song is a departure from our latest album Chaos In Bloom. It’s a simple song, very chill. It felt fresh to me and I hope you enjoy it.”</p><p style="text-align:justify;">On February 13, the band will take their lauded live show back on the road with a run of headline dates in Australia and New Zealand with Matchbox 20. The shows follow the band’s extensive 2023 North American tour, featuring special guest performances from O.A.R. and Fitz and the Tantrums. The Big Night Out Tour saw Goo Goo Dolls deliver career-encompassing sets that featured songs from their 2022 album Chaos in Bloom and other hits from their complete discography. Full tour routing can be found below while further ticketing information can be found <a class="no-pjax" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xcctaGOfw7Sp_7m3gQ3rD6pL6xhi_5EU9RLnziG_-dZmRl8imzccc7O5JTBoV3rF2I54ekRLRKqttCsyosCnAWKrjpR_lpGab4AL41k-x9tpfszEt4pLPLFJgVvpMYmjSrgZPTW7-qDvKcitowyCEpiRIoEZXQd6&c=RZgj-pHShzLythasxbd_vNxfoamIqArjY3XCECzpm1tGqeFHyS3aIg==&ch=5nzjIRptCAoUUP_nVbWrD1iZXTuRgrfPdG52IXoLHcgotpGMWtReOA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D001xcctaGOfw7Sp_7m3gQ3rD6pL6xhi_5EU9RLnziG_-dZmRl8imzccc7O5JTBoV3rF2I54ekRLRKqttCsyosCnAWKrjpR_lpGab4AL41k-x9tpfszEt4pLPLFJgVvpMYmjSrgZPTW7-qDvKcitowyCEpiRIoEZXQd6%26c%3DRZgj-pHShzLythasxbd_vNxfoamIqArjY3XCECzpm1tGqeFHyS3aIg%3D%3D%26ch%3D5nzjIRptCAoUUP_nVbWrD1iZXTuRgrfPdG52IXoLHcgotpGMWtReOA%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707000512754000&usg=AOvVaw14FmRXVJ9o4nrE7kGwAYVC">HERE</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">This past September, the group celebrated the 25th anniversary of their iconic record Dizzy Up The Girl by releasing a limited edition version of the album, which was pressed on metallic silver vinyl. Dizzy Up The Girl catapulted the band into mainstream success, selling over 6 million copies worldwide. The album has since gone 5x Certified Platinum in the U.S. and features five top 10 singles, including hit songs such as “Iris” (4 GRAMMY-nominations, 8x Certified Platinum, over 1 billion Spotify streams), “Slide” (3x Certified Platinum, 240 million Spotify streams) and “Black Balloon” (Certified Platinum, 65 million Spotify streams).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Last fall, Goo Goo Dolls also released Live At The Academy, showcasing their performance at CMJ Music Marathon in New York City on November 21, 1995. The live record also includes a recording of their soundcheck on Tom Calderone’s radio station “Dare to be Different,” which was mixed and recorded by legendary producer Jerry Finn (Blink-182, The Offspring). Not only was it the first time the trio had ever recorded a live show but it was their debut acoustic performance in front of a live audience. Both the soundcheck performance and the group’s show at The Academy captured a special moment in their blossoming career.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The band capped off yet another monumental year with a performance of their track “Run All Night” on CBS’ The Talk. In addition, Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. frontman Marc Roberge appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America over the summer for a performance of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The band also delivered a second performance on GMA3, marking the television debut of “Run All Night.”</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mayhemmusicmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-return-with-new-single-beautiful-lie/">https://www.mayhemmusicmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-return-with-new-single-beautiful-lie/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7333510
2024-01-13T14:59:06-05:00
2024-01-13T14:59:06-05:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby on a cold November morning here in Buffalo, NY! Thanksgiving weekend here in the US, for those of you not familiar with the traditional holiday it's a time when family and friends gather to celebrate all those things we should be thankful for the extraordinary in our lives that we tend to see as routine. The historical tradition stems from the arrival of “Pilgrims” to the US fleeing religious persecution in England who came to North America to start a new “society” and the harvest festival they would share once they arrived. To most Americans these days it means a great roasted Turkey dinner and a chance to catch up with folks close to them that they aren't always able to share time with throughout the year. Much like the time we get to spend here together in the pages of the mighty In Rock and I'm taking a second to tell all of you how thankful I am to have this opportunity each and every month to share some time with some friends I've been sharing thoughts with for nearly 2 decades now!</p><p>Since out Summer tours conclusion we've been spending some time at home while heading out to do some private shows around the US. We also had a chance to do our 2nd performance on the NBC talk show “The Talk”, we performed our single Run All Night that we released earlier this year and chatted with the hosts for a bit. The shoe films in NYS so I got a chance to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree going up, not yet lit, but ready for the holidays! My family tends to take a trip to NYC every holiday season, this year will be a little different as Goo Goo Dolls will be making our very first trip to India to perform at The Bandlands Festival in Bangalore at the end of December, a long trip, but we're super excited tom play. The other bands on the bill include my childhood favorites Deep Purple and the band War on Drugs among others! We had a great time on the show, and I've included a shot from the show so you can check it out!</p><p>I'm enjoying some time at home right now; my wife has taken a trip to Japan so I'm a solo daddy for a little while here as my daughter Hana and I maneuver our way through the pre holidays and the “slightly laid back but always chaotic life without mommy home” lifestyle we tend to lead. Unfortunately, we won't be making it to Japan this year for the holidays, but unbelievably it's due to a new addition to our family…. A puppy for my daughter! More on that as the days go on here in the pages of the Lobby.</p><p>I hope you all are getting geared up for the holidays, I've seen pictures online of the illuminations going up in Japan, such a magical time, please enjoy the coming season and if you ge6t a chance check out the Goo Goo Dolls new Christmas song “Who's Gonna Hear Their Wish This Christmas” which is included on the re-release of our “Christmas All Over” album called “Christmas All Over (Again)”. Oh! And we also did a re-release of our very first album (originally released in 1988) on red vinyl which is available now as well! All sorts of cool stuff going on, and I can't wait to share more with you next month here in the pages of In Rock! Have a Great Holiday and we will see you all very soon with some more fun and a brand new year! Have a great Holiday and I will see you all soon!</p><p>Peace,</p><p>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7318351
2023-12-12T19:09:10-05:00
2023-12-16T20:03:03-05:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome once again to Robby’s Lobby, a place designed especially for a dude from the Goo Goo Dolls to catch up with his friends in Japan through the pages of The Mighty In Rock! We’ve been meeting up here month after month and after all of these years it’s still great to be able to spend some time here with all of you!</p><p>I’ve been home for a couple of weeks now from the Big Night Out Tour of North America, you may remember the first portion was with openers OAR and Fitz and The Tantrums, the last night of the 2-month tour was in Guilford, New Hampshire and it was coincidentally my birthday! We had some birthday cake and got to hang at one of the coolest venues in the US which has a full vacation style backstage for the bands including a heated swimming pool, a firepit, lounge, bikes, mini golf, playground, games, oh…. and some dressing rooms as well! My wife Miyoko and my daughter Hana came to join us, my partner John’s family was out as well, it was a great show as always, but it was an extra special show with all of the families and fun that surrounded the last night. We had a great time this Summer and look forward to more extensive touring in the US, probably in 2025 as we’ll most likely be focusing on writing and international touring over the next year or so. I’ve included a shot from the Guilford show and a look at my birthday cake !</p><p>But as you may have noticed we can’t stay down for too long. So, a week after returning home we did another one-off show in Smyrna, GA to celebrate their 151st Anniversary with a concert featuring GGDS, The Wallflowers and The 10,000 Maniacs. The 10,000 Maniacs are from Jamestown which is outside of Buffalo, NY and we have crossed paths with them professionally and personally many, many times over the years. Our friend and at times producer Armand Petri has been working with 10,000 maniacs since their parting with Natalie Merchant in the late 90s and had worked with them through their time with Mary Ramsey as vocalist / viola player as well. Armand joined us at the show with the Maniac’s first show with their newest vocalist, Lea Nash from the band Sixpence None The Richer. Leah and her brother Matt are both performing with the Maniacs now and we got a chance to catch up with them after the show, I’ve included a pic with Leah, Matt, Armand and myself hanging in our trailer before the show!</p><p>A few scattered shows on the calendar for the rest of the year and then major international touring’s coming up in 2024 …. Stay tuned …..</p><p>OK, off to take my daughter to school, spend some time down at the studio and enjoy some time at home as a little bit of down time is just what we all needed. I hope you all have a great Fall and I look forward to talking to you all next week here in the pages of the almighty INROCK!</p><p>Peace !<br>Robby</p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7298857
2023-11-04T20:11:38-04:00
2023-11-04T20:11:38-04:00
Rock Interview Series - Robby Takac - Goo Goo Dolls- talks new NYC 95 live record, Music is Art, GGD past history & future.
<p><span style="color:rgb(15,15,15);"><strong>BY THOMAS S. ORWAT JR. </strong></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(15,15,15);">Welcome to episode #87 of the Rock Interview Series. For this feature I have rock icon Robby Takac bassist/vocalist/songwriter of the multi-platinum selling band form Buffalo, NY - The Goo Goo Dolls. In this candid conversation, Robby talks about the recent release of “Live at the Academy, New York City, 1995”, a live album that captures the band’s raw and energetic performance that was recorded in December 1995, 2 months after the band’s first major single “Name” hit the charts. Robby also shares some of the band’s past history, such as talking about their early touring days. He also reveals some of the band’s future plans, such as working on new material and touring plans for 2024. Finally, he talks about his passion for Music is Art, and how the festival, which takes place in his hometown of Buffalo, NY the second Saturday of September, has grown over the years. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(15,15,15);">Click here to watch - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/aKLxijKuziI?si=n_I3qtfyRcpxCXtx"><span style="color:rgb(15,15,15);">https://youtu.be/aKLxijKuziI?si=n_I3qtfyRcpxCXtx</span></a><br> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7296326
2023-10-31T01:07:15-04:00
2023-10-31T01:07:15-04:00
Miers on Music - Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik sits in with Monkey Wrench at Electric Avenue
<h3>Rzeznik joined the legendary Buffalo indie-punk band during their Cheap Trick tribute set</h3><p><i>By Jeff Miers</i></p><p>Well, I’m kicking myself. </p><p><span>I thought I’d take the weekend off, concentrate on my own music, do some work around the house, avoid a Sunday hangover, and maybe stave off the existential dreads that seem to arrive with the coming work week, based on the nagging feeling of </span><i>not having gotten anything useful done.</i><span> </span></p><p>I should’ve known better. </p><p>Click here for full story and photos - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://jeffmiersmusic.substack.com/p/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-sits-in">https://jeffmiersmusic.substack.com/p/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-sits-in</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7296323
2023-10-31T00:56:46-04:00
2023-10-31T00:56:46-04:00
My Radio Link - Goo Goo Dolls Release New Christmas Song
<p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> premiered an original, rockin’ Christmas song over the weekend. “Who’s Gonna Hear Their Wish” will be on a new deluxe version of their Holiday album, <i>It’s Christmas All Over (Again)</i>, set for release on November 17th.</p><p>On the new version, you’ll also find the holiday classic, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” made famous by <strong>Dean Martin </strong>in 1959.</p><p>This will be the third edition of the 2020 album.</p><p>Click to hear “Who's Gonna Hear Their Wish” - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/s9YgstjXGtw?si=zGoDQQoUCgQf1aw2">https://youtu.be/s9YgstjXGtw?si=zGoDQQoUCgQf1aw2</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.myradiolink.com/2023/10/29/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-christmas-song/#">https://www.myradiolink.com/2023/10/29/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-christmas-song/#</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7294005
2023-10-26T16:20:31-04:00
2023-10-26T16:20:32-04:00
The A-Game with Rob Acampora - with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls
<p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);"><i>A great sit down with an old friend — Robby Takac! A founding member of the Goo Goo Dolls, Robby talks career, family, Buffalo, band’s new releases, and lots of laughs as we shared some good times! Enjoy the conversation!</i></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);"><i><strong>Click the link to watch</strong> - </i></span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/M9A97H8pFQ8?si=TgyE_yDgT6klBjkn"><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);"><i>https://www.youtube.com/live/M9A97H8pFQ8?si=TgyE_yDgT6klBjkn</i></span></a></p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7294001
2023-10-26T16:11:33-04:00
2023-10-26T16:11:34-04:00
Variety - Deep Purple, Goo Goo Dolls to Headline Inaugural Edition of India’s Bandland Festival
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>By </strong></span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/author/saharanaman-ramachandran/"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Naman Ramachandran</strong></span></a></p><p>Rock bands <a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/t/deep-purple/" id="auto-tag_deep-purple" data-tag="deep-purple">Deep Purple</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/t/goo-goo-dolls/" id="auto-tag_goo-goo-dolls" data-tag="goo-goo-dolls">Goo Goo Dolls</a> will headline the inaugural edition of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/t/bandland/" id="auto-tag_bandland" data-tag="bandland">Bandland</a>, a new Indian music festival.</p><p>Acts at the event also include American indie rockers The War on Drugs and Amyl and The Sniffers from Australia. Indian acts performing at Bandland include Parikrama, Thermal and a Quarter, both of who join Deep Purple for the second time in the country after their supporting act with the band in 1994 and 2001, Parvaaz, The F16s, Aswekeepsearching, Skrat, Pacifist and The Earth Below.</p><p>Bandland is promoted and produced by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/t/bookmyshow/" id="auto-tag_bookmyshow" data-tag="bookmyshow">BookMyShow</a> Live, the events arm of India’s leading ticketing portal BookMyShow. The event is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17 at the Embassy International Riding School Ground, Bengaluru.</p><p>Owen Roncon, chief of business – live entertainment, BookMyShow, said, “Bandland will celebrate music that has stood the test of time with legendary bands that both Indian fans and music artists here, have looked up to over the years along with new-age bands that continue the rock legacy. The best of the Indian rock realm that built and contributed towards the genre’s defining journey in the country will find pride of place at Bandland, as they continue to lead the charge in the space.”</p><p>“BookMyShow Live’s new IP will celebrate the culture, beauty and vibrancy of Bengaluru, bringing alive the magic of live music. We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural edition of a festival devoted to live music bands that are both homegrown and from across the world over. Our goal is to establish this as recurring festival, consistently showcasing live bands and bringing forth music that has always created defining cultural shifts. The festival is a safe haven for live music enthusiasts, where every beat and note resonates with true music lovers. Bengaluru, brace yourself for an unparalleled, transcendental experience – it’s about to get loud,” Roncon added.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://variety.com/2023/music/asia/deep-purple-goo-goo-dolls-india-bandland-festival-1235768773/">https://variety.com/2023/music/asia/deep-purple-goo-goo-dolls-india-bandland-festival-1235768773/</a></p><div class="admz " style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;" id="adm-inline-article-ad-1"><div class="adma boomerang " style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;" data-device="Desktop" data-width="300"><div class="pmc-adm-boomerang-pub-div ad-text" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:75px;min-width:50px;" data-priority="10"><div class=" adw-300 adh-250" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;align-items:center;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:flex;flex-direction:column;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;justify-content:center;letter-spacing:normal;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;orphans:2;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" id="gpt-variety-article-mid-article-uid0" data-is-adhesion-ad="" data-google-query-id="CILQxeTBlIIDFYIGPwod8fELcw">
<br> </div></div></div></div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7290446
2023-10-19T23:51:57-04:00
2023-10-19T23:51:57-04:00
XSNoize - ALBUM REVIEW: Goo Goo Dolls – Live at The Academy 1995
<p><i><strong>4 out of 5 stars</strong></i></p><p><strong>By Chris Mullan</strong></p><p>To appreciate the Goo Goo Dolls, one must have an appreciation for dichotomy. Signed to Metal Blade Records in 1985, the trio from Buffalo, New York, started life as a fast and loose punk rock band whose first three albums were abrasive, juvenile, and so heavily indebted to bands like The Replacements and a DIY ethos that it was at the same time both romantic and restrictive.</p><p>To think we are talking about the same band who gifted the world the ubiquitous 1990s power ballad ‘Iris’ is to think we are talking about two different bands. In a sense, we are.</p><p>This takes us back to November 1995. Goo Goo Dolls play their biggest show to date at New York City’s Academy Theatre. Just as the band were beginning to see the fruits of their labour after years of national touring and in support of their fifth album, ‘A Boy Named Goo’, something curious happened. Buried in the middle of an offering of punchy alternative rock songs was the yearning acoustic ballad ‘Name’. Apparently positioned as such to almost lead listeners to skip past it, the song became an unwitting breakthrough hit for the band, thus establishing their once unimaginable progression from underground critical darlings to syrupy, adult contemporary balladeers.</p><p>There is no question that after ‘Name’ hit, it all changed for the Goo Goo Dolls. Which is what makes this release of ‘Live at The Academy’ so vital in their catalogue. It captures the last time there was no discernible gulf between the band and its fans. Two months later, they would have the fifth best-selling single in America. The Academy Theatre was demolished merely a year after this performance; so too, some might argue, was the band we find here in 1995.</p><p>It would have been hard to turn down the chance to wax poetic about this seminal performance of a band on the precipice, regardless of the results. But in fact, ‘Live at The Academy’ has been a wholly enjoyable and fun listen. It is a mammoth release: 32 songs spread across either 3 LPs or 2 CDs that captures an important moment in time for the Goo Goo Dolls and their fans alike. Caught and preserved entirely by a mobile recording truck almost thirty years ago, I feel it is worth mentioning just how crisp and full the production remains here.</p><p>By all accounts, the band is raw and energetic, with all the idiosyncrasies of live performance left in, just how it should be. It allows the band’s charm to shine through, and of course, there is the supercharged setlist. Storming through upbeat numbers like ‘Long Way Down’, ‘Only One’, ‘Naked’ and ‘Flat Top’, the youthful exuberance of Johnny Rzeznik is infectious and touches upon the feeling that his idol Paul Westerberg occasioned in anyone who ever listened to a Replacements album– if they can do it, so can I, but for all the Westerberg and Replacements comparisons, things were just destined to be different for the Goo Goo Dolls. Johnny Rzeznik’s jawline was just a little too chiselled, hair just a little too coiffed and choruses just a lot more pop radio-friendly that, in some ways, 1998s monster ‘Iris’ is the obvious end result.</p><p>The first single released from this ‘Live at The Academy’ collection has suitably been ‘Name’. The soundcheck version, also found here, would have sufficed. It is quite simply the quintessential alternative rock song of the decade, and it is a complimentary nod to this charming live performance that such an earnest song sits alongside jagged covers of Prince’s ‘Never Take The Place Of Your Man’ and INXS’s ‘Don’t Change’. How wonderful.</p><p>In an era where record companies dredge up the vaults and package old live recordings, demos and B-Sides for profit and consumption en masse, this is a recording worthy of its release. It captures the innocence of a band and its fans whose fiery youth is no more, of an iconic venue that is no more and of a New York City that is no more.</p><p>Thank God for mobile recording trucks.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.xsnoize.com/album-review-goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-academy-1995/">https://www.xsnoize.com/album-review-goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-academy-1995/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7289658
2023-10-18T16:30:30-04:00
2023-10-18T16:30:30-04:00
The Buffalo News - It's not just the Buffalo Bills: Goo Goo Dolls' Robby Takac on how crowd noise rocks
<p><strong>By Tim O'Shei</strong></p><p> </p><div class="lee-article-text first-p" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>You didn’t have to listen hard to hear this theme loudly: The Buffalo Bills love their crowd noise.</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>I was standing in the team’s postgame news conference room a couple of weeks ago after the team’s runaway win over the Miami Dolphins. Stefon Diggs, who scored three touchdowns (and after one of them, grabbed some fans’ beers and smashed them in celebration), talked about how much the loud fans helped. “We need that,” he said.</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Later, head coach Sean McDermott – with no prompting – echoed his star receiver, likening the crowd’s volume to “jet engines.”</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>I wrote <a class="no-pjax" href="https://buffalonews.com/news/local/the-bills-make-fans-want-to-shout-loudly-and-getting-louder-why-stadium-crowd-noise/article_1e34dd58-6b58-11ee-ac52-5bbb072b9cbe.html" target="_blank"><strong>a piece exploring why crowd noise matters</strong></a> (“It’s an emotional amplifier,” performance coach Steve Magness told me) and explaining how the Bills plan to jack up the volume in their future stadium.</p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">But I suspected this isn’t just a sports dynamic, and so I called someone who has the other type of job that involves constant crowd feedback: a rock star.</span></p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>“I can't catch, throw or kick a ball, but I would assume that the crowd and the energy that's in the room is as much of a motivator as anything else,” said Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac, who lives in his native Buffalo and understands the Bills fandom. “When you're in front of 10,000, screaming people, there’s some energy behind that for us. It elevates your performance, and I’m sure it's the same way with sports.”</p></div>
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<p>Takac and Goos frontman John Rzeznik have been performing for crowds measuring in the tens of thousands since the 1990s, when their hit single “Name” gave <i>them</i> a name, and then their smash “Iris” catapulted them to stardom.</p>
<p>Click the link to the full article to see what Robby had to say - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://buffalonews.com/life-entertainment/its-not-just-the-buffalo-bills-goo-goo-dolls-robby-takac-on-how-crowd-noise/article_364f4838-6b62-11ee-a9a6-73e66ac095ac.html">https://buffalonews.com/life-entertainment/its-not-just-the-buffalo-bills-goo-goo-dolls-robby-takac-on-how-crowd-noise/article_364f4838-6b62-11ee-a9a6-73e66ac095ac.html</a></p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7287873
2023-10-14T17:12:43-04:00
2023-10-16T10:58:32-04:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and welcome to The Lobby, today from a day off in Nashville from The Goo Goo Dolls “Big Night Out” Tour that has been out doing shows for nearly a month now here in the US. The band OAR has been warming up the crowd and it's really been a great, albeit unbelievably hot summer for us here as we wind our way around the USA in our bus visiting over 20 some cities at this point from the deep south in the state of Florida to the state of NY!<br>As I mentioned the temperature has been pretty high as we play our string of outdoor shows throughout the summer, it makes it a bit challenging, especially for our crew who is out in the heat all day getting the show ready for us. But, as they say in show business, the show must go on, and it most certainly does night after night. The tour started off in Clearwater, Florida, (which is when we last spoke) and it's been an amazing run of enthusiastic audiences and full houses throughout the southern states and Midwest of the US, playing shows in places like Chicago, New Jersey, DC, Cleveland and so many others including a sold-out show at the legendary Jones Beach Amphitheater in New York!<br>It's been pretty hectic schedule wise out here, so we haven't had allot of chances to get out and sight see along the way, although we have had been lucky enough to have had some locals bring us some puppies, goats, and alligators backstage (not at the same time, that could get ugly!) for us to pal around with along the way! There's always something cool going on, a random ice cream truck backstage on the lot, barbecues, yard games, you know, all that good old American summer stuff, but honestly as I mentioned we move at such a breakneck pace it really is tough to get out and enjoy too many things as we make our way around on these US runs. My wife and daughter came out to travel on the bus with us for about 10 days as did John's daughter and our keyboard player Jimmy's daughter as well, they get together and help out with the meet and greets and passing out black balloons to the folks in line as they wait to get a photo at the meet and greet which can hold up to 200 people some nights!<br>I also made my way to Buffalo to do a solo acoustic set at a fundraiser for The Music is Art Festival, which is happening on Sept 9th this year, 27 stages of art, music, skaters, dancers, DJs and lots of other inspiring stuff going on and this will be our 21st year presenting this free event in Buffalo. I've included a shot from the fundraiser for you all to see! I played a bunch of songs, my friend Sara Elizabeth also did a set, and we auctioned off about 20 autographed guitars to help keep the Music is Art Festival free to all of those people who come out every year to celebrate Buffalo's creativity with the entire community!<br>Ok, that's it for this month, way more going on in my life as we proceed and I'll keep you all in the loop, just like you're out here with me without the additional hotel charges! Hope you have a great month, and we will talk again soon here in the pages of THE MIGHTY IN ROCK!</p><p><br>Peace<br>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7282356
2023-10-03T18:53:02-04:00
2023-10-03T18:53:02-04:00
The Song Sommelier - Goo Goo Dolls The Art of Longevity
<p><i><strong>The Goo Goo Dolls</strong></i><span style="color:rgb(87,87,87);"> are approaching 40 years since formation in 1986 and 13 studio albums into their career. Not only that, but they are furthest away from surfing along on past success as any modern rock band could be. The band is on a rich seam of form. </span><i><strong>John Rezeznik</strong> </i><span style="color:rgb(87,87,87);">talks about putting in the work. </span></p><p>Being a career musician is hard work. <i><strong>John Rezeznik</strong></i> knows. Over their near 40 decade career, <i><strong>The Goo Goo Dolls</strong></i>’ ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to their core sound has been key to their longevity. And putting in the graft has helped too. Rezeznik also knows that the system in which he works, “<i>the music business or whatever you wanna call it</i>” is the part that’s broken. While his band has kept on changing, the changes that have come along in the music business haven’t exactly made life easier for long-in-the-game musicians.</p><p>But John Rezeznik and Robby Takac put in the work. Not only that, but they are furthest away from surfing along on past success as any modern rock band could be. The Goo Goo Dolls are approaching 40 years since formation in 1986 and 13 studio albums into their career. But the band is on a rich seam of form - their last two albums <i><strong>Chaos in Bloom</strong></i> (2022) and <i><strong>Miracle Pill</strong></i> (2019) both particularly well received. </p><p>Is there a special feeling to being at this stage of their career yet still making great new material?</p><p>Well, it’s a complex answer. Amongst all the flux, the constants have helped. Rezeznik’s writing partners (he mentions Greg Wattenburg, Drew Pearson, Derek Fuhrmann) have been rocks - “<i>people I love and respect and who have done more than I have</i>”. </p><p>And - for what it's worth, (probably in truth quite a lot) The Goo Goo Dolls had a run of 11 studio albums on the same major label, Warner Records. That is unusual these days and speaks to Rezeznik’s philosophy to stick with music relationships through thick & thin. </p><p>Mostly, though, the key to the band’s longevity has been a focus purely on the music. </p><p><i>“I’m not using music to launch my clothing line, or my cologne or my vodka. I’m a songwriter and a performer - that’s what I do - and I have been blessed enough and lucky enough to earn a living from it”.</i> </p><p>So many bands have a complex relationship with their biggest songs (probably because they essentially set a one dimensional benchmark - that of popularity) but dealing with that and playing those songs like it’s the last time you ever will, is part of doing the work. The Doll’s most biggest song and most recent tour are no exception:</p><p><i>“Robby convinced me, play Iris last. But that’s what bands do when they only have one big song! So everyone has to stick around and hear all the other songs before you get to the hit”. But you know what, it works, so we play Iris last”. </i></p><p>Well when you have one of the biggest indie songs ever, that’s a good attitude to have. </p><p>While to my mind, The Goo Goo Dolls are a classic album band, it is their chart-topping singles, including of course "Iris," but also giants like "Name," "Slide," and "Black Balloon." These songs have helped define their legacy and will grow in perpetuity when it comes to streaming count. </p><p>The Dolls' music is marked by hooky melodies, heartfelt lyrics, Rezeznik’s distinctive vocals, and a balance of acoustic and electric feel. Their ability to create relatable and timeless songs has contributed to their enduring popularity in the world of rock music. The band has developed nicely through the mists of time. When I ask Rezeznik how he would approach making a career in today’s industry, he gives me the same bemused answer as many guests do on The Art of Longevity: “<i>I don’t think I could</i>”.</p><p>But he and his band have crossed the Rubicon and so his anxiety is instead projected onto the next generation of musicians forged from the same stuff i.e. focused on the music:</p><p><i>“How much amazing music is not being heard because [TikTok] is the metric you have to use, to decide if an artist is viable or not. Through Tik Tok? Gimme a break”.</i> <i>That’s what worries me about the next generation of musicians - are they gonna be able to do that? Being poor and famous, I’m not sure that’s gonna work”.</i> </p><p>That’s exactly what the “music business” is trying to figure out. </p><p>Listen here --> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.songsommelier.com/goo-goo-dolls-art-of-longevity">https://www.songsommelier.com/goo-goo-dolls-art-of-longevity</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7282351
2023-10-03T18:38:11-04:00
2023-10-03T18:38:11-04:00
Sweet 98.5 - Nikki & Spicoli Mornings Get Personal With Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Nikki</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls founding member and bassist, joins </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://sweet985.com/nikki-spicoli-mornings/">Nikki & Spicoli Mornings</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"> to get hyped for this Saturday’s show at </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://sweet985.com/events/374586/">Astro Amphitheater</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">, and talks Iris, surviving a plane crash, and car seat hostages.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">Listen here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://sweet985.com/2023/09/21/46122/"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">https://sweet985.com/2023/09/21/46122/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7282348
2023-10-03T18:30:12-04:00
2023-10-03T18:30:12-04:00
Bangor Daily News - Goo Goo Dolls close out 2023 concert season on Bangor Waterfront
<p><strong>By Emily Burnham</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);">The 2023 season at the Maine Savings Amphitheater closed out with a bang on Friday with a double header concert featuring the Goo Goo Dolls and Fitz and the Tantrums.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);">The Goo Goo Dolls are </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/02/13/news/bangor/goo-goo-dolls-fitz-and-the-tantrums-bangor-waterfront-xoasq1i29i/"><u>no strangers</u></a><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);"> to Bangor, having played in the city three times before, in 2006, 2010 and 2019. On Friday, the band played a set full of hits from their </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/"><u>nearly three decades</u></a><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);"> in rock radio, with songs including “Iris,” “Slide” and “Name.”</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);">Fitz and the Tantrums are best known for their 2016 hit “Hand Clap,” and have amassed a large fanbase for its blend of indie-pop and soul music over the past decade.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);">Friday’s concert ended the 2023 outdoor concert season in Bangor, one of the busiest in Waterfront Concerts history. No shows for 2024 have been announced yet, but the concert promotion company said fans can expect the first announcements later on in the fall.</span></p><p>Photo set at the link - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/10/02/news/bangor/goo-goo-dolls-fitz-and-the-tantrums-bangor-waterfront/">https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/10/02/news/bangor/goo-goo-dolls-fitz-and-the-tantrums-bangor-waterfront/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7274819
2023-09-17T22:28:04-04:00
2023-09-19T15:28:42-04:00
Mankato Free Press - Goo Goo Dolls set to bring the hits to Vetter Stone Amphitheater
<p><strong>By Robb Murray</strong></p><p>Inside the inner circle of the Goo Goo Dolls, they’ve got a term for the hit songs everyone wants to hear.</p><p>“We sort of laugh and call them the Dirty Dozen like,” says Robby Takac, founding member and bass player/vocalist. “We know like there’s like a bunch of songs that people are bummed out if we don’t play. And we hear about it. We read what people say. We know that, if somebody is getting married to a song and they come to see you play, they want to hear that song. So we try to do that.”</p><p>So if you’re going to the Goo Goo Dolls show next week with hopes of hearing the hits — “Iris,” “Name,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Sympathy” — you’re in luck. The Goo Goo Dolls are well aware of just how much their music has meant to people over the years, and they’ve got no intention of ruining anyone’s night by leaving something out.</p><p>The band is set to perform Monday at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater with opening act Fitz and the Tantrums. Show time is 7:30 p.m. and, as of now, the weather looks like it’s going to cooperate.</p><p>When talking about playing “the hits,” Takac says he thinks it’s important to honor the connection music creates between creator and listener.</p><p>“It is so strong. It’s like a sensory thing, it’s visceral. It’s in your brain. You can’t think to make that happen — it just happens. It’s like a smell or a touch.”</p><p>Takac says he’s aware that some artist eschew “the hits” for deeper cuts in their repertoires; it’s probably less stimulating for a performer to play a song for the thousandth time.</p><p>Still, there are fans who come having never experienced a live version of a favorite song. And making their experience meaningful, he says, is more important than the annoyance of playing a song for the 1,001st time.</p><p>“Far be it for me to criticize Todd Rundgren, because I love Todd Rundgren so much, but there was a string where I went and saw him play two or three times where I barely knew any of the songs — and I’m a huge fan,” he says. “It was cool, but when I left, I didn’t feel satiated. You know what I mean? I’m still a fan. And I think it’s hard sometimes for bands to see their show from the seats. They usually see it from behind a microphone.”</p><p>The biggest hit for the Goo Goo Dolls came in late 1990s with the song “Iris.” Written by Goo Goo Dolls co-founder John Rzeznik, the song originally was composed for the 1998 film “City of Angels” starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan.</p><p>When the studio version of the song was finished, Takac says, the filmmakers rejected it, opting instead to use an acoustic version of the song. But on the official soundtrack, they allowed the full studio version. They also allowed the Goo Goo Dolls to include the track on their soon-to-be released album, “Dizzy Up the Girl.”</p><p>While the Goo Goo Dolls were nationally known before “Iris,” that song catapulted the band to the stratosphere.</p><p>“It really felt like a shifting point for us, for sure.”</p><p>Not long after the song came out, Takac says he was watching the Stanley Cup finals. After the cup was clinched and the winning team was skating around the rink, taking turns hoisting the cup overhead, he heard a familiar song playing in the background.</p><p>“‘Iris’ was playing in the background,” he recalls. “And we sort of knew right then something big was going to happen.”</p><p>The song spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and remained on the charts for nearly a year.</p><p>If You Go What: Goo Goo Dolls with Fitz & the Tantrums When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: Vetter Stone Amphitheater Tickets: Prices start at $45, visit <a class="no-pjax" href="http://ticketmaster.com/"><u>ticketmaster.com</u></a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mankatofreepress.com/millennial/goo-goo-dolls-set-to-bring-the-hits-to-vetter-stone-amphitheater/article_bab5f792-533f-11ee-a43c-b3c8aef60a3d.html"><u>https://www.mankatofreepress.com/millennial/goo-goo-dolls-set-to-bring-the-hits-to-vetter-stone-amphitheater/article_bab5f792-533f-11ee-a43c-b3c8aef60a3d.html</u></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7273095
2023-09-13T20:53:46-04:00
2023-09-13T20:53:46-04:00
Review STL - Concert Photos: Goo Goo Dolls with O.A.R at STL Music Park
<p><strong>By Jeremy Housewright</strong></p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R made a stop at STL Music Park on Saturday night for their The Big Night Out Tour.</p><p>Just over 4,000 fans enjoyed the beautiful evening and the great rock show.</p><p>See our photos below.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.reviewstl.com/concert-photos-goo-goo-dolls-with-o-a-r-at-stl-music-park/">https://www.reviewstl.com/concert-photos-goo-goo-dolls-with-o-a-r-at-stl-music-park/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7273093
2023-09-13T20:46:40-04:00
2023-09-13T20:46:40-04:00
American Songwriter - Goo Goo Dolls Announce ‘Live at the Academy 1995’ Album
<p><strong>By Patrick Hosken</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">One of the most endearing things you can say to someone from Buffalo is mention the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls/">Goo Goo Dolls</a><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">. The group, who have been making music together for nearly 40 years, scored huge hits in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But their mid-’90s period is remembered particularly fondly for how the band’s energy and talent were finally beginning to catch on by the larger musical world. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">A new release, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://twitter.com/googoodolls/status/1700148605347156134"><i>Goo Goo Dolls: Live at the Academy 1995</i></a><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">, celebrates this era. The upcoming live 3-LP, 2-CD set features their entire show from November 1995 at The Academy in New York City — that’s 32 songs. It’s due out October 20, and pre-order is available now.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">The show was part of the CMJ Music Marathon and found the group surging through songs from their catalog up until that point. That includes the beloved pair of alt-rock staples </span><i>Superstar Car Wash</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> from 1993 and </span><i>A Boy Named Goo</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> from 1995. The latter includes one of their biggest hits, “Name,” which hit No. 5 on the </span><i>Billboard </i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Hot 100.</span></p><p>The band, comprised of John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, largely left their punk roots behind by the time of <i>Dizzy up the Girl</i>, their commercial breakthrough, in 1998. That album’s big hit, “Iris,” helped propel them into greater success with a softer sound. But their earlier records, in particular <i>Superstar Car Wash</i> and <i>A Boy Named Goo</i>, remain fan favorites.</p><p><i>Live at the Academy 1995</i> finds them thriving during this era, in a show recorded at a venue that, like many in New York, no longer exists. Located at 234 W 43rd Street in Manhattan’s Theater District, the concert hall shuttered in 1996, months after this concert was captured.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Ahead of the release of </span><i>Live at the Academy 1995</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">, the band have released a live version of </span><i>Superstar Car Wash</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> standout “Stop the World” from that show. The band’s social media accounts announced that the full </span><i>Live at the Academy 1995</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> collection would feature “the soundcheck, full set, and encores” from that evening. “Stop the World” is a good taste of what that energy was like.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-academy-1995-release/"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-academy-1995-release/</span></a></p><div class="code-block code-block-4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-style:solid;border-width:0px;clear:both;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:8px 0px;max-width:662px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div class="code-block code-block-3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-style:solid;border-width:0px;clear:both;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);display:block;font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:8px auto;max-width:max-content;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><div class="ai-viewport-1" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;display:inherit !important;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="htlad-as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" style="align-items:center;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;display:flex;font-size:18px;justify-content:center;margin:0px;min-height:250px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="htl-ad" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="htlad-12" data-unit="americansongwriter/americansongwriter//desktoarticle/americansongwriter//as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" name="htlunit-as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" data-lazy-pixels="500" data-sizes="0x0:|768x0:300x250,1x1,728x90,728x250,336x280,320x250|1025x0:300x250,1x1,728x90,728x250,336x280,320x250,300x100" data-prebid="0x0:|768x0:as_bottom_desktoparticleheader-tablet|1025x0:as_bottom_desktoparticleheader-desktop" data-refresh="viewable" data-refresh-secs="30" data-refresh-max="20" data-lock-refresh-size="true"><div class="htl-ad-gpt htl-size-300x250" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="htlad-12-gpt" data-google-query-id="CLzKlfzuqIEDFQai0QQdOXkBsw">
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7271816
2023-09-11T19:29:00-04:00
2023-09-11T19:29:01-04:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby, this month from the hot and humid state of Florida as we are days away from beginning our North American “Big Night Out” tour with our friends OAR and later in the Summer Fitz and The Tantrums! Hope all of you have had a great Summer so far, my wife and daughter have been in Japan for the past couple of weeks so I know it's been awfully hot so I hope you're all staying cool!</p><p>When we last spoke we were headed to our last show in the UK as we played a sold-out show at The Apollo Theater in London, as always an amazing show to close out a couple of weeks of sweaty, raucous sing-a-longs throughout Great Britain and Ireland. We were quickly on a plane the next morning and back in the US as I attended a fundraiser in my hometown of Buffalo, NY for our Music is Art organization and the grand opening of our new GCR Audio studio space with 2 new studios which has opened in addition to our 3-studio main location right up the street.</p><p>I managed to be home for the 4th of July celebration in the US, that's a huge holiday celebrating the independence of the US from Great Britain hundreds of years ago, it's also a time for families to get together have barbecues drinks and watch fireworks. But the very next day I was headed to New Jersey for band rehearsals using an smaller crew with Goo Goo Dolls as we prepare some new songs and arrangements for the upcoming tour. We're working in some new songs, including our new single “Run All Night” and a collaboration of the Tom Petty song “I Won't Back Down” we recorded recently with O.A.R. (which we performed on the biggest morning show in the US a couple of weeks ago, I've included a pic!). It's funny, as you can imagine many of our songs have been “tattooed” on our brains after years and years of playing them, but it always helps a ton to sit in a room and listen again every once in a while without the craziness of an audience, all the flashing lights and the distractions of a live performance.</p><p>Once our band rehearsals in NJ were finished after about 10 days we made our way to Florida and met the rest of the crew for our production rehearsals. The production rehearsals were held in a huge soundstage for filming movies and TV, but all of our stuff still barely fit into the enormous space. Production rehearsals bring in all of the sound equipment, lighting, and video for the tour and this is when things really come together. We begin to pick the songs for the basis of our summer set and get the transitions and such ready for the show so we are able to smoothly move from song to song and make sure the crew is ready for the next thing that is to come in the set.</p><p>So after a few hours of driving yesterday, today I'm clear across the state of Florida in the city of Clearwater where we start with the first date of The Big Night Out tour. We have rented the venue the day before the first show to set up all of the gear on a real stage, we'll run the day's schedule today like we are having a regular show to make sure everyone is clear on their responsibilities once the gates open for real at 6:30 PM tomorrow!</p><p>OK, that's it for me …. Big day for us tomorrow as we begin the tour and I'll bring you along with me for the day and more here in the pages of The Mighty In Rock next month, talk soon and like I mentioned earlier try to stay cool!</p><p>Peace<br>Robby</p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7271088
2023-09-09T22:52:32-04:00
2023-09-09T22:52:32-04:00
Why Music Matters - Goo Goo Dolls Bassist and Music Is Art Founder, Robby Takac on the Power of Music to Build Community
<p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">On this episode of Why Music Matters with Jeff Miers, I catch up with Goo Goo Dolls bassist and Music Is Art founder Robby Takac. As one of the most successful musicals to have emerged from Buffalo over the past 30 years, Robby has a unique perspective on the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. And as founder of the annual Music is Art Festival, which celebrates its 21st anniversary on September 9, he has relentlessly pursued a vision of music as an agent of community building here in his hometown. He’s also just a really cool, passionate, humble, and funny guy. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Listen here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/7IMwriTjnrg?si=81Imz6qXEyJZo2Dq"><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">https://youtu.be/7IMwriTjnrg?si=81Imz6qXEyJZo2Dq</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7270191
2023-09-07T23:56:08-04:00
2023-09-07T23:56:08-04:00
WGRZ - Music is Art Festival on Saturday
<p><span style="color:rgb(22,22,22);"><i>Music Is Art will feature more than 250 bands on 27 stages. There will be art installations and live art, along with food, drinks, DJs, and a kids village.</i></span></p><div class="article__section article__section_type_text utility__text" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:block;font-family:proximanova, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:15px 0px;max-width:100%;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;overflow:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">
<p>BUFFALO, N.Y. — Several bands will be performing this Saturday for the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.musicisart.org/event-details/mia-festival-2023-next-level-vip" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music Is Art</a> Festival.</p>
<p>This year's event will be held on Saturday, September 9. It starts at 11 a.m. and will go until 1 a.m. Sunday. The festival is being held at Buffalo RiverWorks and in the River Fest Park neighborhood.</p>
<p>Music Is Art will feature more than 250 bands on 27 stages. There will be art installations and live art, along with food, drinks, DJs, and a kids village.</p>
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<p>Here is the list of bands performing, as well as a schedule of performances. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.musicisart.org/2023schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://www.musicisart.org/2023schedule</a></p>
<p>Buffalo Police say Ganson Street will be closed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.</p>
<p>Those going to the festival are encouraged to use the surface parking lots along Perry Street. Shuttle Buses will be provided. Unless attending the festival, folks are urged to avoid the area due to the large crowds expected. </p>
<p>Music is Art is a non-profit organization founded by GooGoo Dolls bassist and Buffalo native Robby Takac. They work to bring music to communities. </p>
<p>Click the link for an interview clip with Robby Takac - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/music-is-art-festival-on-saturday-fundraiser-education/71-9732fa73-92b9-41ac-9f44-19e91de72eaf">https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/music-is-art-festival-on-saturday-fundraiser-education/71-9732fa73-92b9-41ac-9f44-19e91de72eaf</a></p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7269566
2023-09-06T19:59:34-04:00
2023-09-06T19:59:34-04:00
The Buffalo News - From running a festival to a studio, Goo Goo Dolls' Robby Takac needs to sweat it
<p><strong>By Tim O'Shei</strong></p><p>In late June, when the sun lingered deep into the evening and the Goo Goo Dolls had a few days off before tour rehearsals, Robby Takac was back home in Buffalo. And he was sweating.</p><p>Not just perspiring, which he does nightly with the Goos when he zips around the stage, bass guitar strapped over his shoulder. It’s part of his rock star gig, and some 40 years after he started, he still does it with ease.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">No, on this evening, as a crowd gathered and musical notes throbbed in the hot June air, Takac was </span><i>sweating</i><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"><i>Read the full article here</i> - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/from-running-a-festival-to-a-studio-goo-goo-dolls-robby-takac-needs-to-sweat/article_a9c4e25a-4c9f-11ee-8aa1-530b9697b8eb.html"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/from-running-a-festival-to-a-studio-goo-goo-dolls-robby-takac-needs-to-sweat/article_a9c4e25a-4c9f-11ee-8aa1-530b9697b8eb.html</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7269565
2023-09-06T19:49:57-04:00
2023-09-06T19:49:57-04:00
The Buffalo News - Beautiful music: Robby Takac is back for the Music is Art festival
<p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Tim O'Shei and Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac talk music and more on the eve of the 2023 Music is Art festival.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/BrdmJH5Punk?si=dit13B8QRhd9gmXx"><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">https://youtu.be/BrdmJH5Punk?si=dit13B8QRhd9gmXx</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7266575
2023-08-31T22:43:51-04:00
2023-08-31T22:44:38-04:00
Glide Magazine - The Goo Goo Dolls Bring “Big Night Out” Summer Tour To Fiddler’s Green (PHOTOS)
<p><strong>By Todd Radunsky</strong></p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls brought their “Big Night Out” Summer Tour to Fiddler’s Green in Greenwood Village, CO<strong> </strong>outside of Denver on August 30th.</p><p>The band pleased the masses by playing songs that spanned much of their careers including “Lucky Star” off of Superstar Car Wash. They spun through many years worth of material choosing songs from many of their albums old and new including records like Boxes from which they played “So Alive.” Their albums Gutterflower, Chaos in Bloom, & Let Love in Got involved as well with songs like “Sympathy,” “Yea, I like You” and “Name.” They sent everyone packin’ happy for the ride home, closing the show with a nice rendition of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” <a class="no-pjax" href="https://denverconcertphotographer.com/">Photos by Todd Radunsky</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://glidemagazine.com/295522/the-goo-goo-dolls-bring-big-night-out-summer-tour-to-fiddlers-green-photos/">https://glidemagazine.com/295522/the-goo-goo-dolls-bring-big-night-out-summer-tour-to-fiddlers-green-photos/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7265510
2023-08-29T22:54:28-04:00
2023-08-31T22:41:12-04:00
OMNY.FM - Rob Lucas & Robby Takac - Music Is Art 2023
<p><span style="color:rgb(72,60,99);">Rob Lucas fills in for David Bellavia: Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls joins the program to chat about life on tour, and Music Is Art 2023! </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(72,60,99);">Listen here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://omny.fm/shows/david-bellavia/rob-lucas-robby-takac-music-is-art-2023"><span style="color:rgb(72,60,99);">https://omny.fm/shows/david-bellavia/rob-lucas-robby-takac-music-is-art-2023</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7265454
2023-08-29T19:41:40-04:00
2023-08-31T22:41:12-04:00
The Pitch - Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. dodge the heatwave at Starlight Aug. 27
<p>By Lauren Textor<br><br><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong><br><strong>with O.A.R</strong><br><strong>Starlight Theatre</strong><br><strong>Sunday, Aug. 27</strong></p><p><span>Last August, I attended </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thepitchkc.com/goo-goo-dolls-monday-concert-at-starlight-was-a-literal-thirst-trap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>my first Goo Goo Dolls concert</span></a><span> at Starlight. As soon as frontman John Rzeznik stepped on stage, I was captivated by his voice… and his surprisingly muscular forearms. </span></p><p><span>But much has changed since I last wrote about Rzeznik’s sex appeal. I graduated college. I traveled abroad for the first time. It took a while, but I have now realized that Rzeznik and I are at incompatible stages in our lives: he got a haircut, and I got a boyfriend. </span></p><p><span>Instead of being completely starstruck, this time around I’m able to dedicate more of my focus to the music itself and less to fantasies, like a grown-up. (Though I dare you to take one look at a recent photo of the singer and not be impressed by those biceps.)</span></p><p><span>O.A.R. opens the Starlight show shortly after 7 p.m. to a good-natured crowd with no worries about sweating their asses off. Vocalist Marc Roberge comments on how the band got their start by practicing in various basements and how thrilled they are to be on tour once again.</span></p><p><span>“This is like a band from the basement’s </span><i><span>dream</span></i><span>,” he says. </span></p><p><span>In between songs, he gives background on where the band was at the time each track was written and recorded with humor and modesty. In his introduction to “Love and Memories,” he tells the audience about how the song was originally intended for </span><i><span>Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind </span></i><span>(2004).</span><br><br><span>“You might be saying, ‘I don’t remember an O.A.R. song in that movie,’ and you’d be right,” Roberge laughs. “It never made it in.” </span></p><p><span>Instead, Roberge urges us to picture Soccer Montage Scene 3B from the teen rom-com </span><i><span>She’s the Man </span></i><span>(2006). </span></p><p><span>“Amanda Bynes!” he says over the guitar riff. “Think about it!” </span><br><br> <span>Saxophonist and guitarist Jerry DePizzo brings the crowd to their feet, creating the fullest, beachiest sound with his dynamic accompaniment. Somehow, he keeps from going blue in the face during his solo in “Heaven” and improves upon an already excellent cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” </span></p><main id="main" role="main" itemscope="" itemprop="mainContentOfPage" itemtype="http://schema.org/Blog"><article id="post-784321" role="article" data-post-id="784321"><div class="basic-content-wrap cf"><div class="basic-content-wrap cf">
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<p><span>As the band closes their set with “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” playing cards are tossed up into the air in Orchestra and super fans scramble to collect them.</span></p>
<p><span>The crowd’s energy holds through the between-sets hiatus, the anticipation growing as the main act begins with the on-stage screens blaring overlapping news clips that abruptly end with a decisive motion from Rzeznik. The Goo Goo Dolls launch into “Broadway.”</span></p>
<p><span>As per usual, Rzeznik is simply dressed. He wears a black T-shirt and loose joggers, exuding easy confidence and charisma that would normally stir my libido, but alas. Now that I’m no longer a single woman, I’m much more interested in bass guitarist Robby Takac’s consistent choice to go barefoot. </span></p>
<p><span>Takac has become one of my favorite live performers because he sports purple hair, skinny shorts, a manic smile, and— I mean this in the most affectionate way possible— an overjoyed, batshit crazy expression in his eyes. He’s been performing “Lucky Star” from 1993’s </span><i><span>Superstar Car Wash </span></i><span>since before I was born, and I’ve seen it live once before, but nothing about it could feel stale with a grin as wide as his. </span></p>
<p><i><span>A Boy Named Goo, </span></i><span>their fifth studio album that catapulted them into stardom, is particularly meaningful to the band, as Rzeznik explains. </span></p>
<p><span>“This is the first song we ever had that anyone paid attention to,” he says in his introduction to “Name.” “That is some heavy shit when you’re used to being ignored.” </span></p>
<p><span>No one’s ignoring them now. This audience has had plenty of time to learn all the words by heart. Even Goo Goo Dolls’ newest single, “</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-single-run-all-night/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Run All Night</span></a><span>,” is treated to a sing-along.</span></p>
<p><span>“You guys are an awesome crowd for a Sunday,” Rzeznik praises. “Normally, it’s like, ‘Come on, come on! Play ‘Iris,’ I’ve got to get the fuck out of here.”</span></p>
<p><span>When he announces that he will take his sweet time getting to the encore, cheers erupt. </span></p>
<p><span>After half a dozen more songs, Rzeznik welcomes Roberge back for a well-received cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The Goo Goo Dolls have become known for using Petty’s work as a go-to because, as they said in an interview with </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.ks95.com/goo-goo-dolls-on-why-tom-petty-has-become-their-go-to-artist-to-cover-his-music-is-evergreen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>ABC Radio</span></a><span>, he’s timeless. </span></p>
<p><span>I’ve gotten used to watching a mass exodus near the end of concerts, with less ardent fans leaving before the last few songs to get to their cars before traffic hits. I’ve participated in them myself. But few people are willing to go before the septuple-platinum hit “Iris” caps off the night. </span></p>
<p><span>The heart-wrenching, chills-inducing rock ballad has been covered by the likes of Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, but there’s no substitute for the original.</span></p>
<p><i>All photos by </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.christenschmitz.com/"><i>Christen Schmitz</i></a><i> (Insta: @</i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/christentkc/"><i>christentkc</i></a><i>).</i></p>
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<p><strong><u>Goo Goo Dolls Setlist</u></strong><br>Broadway<br>Over and Over<br>Slide<br>Big Machine<br>Here Is Gone<br>Black Balloon<br>January Friend<br>Yeah, I Like You<br>Going Crazy<br>Lucky Star<br>So Alive<br>Sympathy<br>Come to Me<br>Name<br>Naked<br>Miracle Pill<br>Run All Night<br>Life’s a Message<br>Bringing On the Light<br>Better Days<br>Stay With You<br>Tattered Edge<br>I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty cover with Marc Roberge)<br>Iris</p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7263636
2023-08-25T20:41:37-04:00
2023-08-25T20:41:38-04:00
PBS - Goo Goo Dolls on gaining new, younger fans 25 Years after ‘Dizzy Up the Girl’
<p><span style="color:rgb(49,68,93);">The Goo Goo Dolls are on tour again playing favorites from the 25th anniversary of their album 'Dizzy Up the Girl’ around the country and debuting new work. Geoff Bennett caught up with the lead band members about innovating while preserving their classic sound. It's part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(49,68,93);">Watch the interview here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/goo-goo-dolls-on-gaining-new-younger-fans-25-years-after-dizzy-up-the-girl"><span style="color:rgb(49,68,93);">https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/goo-goo-dolls-on-gaining-new-younger-fans-25-years-after-dizzy-up-the-girl</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7262983
2023-08-24T21:21:32-04:00
2023-08-24T21:21:33-04:00
NUVO - Goo Goo Dolls Night Bigout Tour at TCU Amphitheatre
<p><strong>By Jeffrey Everett</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The Goo Goo Dolls returned to Indy on their Night Big out Tour with O.A.R. Frontman John Rzeznik and bass player Robby Takac formed the group all the way back in 1986 in Buffalo New York. They exploded in the 1990’s with now classic hits “Name” and “Iris.” One year ago, they released their 13th studio album </span><i>Chaos in Bloom</i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">. Their summer tour 2023 includes alt rockers O.A.R who got the night started in fine fashion with their hits “Shattered,” “Peace,” and cover “Ring of Fire.” The Goo Goo Dolls took the stage next to a raucous cheer. John and Robby’s camaraderie was palpable throughout the evening. They appeared to be having as much fun as the fans in attendance. They opened with “Broadway” and shortly followed with their smash hit “Slide.” Robby took the mic for “Lucky Star” reminding us he was often the vocalist in their early more punk rock years. They highlighted hits from their 35-year career and even included the Tom Petty cover “I Won’t Back Down.”. Fans were singing along, dancing and enjoying the sweltering Wednesday night out. The Goo Goo Dolls put on a great performance to the delight of the full house!</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Click the link for a photo set - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.nuvo.net/entertainment/goo-goo-dolls-night-bigout-tour-at-tcu-amphitheatre/collection_1530a6fe-42d8-11ee-ad82-af23686b0eb8.html#1"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">https://www.nuvo.net/entertainment/goo-goo-dolls-night-bigout-tour-at-tcu-amphitheatre/collection_1530a6fe-42d8-11ee-ad82-af23686b0eb8.html#1</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7261136
2023-08-22T16:56:32-04:00
2023-08-22T17:54:13-04:00
NYS Music - Goo Goo Dolls Bring Big Night Out Tour To Lakeview Amphitheater In Syracuse
<p><strong>By Daniel Bocchino</strong></p><p>It was a big night for rock fans in Syracuse on Wednesday, as The Goo Goo Dolls brought their Big Night Out Tour to Lakeview Amphitheater. O.A.R. opened the show. <br> </p><p>It’s been a long road for The Goo Goo Dolls. The Buffalo natives formed in 1986 and have maintained their core two members, John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar) and Robby Takac (vocals, bass guitar) since day one. They are now joined by Craig Macintyre, who took over drumming duty in 2014. Along the way, the band have released 14 studio albums and have an impressive 19 top-ten singles. The band saw their popularity explode in 1997 with the release of “Iris,” which was included on the City of Angels soundtrack. The song spent an impressive 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 airplay charts. </p><p>The evening kicked off with a set by Maryland rockers, O.A.R. The amphitheater was already well on its way towards full when O.A.R. took the stage at 7:15pm. The band launched in to “Love and Memories,” off their 2005 release Stories of a Stranger, which brought those in attendance quickly to their feet. It was clear early on that many in attendance were passionate followers of the band, as many made their way to the front of the amphitheater to sing and dance along. The band wasted no time playing their familiar hit “Shattered” early on in the set. The band would close out their set with the ever popular “Crazy Game of Poker” which saw the front pit section jump up and down and throw playing cards in the air.<br> </p><p>After a lengthy stage change over, the Goo Goo Dolls took to the stage at 9:10. The band took no time breaking out the hits, opening with the high energy “Broadway” off 1998’s Dizzy Up the Girl. It was the perfect upbeat opener, and quickly it was clear the band was excited to be there. Rzeznik and Takac bounced from one end of the stage to the other, with smiles fixated across their faces.</p><p>Early in the set, Rzeznik paused to thank the fans of his band who have been there since day one, as well as to pay homage to legendary Syracuse rock club, The Lost Horizon. “I remember coming here in 1986 and playing at the Lost Horizon, and just being amazed that anyone actually came to see us.” <br> </p><p>The remainder of the 25 song set saw the Goo Goo Dolls perform their various classics and fan favorites, like “Slide,” “Here is Gone,” “Black Balloon” (which saw fans toss black balloons in the air) along side newer hits like 2023’s “Run All Night” and “Yeah, I Like You.” Along the way Rzeznik took multiple opportunities to thank the crowd and convey his appreciation, proclaiming “I can’t believe I still get to do this, and I want to thank you guys…” before performing one of the band’s earliest hits, “Name.” As the evening neared a close Rzeznik introduced the second to last track as “One you all will know” before playing a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” a track the Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. recently teamed up to record in the studio. The band would then close the evening with their 1997 smash hit, “Iris”, much to the crowd’s appreciation. It truly was a big night out for rock fans.<br> </p><p>Click the link for a photo set - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://nysmusic.com/2023/08/22/goo-goo-dolls-bring-big-night-out-tour-to-lakeview-amphitheater-in-syracuse/#google_vignette">https://nysmusic.com/2023/08/22/goo-goo-dolls-bring-big-night-out-tour-to-lakeview-amphitheater-in-syracuse/#google_vignette</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7259908
2023-08-20T12:46:12-04:00
2023-08-22T16:50:42-04:00
The Oakland Press: Goo Goo Dolls dizzy Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre crowd with hits, deep cuts
<div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);display:block;font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.65em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;"><time datetime="2023-08-20 11:45:41" data-reader-unique-id="58">August 20, 2023 at 11:45 a.m.</time></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-reader-unique-id="4"><amp-img src="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GoosMLA23D52_7055.jpg?w=978" width="978" height="652" data-hero="" i-amphtml-ssr="" layout="responsive" i-amphtml-layout="responsive" i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-visited="" lightbox="i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-0" data-reader-unique-id="5"><img src="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GoosMLA23D52_7055.jpg?w=978" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" style="display:block;height:auto;margin-inline-start:-20px;margin:0.5em auto;max-width:none;width:428px;" /></amp-img></div><p data-reader-unique-id="7"><i>Goo Goo Dolls' frontman John Rzeznik performs Saturday night, Aug. 19, at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights (Photo by Chris Schwegler/313 Presents).</i></p><p data-reader-unique-id="8">Rare is the band that can open a concert with almost a half-dozen bona fide hit singles and still have plenty left to keep the rest of the night in high gear.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="9">That was the case for Goo Goo Dolls on Saturday, Aug. 19, during its second visit in just over a year to the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights. The quintet came out nothing but strong with the likes of “Broadway,” “Slide,” “Big Machine,” “Here is Gone” and “Black Balloon” — the latter accompanied by actual black balloons bouncing around the pavilion.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="10">Rather than draining its A list, however, the group — led by co-founders John Rzeznik and Robby Takac — kept things on full blast for its entire hour and 45 minutes, playing with energetic economy that allowed the Goos to squeeze more than two dozen songs into the set list over the course of the night.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="42">Where last year’s show was in support of the band’s latest album, 2022’s “Chaos in Bloom,” Saturday’s edition put its emphasis on the Goos’ 36-year recording career — not acknowledging the 25th anniversary of its multi-platinum “Dizzy Up the Girl” but drawing six songs from it, more than any of the band’s other albums. There were, as noted, hits aplenty but also some welcome deep digs; prior to the Big Night Out Tour the Goos polled fans online about songs they wanted to hear beyond the singles, resulting in the inclusion of tracks such as “So Alive,” “Dizzy,” “Run All Night” and the Takac-sung “January Friend.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="43">“Sympathy,” meanwhile was pared down to just Rzeznik accompanied solely by Jim McGorman on piano, while “Come to Me” was given a similarly stripped-down but full band arrangement. Rzeznik then started “Name,” the Goos’ first big hit, solo before the rest of the band kicked in after the first chorus — though the frontman stopped at points to acknowledge the smell of marijuana wafting from the crowd.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="44">“Long Way Down,” “Let Love In,” a chiming “Better Days” and “Tattered Edge”/”You Should Be Happy” were late-show highlights, and Marc Roberge of opening act O.A.R. joined the Goos to recreate their tour single, a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The Goos finished with “Iris,” its chart-topping hit for the 1998 film “City of Angels,” with Rzeznik remembering the band’s long history in the metro area with a shout-out to Saint Andrew’s Hall. It was clear a good many at the sold-out amphitheater were there back then, and likely will be the next time the Goos roll through town.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="47">O.A.R., meanwhile, proved a solid tour partner during its sun-soaked 75-minute opening set, its expansive, jam-band aesthetic a nice complement to the Goos’ tight polished. The quintet (plus adjunct touring musicians) has 26 years of its own material to draw from, some of which — “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” “Love and Memories” and “This Town” — has enjoyed modest commercial success. But O.A.R.’s real wont is in stretching out, as it did on songs such as “Miss You All the Time,” “Place to Hide” and “Hey Girl,” and the band had enough fans in the house Saturday to fill the pavilion air with tossed playing cards as it closed its set with “That Was a Crazy Game of Cards.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="47"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/08/20/goo-goo-dolls-dizzy-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-crowd-with-hits-deep-cuts/amp/">https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/08/20/goo-goo-dolls-dizzy-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-crowd-with-hits-deep-cuts/amp/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7259691
2023-08-19T17:18:00-04:00
2023-08-20T21:18:24-04:00
NPR Illinois - The Goo Goo Dolls to stop in Decatur on the 'Big Night Out Tour' | Community Voices
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 15 million records worldwide, with 16 number one and Top 10 hits. They are touring the country on the career-spanning “Big Night Out Tour," that will stop in Decatur on Sept. 24 at the<a class="no-pjax" href="https://devonamphitheater.com/" target="_blank"> Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.</a> Cory Pitt spoke with founding member Robby Takac about nearly 40 years of the Goo Goo Dolls, the rise to stardom, and how it’s all stayed together.<br> </p><p>Hit the link below to listen in!<br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.nprillinois.org/community-voices/2023-08-18/the-goo-goo-dolls-to-stop-in-decatur-on-the-big-night-out-tour-community-voices" data-link-type="url">https://www.nprillinois.org/community-voices/2023-08-18/the-goo-goo-dolls-to-stop-in-decatur-on-the-big-night-out-tour-community-voices</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258793
2023-08-17T22:52:49-04:00
2023-08-17T22:52:50-04:00
CleveRock.com - Goo Goo Dolls Interview | Bassist Robby Takac
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>by </strong></span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://cleverock.com/author/jvoorman/"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Joel Voorman</strong></span></a></p><p>Mowing the lawn was my least favorite chore as a teenager. The one thing that made it more bearable, beginning at age 14 in 1998, was the purchase of yellow earmuffed headphones that could receive an FM radio signal. I looked like the neighborhood dork, but if I cranked the volume loud enough, I could hear the sweet sounds of Top-40 singles while shredding some grass.</p><p>Seemingly, nobody spent more time on FM airwaves in 1998 (and ’99, ’00, ’01) than Goo Goo Dolls. I never made it through a lawn mow without hearing one of the Goo Goo Dolls’ plethora of hits… <i>“Iris,” “Black Balloon,” “Broadway,” “Dizzy,”</i> or a throwback to <i>“Name</i>” would certainly get some airplay, without fail.</p><p>As a young adult, some 18 years ago, Goo Goo Dolls were one of my first interviews with a major recording artist. I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with them many times since, including just ahead of their upcoming<a class="no-pjax" href="https://cleverock.com/events/goo-goo-dolls-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong> August 20 concert with O.A.R. on the “Big Night Out” tour coming to Blossom Music Center.</strong></a></p><p>While I’ve been busy wasting my life interviewing bands and going to concerts, many my age have produced offspring who have reached a concert-appropriate age.</p><p>As a performer, there must be few things as gratifying as watching a parent bring their teenage child to a concert that the parent also saw in concert when they were a teenager.</p><p>In a recent phone interview with CleveRock.com, founding member and bassist <strong>Robby Takac</strong> confirmed, <i><strong>“It’s pretty crazy. We’re even getting into the rare third generation!”</strong></i></p><p><i><strong>“It’s amazing that people are staying with us for this long. I’m so grateful, every day that we can go out there and do that every summer,”</strong></i> Takac continued. <i><strong>“Other than the pandemic break, which was the first time ever that we had not done that for a summer, we’ve been out here every year. It sure is great to be back in the process again here.”</strong></i></p><p>Takac, who makes up 1/2 of the Goo Goo Dolls’ official members alongside frontman <strong>John Rzeznik</strong>, have been making music together since 1987. The group’s initial hit, 1995’s <i>“Name” </i>is still a constant on the band’s present-day setlist. Anyone who has been to a Goo Goo Doll show can attest to the fact whether the guys are performing a hit single from the 90s or a non-single from their 2022 effort, <strong>‘Chaos in Bloom,’</strong> they do so with a plethora of passion. Takac was asked what still inspires them to play the older tunes with such gusto every show.</p><p><i><strong>“It’s just amazing to share the songs that you can see have a place in people’s hearts. When the younger people come that are there, you know, they grew up with us, and they’ve heard our songs in passing their whole lives, be it from their parents or just whatever. Now they’re to the age where they’re starting to appreciate music and a lot of the trends in social media and stuff right now help us a lot as well. A lot of the older songs kind of pop back up again and get them looking at what you’re doing and introduce them to some of the newer stuff you’re doing and all of a sudden, you get a fan! A REAL fan. It’s great,”</strong></i> he says.<i><strong> “That’s a different experience every night. You’re in front of a different group of people. Some people who’ve never seen you before; some people have been there to see you 10 times, 20 times, a hundred times in some cases. I think if you lose the ability to see the magic in those moments, then there are way better jobs out there for you.”</strong></i></p><p>Perhaps part of staying fresh is adding some new songs to the setlist. In advance of the tour, GGD released a new single, <i>“Run All Night,”</i> which will undoubtedly be performed regularly on the upcoming trek.</p><p><i><strong>“We had been working some songs off of Chaos and Bloom and had toured on that last summer. I got a call from John and he had kind of been knocking a song around, so I just went out to New York and spent a little bit of time out there with them. Before you knew it… a new single,” </strong></i>Takac explained.<i><strong> “I think, for us, it was just another opportunity, to get out there and once again have a new song.”</strong></i></p><p>Goo Goo Dolls recently performed on ABC’s Good Morning America. After four decades in the biz, thousands of live shows, and countless media appearances, some might be surprised that Robby still gets butterflies before stepping in front of a live television audience.</p><p><i><strong>“It’s one of the only times I still get nervous because it’s live television, you know? It’s not even about playing the song right. That’s one-tenth of it, maybe one percent even. There’s so much that can go wrong when you’re on live television. What goes out goes out, you know? It’s really nerve-wracking,”</strong></i> he admits<i><strong>. “Good Morning America is one of the few live shows that people still pay attention to, so they’re watching their TV in the morning. We take every opportunity we can to get on that one, for sure.”</strong></i></p><p>While morning television broadcasts have remained constant, that’s about the only unchanged method of delivering new music to the masses. In the late 80s and early 90s, FM radio was king, the internet was in its infant stages, and Spotify was science fiction.</p><p><i><strong>“When your whole life was sort of based around FM radio, you know, the whole thing was you would pull into a town, and at six o’clock in the morning and you’d get picked up by the local rep from Warner Brothers, and they would drive us around to four or five radio stations and we’d play guitar and sing and do interviews,”</strong></i> Takac recalls. <i><strong>“There were probably 35, 40 locals at Warner Brothers at that point, you know, who, who worked local markets now. It’s really not like that anymore. I’ll talk to folks here from my room in the mornings and stuff, but there’s not a lot of station visits and stuff like that anymore like there used to be.</strong></i> <i><strong>It’s changed a lot. I think they’re spending their money on other things. A lot of it’s going into getting stuff up on social media and all that; trying to keep your presence out there. Obviously, that’s how most people are experiencing things these days. It’s just about always having something to talk about. Things are so immediate right now that people seem to forget about it, two weeks later. I think you just gotta kind of keep at it and keep releasing stuff and keep being out there. I think that’s where most of that money is going rather than radio promotions and such.”</strong></i></p><p>The life of a touring musician is glamorous, no doubt, but also, grueling. To be blunt, John and Robby aren’t spring chickens anymore. There’s a lot of miles on the tires. Rolling out of a tour bus bunk after a 10-hour commute to the next gig isn’t as easy as it used to be. The time rocking out onstage makes it all worth it the guys.</p><p><i><strong>“I mean, that hour and a half is so easy. The rest is exhausting. It is what it is, you know? Especially as you get a little older. It’s the 22 hours that surround that, that really test your commitment to this because playing music’s fun, that’s why I got in this in the first place,”</strong></i> Robby said. <i><strong>“It’s just like, you know, just everything else, man. It’s just crazy, you know? We got a great group of people around us and we’ve been kind of doing it with a great team of people for a long time. It works out well for us. But yeah, man, it’s not hard for me to get up there and play those songs. It’s part of the magic that drew me to all this, to begin with.</strong></i></p><p>When asked if the common fan understands the pains that come along with road life?</p><p><strong>“I think if we’re doing our job right, they have no idea,” </strong>Takac said with a laugh. <i><strong>“They just think we have magically appeared on that day and given ’em the best rock show they ever saw, and then send ’em floating off to their car with a t-shirt. It’s amazing that when I actually take a step back, John and I talk about this when we step out of the venue and see all the trucks are lined up and you can see all the cars lined up from people leaving the show and we’re like, ‘Holy shit, man! We did this</strong></i>! <i><strong>I think if you lose complete sight of that magic that this wouldn’t be a great life.”</strong></i></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://cleverock.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview-bassist-robby-takac-2/"><i><strong>https://cleverock.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview-bassist-robby-takac-2/</strong></i></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258471
2023-08-17T14:09:22-04:00
2023-08-17T19:30:24-04:00
New England Sounds - PHOTOS: Goo Goo Dolls, O.A.R. In Boston, MA (08.15.23)
<p><strong>By John Hutchings</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(110,110,110);">Pop rock giants </span><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong><span style="color:rgb(110,110,110);"> were back in New England for their annual summer visit this week, with the exception of 2020 when COVID-19 shut down the touring industry the band has played in MA, CT, or NH every year since 2013. With shows on Sunday in Hartford and Tuesday in Boston and ones scheduled in Maine and New Hampshire next month the Buffalo natives are showing New England a lot of love on their current tour. Last night, singer Johnny Rzeznik was back on his feet after spending the previous week performing wearing a walking cast and sitting on a road case while singing. The group played a career encompasing set, performing songs from ten of their thirteen albums including two from their latest effort Chaos in Bloom which came out last summer. Supporting them on this run is Maryland based group O.A.R. Check out photos of both bands performing in Boston in our gallery below.</span></p><p>Photo set at the link - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://newenglandsounds.com/2023/08/16/photos-goo-goo-dolls-o-a-r-in-boston-ma-08-15-23/">https://newenglandsounds.com/2023/08/16/photos-goo-goo-dolls-o-a-r-in-boston-ma-08-15-23/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258470
2023-08-17T14:02:04-04:00
2023-08-22T17:54:13-04:00
Syracuse.com - Goo Goo Dolls dust off 90s hits at St. Joe’s Amp, but they’re not stuck in the past (review, photos)
<p><strong>By Patrick McCarthy</strong></p><p id="XV3XRNJBFFGMRPMCC4TBOMSB7Y">Goo Goo Dolls’ lead vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik may have some fears of the future, but that doesn’t mean the band is stuck in the past.</p><p id="FCQF2UC2KRGJDEQA2CHHTYV2SQ">The Buffalo-based band played for an hour and 45 minutes at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater in Syracuse on Wednesday night, following a strong opening act from fellow alt-rock veterans O.A.R.</p><p id="FCQF2UC2KRGJDEQA2CHHTYV2SQ"><span style="color:rgb(42,42,42);">In their 25 song set, the Goo Goo Dolls featured all their classic hits, but seamlessly mixed in eight tracks from their two most recent albums. Starting at 9:06 p.m. with “Broadway,” the band played three hits before Rzeznik paused to reminisce.</span></p><p id="XWSAH52UAFESVE2AM2E4NO3T64">“I remember playing at the Lost Horizon and just being amazed that anybody actually came and saw us. You guys have been good to us for a long time,” Rzeznik said, and they launched into “Big Machine.”</p><p id="MAANW3SKQVB2VEKN2VKDVKOPAI">After a few more classics like “Black Balloon,” which prompted fans to throw dozens of black balloons around the venue, the Goo Goo Dolls played two new tracks, “Yeah, I Like You” and “Going Crazy” from their 2022 album <i>Chaos in Bloom.</i></p><p id="LGQ2A5YGOJEOJDWWTD736KSMWU">“We’re gonna play some new songs, play some old songs, and this one is particularly dusty, it goes like this!” said pink-haired bassist and vocalist Robby Takac before leading the band in “Lucky Star.”</p><p id="2ILZVUUQXBGO7IEVCNGUBKPVYY">Later, Rzeznik sang over keyboardist Jim McGorman’s lead piano as the pair performed a stripped back version of “Sympathy” that the audience loved. Next, Rzeznik opened up about some anxiety about Big Tech.</p><p id="IOBKN4IWPRGVTL6MR2WKXE4CL4">“I don’t know if it’s just me, but it feels like they’re trying to make humans obsolete – in every way,” the singer said. I’m a little scared of AI. I feel like if I had a conversation with chatGPT, it’d be like talking to a psycho ex-girlfriend,” Rzeznik joked.</p><p id="YN6GXW5JGJH5BECVLV7LZQ2DG4">As the singer spoke, roadies wheeled out the band’s “sixth member,” an archaic tape recorder with “<u>TAPEY</u>” spray painted across the front in thick red letters. Rzeznik told the audience that he hired talented session musicians to record the next song with him, but soon realized these musicians were too expensive to bring on tour.</p><p id="UCXDMUOVDZAUZMH2KW46SL6TQY">“So, I replaced them with technology!” And with Tapey’s help, the Goo Goo Dolls performed an interesting, electronic drum-laden rendition of a newer song, “Lost.”</p><p id="56K7YQFQGVC4PJQXVKFRMRR54I">After a standout performance of “Name,” which included a captivating, a capella chorus, the band bounced between past and present for another six songs before everyone except McGorman and drummer Craig Macintyre briefly left the stage. The rest of the band came back onstage as McGorman played some dramatic, synthy chords on the keyboard, before his bandmates joined in for a rousing performance of the 2022 song “Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy.”</p><p id="RVDDWFOIVJGFFGE6ZA6MX4HXQY">The Goo Goo Dolls saved the best for last, but it wasn’t quite what fans expected. Rzeznik brought out Marc Roberge from O.A.R., and it seemed like this was the grand finale.</p><p id="KJHMPGJNNNHPLCRMNHOVMN2GGE">“We’re gonna play a song that I know you Know, and you should sing along,” Rzeznik said.</p><p id="UMUY3LDFZBD6FFMPZRJVD7VJGA">Instead of the band’s biggest hit, though, the Goo Goo Dolls launched into Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” and Roberge Rzeznik traded vocals on a stellar cover of a well-worn song. The two bands collaborated on a cover of this song earlier this year.</p><p id="TFAF3XYZPVH5DGRSY3YEX35RKY">Finally, the Goo Goo Dolls closed with their 25th song of the night, the one everybody was waiting for, “Iris.” Fans sang along with passion, and the band cut out to hear the entire crowd yell the lyric “Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive.” After some additional choruses, the Goo Goo Dolls wrapped up the song and said goodnight.</p><p id="D75FFLBCAJH7XIB6T3U6SHUXFY">Normally when a band says they’re going to play some new material, it is met with annoyance by an audience that came for the hits, but the Goo Goo Dolls were able to mix in some fresh tracks while still giving fans all the classics.</p><p id="FATMYUHLWZCHFGP6EYMQYUHWJM"><strong>Setlist:</strong></p><div class="InContent_Center_Background" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:"Benton Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-optical-sizing:inherit;font-size:10px;font-stretch:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variation-settings:inherit;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="InContent_Center_Padding" style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px 30px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="ad-observer" style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="InContent_Center_FATMYUHLWZCHFGP6EYMQYUHWJM"> </div></div></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:"Benton Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-optical-sizing:inherit;font-size:10px;font-stretch:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variation-settings:inherit;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' id="inarticle-17"> </div><ul>
<li><span>Broadway</span></li>
<li><span>Over and Over</span></li>
<li><span>Slide</span></li>
<li><span>Big Machine</span></li>
<li><span>Here Is Gone</span></li>
<li><span>Black Balloon</span></li>
<li><span>January Friend</span></li>
<li><span>Yeah, I Like You</span></li>
<li><span>Going Crazy</span></li>
<li><span>Lucky Star</span></li>
<li><span>So Alive</span></li>
<li><span>Dizzy</span></li>
<li><span>Sympathy</span></li>
<li><span>Lost</span></li>
<li><span>Come to Me</span></li>
<li><span>Name</span></li>
<li><span>Miracle Pill</span></li>
<li><span>Run All Night</span></li>
<li><span>Life’s A Message</span></li>
<li><span>Bringing On the Light</span></li>
<li><span>Better Days</span></li>
<li><span>Stay With You</span></li>
<li><span>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy</span></li>
<li><span>I Won’t Back Down (cover)</span></li>
<li><span>Iris</span></li>
</ul><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.syracuse.com/music/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-dust-off-90s-hits-at-st-joes-amp-but-theyre-not-stuck-in-the-past-review-photos.html"><span>https://www.syracuse.com/music/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-dust-off-90s-hits-at-st-joes-amp-but-theyre-not-stuck-in-the-past-review-photos.html</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258025
2023-08-16T16:15:19-04:00
2023-08-16T16:15:19-04:00
The News-Herald: Goo Goo Dolls hitting Blossom with an arsenal of radio hits
<h2>Buffalo band on the road with ‘I Won’t Back Down’ pals O.A.R.</h2><p><i><strong>By John Benson</strong></i></p><p>Afghan Whigs singer Greg Dulli during the late 1990s said something to the effect that the <a class="no-pjax" href="http://robby%20takac/">Goo Goo Dolls</a> put Soul Asylum out of business.</p><p>There’s a greater connection between the bands, however. Three decades ago, The Goo Goo Dolls, a then-underground band from Buffalo, was named opener for the MTV-popular Soul Asylum on its “Grave Dancer’s Union” Tour.</p><p>“The tour we did with Soul Asylum was like a real tour,” said bassist Robby Takac, calling from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “We met a lot of really great people that we still see. Those guys were road dogs, and we were just learning how to do it. That was a great time for us.</p><p>“We saw we had a chance. Our favorite artists were selling 3,000 or 4,000 records when we started. All of a sudden, we were watching bands with songs on the television and radio. It really gave us something to inspire to.”</p><p>A few short years later, the Goo Goo Dolls would experience stardom of their own with 1995’s “Boy Name Goo” yielding the monster hit “Name.”</p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">However, the seeds of that song’s mainstream sound — a calculated shift in style from the punk-minded band — were planted with the 1993 album “Superstar Car Wash,” which didn’t do much commercially but garnered critical attention mostly due to its single, the highly underrated “We Are the Normal.”</span></p><p>“That was one of the songs that we sort of realized there was something else under the hood,” he said. “Our friend Mary Ramsey, now with 10,000 Maniacs, played viola on that.</p><p>“We felt like there was kind of something different going on. Funny enough, that song sort of led to ‘Name,’ which started everything for us. That was definitely a cool bridge.”</p><p>Decades later, the four-time Grammy Award-nominated Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 15 million records and scored 16 No. 1 and top-10 hits.</p><p>In fact, the band holds the record for the most top-10 singles, including “Iris,” which topped the charts for 18 straight weeks.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">There has been new music from the band, which, in addition to releasing the single “Run All Night,” teamed up with </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.liveoar.com/">O.A.R.</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> to record a soaring cover version of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”</span></p><p>The two bands also have teamed up for a summer tour, which includes <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.livenation.com/event/vvG1fZ99DWkkNi/goo-goo-dolls-the-big-night-out-tour">a show on Aug. 20 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls</a>.</p><p>“It’s funny, you see those Venn diagrams, and you wouldn’t think the crossover (between fans) was as big as it was,” he said. “Our bands are very different from each other, but holy hell — this has been a great show.</p><p>“The crowds are accepting enough to fall right into it. I’ve been on some summer tours with some bands who aren’t awesome people and it’s horrible, but these guys are great. They’re into having a good, copasetic vibe out on the road. We’ve been having a really good time.”</p><p>Fans who have seen the Goo Goo Dolls in action know Takac always plays barefoot. What may seem odd is actually his trademark of sorts.</p><p>“It’s superstition at this point,” he laughed. “I’ve been doing it since I was a kid. I don’t even know why.</p><p>“I’m clumsy. It’s one less obstacle between me and the Earth. I don’t know what it is, but it feels right. That’s all.”</p><h3>Goo Goo Dolls</h3><p><strong>With:</strong> O.A.R.</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 7 p.m. Aug. 20.</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls.</p><p><strong>Tickets:</strong> $44 to $149.</p><p><strong>Info:</strong> <a class="no-pjax" href="http://v/">Livenation.com</a>.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.news-herald.com/2023/08/16/goo-goo-dolls-hitting-blossom-with-an-arsenal-of-radio-hits/">https://www.news-herald.com/2023/08/16/goo-goo-dolls-hitting-blossom-with-an-arsenal-of-radio-hits/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258023
2023-08-16T16:06:48-04:00
2023-08-16T16:06:49-04:00
The Oakland Press - Goo Goo Dolls at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 5 Things to Know
<p><strong>By Gary Graff</strong></p><p>The duo of John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, which formed during 1986 in Buffalo, released a new album last year — “Chaos in Bloom,” its 13th studio set. The Goos are still promoting it his summer as well as a new single, a cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” recorded with tour partner OAR. At the same time, however, the group has anniversaries to celebrate: 30 years since “Superstar Car Wash,” which Rzeznik calls “a turning point” album for the band; and most importantly 25 years for “Dizzy Up the Girl,” a five-times platinum smash that launched three Top 20 singles in “Iris,” “Slide” and “Black Balloon.”</p><p>The Goos have learned how to balance present and past, of course, and Rzeznik promises there will be even more to come to contribute to that ratio…</p><p>• Recording “I Don’t Back Down” with OAR was “really fun” according to Rzeznik, 57 — and fairly organic. “Someone suggested it and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s a great idea.’ We started messing around, singing it, and it was like, ‘Wow, this could really work.’ It’s something for the tour, just something fun to do. Rappers and pop artists do this all the time, but I wish more rock bands, like, of our vintage or whatever, would just get together and do stuff like that. I think we did a good job on it.”</p><p>• The Goos are playing the expected hits this summer, but prior to the tour the band polled fans via social media about other, deeper tracks from the catalog they’d like to hear. “We made a list of most of our songs but we took all the hits out, ’cause we know we’ll play them,” Rzeznik explains. “We just wanted to add a couple of songs that normally aren’t in the rotation and see which ones the fans really wanted to hear. I just want our audience to get something they haven’t gotten before. If you get up on a stage it’s like you better entertain people, y’know, and give ’em what they want.”</p><p>• One of the best parts of touring during the summer, Rzeznik says, is that he and Takac, as well as other band and crew members, bring their children out on the road. “They come out with us and they all get a job. They get to work in the production office and they count the backstage passes or they stamp the date on something, pass out balloons at the meet and greet, things like that. They get these cool little jobs and they go home with a couple of bucks in their pocket and it’s cute and it’s fun and they love it. It’s kind of a cool summer vacation.”</p><p>• The Goos performed “Dizzy Up the Girl” in its entirety for its 20th anniversary five years ago. This year the group released a special vinyl edition of the album and is performing about a half-dozen of its songs in concert. “That record was awesome,” Rzeznik says. “It was an amazing time in our lives. To have a record like that in our career, it was kind of like a phenomenon. Because of ‘Dizzy’ we can always go out and play and draw good crowds; that’s pretty special. There were pretty strange parts about it, but it was an amazing time and I’m glad we survived it.”</p><p>• Rzeznik says he’s “already writing stuff” for whatever the Goos do next, but even he’s not sure what that will be yet. “I have four, five songs in the can, and there’s this discussion of, like, do you save ’em all and put w hole album out or do you release them as they come? What is the proper way to do this in the modern world, ’cause nobody has any attention span, nobody has any patience and I don’t think albums really matter to people anymore. So it’s like, ‘What do we do?’ and I’m not sure there’s an answer yet.”</p><p><i>Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. perform at 7 p.m. at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights. </i><a class="no-pjax" href="tel:+13134717000"><i>(313)471-7000</i></a><i> or </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.313presents.com/"><i>313Presents.com</i></a><i>.</i></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/08/16/goo-goo-dolls-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-5-things-to-know-2/"><i>https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2023/08/16/goo-goo-dolls-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-5-things-to-know-2/</i></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7258021
2023-08-16T16:00:28-04:00
2023-08-17T19:30:24-04:00
Cincinnati Enquirer - Goo Goo Dolls frontman solves the downfall of Sudsy Malone's, our notorious laundromat-bar
<p><strong>By</strong> <span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);"><strong>Alessandro Corona</strong></span></p><p>In a world where one-hit wonders ruled the music scene – one band, the Goo Goo Dolls, became a mainstay on the alternative charts with several hits throughout the late '90s and well into the 2000s. Since their introduction into radio rock consciousness with their first big single, “Name,” the group quickly elevated to a household name after their song “Iris” was chosen for the soundtrack of the movie “City of Angels."</p><p>Over the band’s nearly 40-year tenure, lead singer/songwriter John Rzeznik has penned a host of Grammy-nominated tunes, the most recognizable being “Slide” and “Black Balloon.” I recently had the honor of chatting with Rzeznik (before their Riverbend show on Friday, Aug. 18) about his tumultuous upbringing in Buffalo, his unique guitar style and his recent decision to live a sober life.</p><p><strong>Q: Do you have any memories of coming through Cincinnati?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> There's that diner in the bottom of the Carew Tower (<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/08/12/hathaways-diner-moving-carew-tower-downtown-cincinnati/8104867002/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}">Hathaway’s</a>). We used to go there whenever we were there. There are a couple of really great guitar shops. I don't eat it anymore, but we used to do the Skyline Chili run every time. And playing at Bogart's. </p><p><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);">Then across the street, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/10/04/sudsy-malones-building-short-vine-has-been-demolished/3591408001/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}">there was Sudsy Malone's</a><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);"> – the laundromat with the bar. Who the hell wants to fold clothes when they're bombed? It's a fun idea, but it's not going to work because everybody's going to get hammered and have to go home and they're going to leave their laundry.</span></p><p><strong>Q: You grew up in Buffalo, and lost your parents at a young age. I read that you were influenced by your sisters' tastes in music and picked up guitar when you were in high school. Processing that experience is a theme that's in a lot of your songs. How did that experience growing up influence your songwriting?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> First of all, being the only boy in a family of five kids with four older sisters, I think that had a profound influence on me as far as being brought up in a house full of women and absorbing their taste in music. And then growing up Catholic will influence everything that you do. We went to church six days a week for nine years. That was a big influence on me. </p><p>And then discovering all the original punk rock and new wave music and dance music. If you like punk rock, you could still like Depeche Mode and The Cure and The Chameleons and all those bands – Elvis Costello as well as The Buzzcocks and The Clash. </p><p><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);">I was into a lot of different kinds of music, but it was all underground in Buffalo at the time. I was very influenced by the college radio station WBNY. It was a 100-watt college radio station. And I lived close enough to the university that I could listen to the new bands. It was a big influence on me. </span></p><p>Obviously, when my parents died, that's going to change your worldview forever. And dying at a young age like they did, and so quickly under weird circumstances. It definitely plays into your psyche. I'm affected by those experiences every day.</p><p><strong>Q: Goo Goo Dolls has been a band for over 30 years now. How do you keep your songwriting process fresh? And how do you see the role of guitar rock in the modern musical world?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> I think it's diminishing. Popular music is more urban – hip-hop and R&B based. It’s more electronic and deals with different subject matter than guitar rock. I try to write what speaks to me and what speaks to my audience. I've been playing guitar and writing guitar songs for 40 years, almost. </p><p><span style="color:rgb(48,48,48);">I love experimenting around with keyboards. Some of my favorite songs have been written by bands like Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode and New Order. It's not a big jumping-off point for me to experiment with electronics, but I meld the two things together.</span></p><p><strong>Q: I remember obsessing over "Name" after hearing it on the radio, but you really blew up when the video for "Iris" came out. How do you see the role of music videos in your success?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> They were very instrumental in our success. MTV and VH1 and alternative rock radio, which became mainstream radio at that time. There's just no place for music videos anymore because they're not going to play it. The way the system is set up with streaming, etc., it's incredibly unfair to artists and especially writers. We are very blessed and lucky because we're an older band and we stayed out on the road for 30 years and built a huge audience.</p><p><strong>Q: What's your take on licensing?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> I've had car commercials, I've had beer commercials, I've had a lot of music used in movies and television. At this point, it's cheaper for music supervisors to hire someone to anonymously create something that sounds like you. There's no unity or solidarity among musicians because it's so dog-eat-dog. 50,000 songs get uploaded a day. How are you going to unionize that? It's come down the same as it always has – there's a small group of people who are exploiting artists.</p><p>A really smart lawyer said, "I wouldn't sign this contract if I was you, John. But then again, I don't want to be a rock star." I never realized what a true statement that was because my first record deal was horrible. But I signed it because I wanted to be a rock star.</p><p><strong>Q: You use a lot of nonstandard tunings. It really threw me for a loop when I was trying to learn your songs. What influenced you to switch things up from song to song?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/10/18/husker-du-bob-mould-at-memorial-hall-newport-jockey-club-memories/8468027002/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}">Bob Mould</a>'s guitar playing is a huge influence on me. Costello, Page, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, Ry Cooder – all musicians who use alternate tunings.</p><p><strong>Q: You've been sober for nearly 10 years now. Congratulations.</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> All I can say is I'm happy, but I'm bored. That's the only thing about being sober that bugs me sometimes.</p><p><strong>Q: Other than slowing things down a bit, how would you say it's changed your lifestyle?</strong></p><p><strong>A:</strong> I'm way healthier than I was 20 years ago. I had to quit or I was going to die. That's not hyperbole. There was so much alcoholism and drug abuse in our family growing up. I didn't want that for my daughter. Once I got the family disease of alcoholism, my negativity toward my father changed because I could actually sympathize. </p><p>He pretty much killed himself with drugs and booze, food and everything else he could be addicted to. I always have to keep an eye out for that because sometimes I will spend too much money on musical equipment and things like that, or I'll eat too much sugar or whatever. I have an addict brain, so I've got to keep an eye on it.</p><h2><strong>Goo Goo Dolls: The Big Night Out Tour with O.A.R.</strong></h2><p><strong>When:</strong> 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18.</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/08/15/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-unfair-music-business/70578888007/">https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/08/15/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-unfair-music-business/70578888007/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7257048
2023-08-14T20:16:22-04:00
2023-08-14T20:16:22-04:00
Asburyparkvibes; ENERGETIC FUSION: GOO GOO DOLLS & O.A.R. ROCK THE BORGATA
<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Words & Photos by </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.concertsnapper.com/" target="_blank"><span>Steve Cerf</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en.html" target="_blank"><u>The Borgata in Atlantic City</u></a><span> came alive with vibrant energy as the renowned, multi-platinum artists, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/" target="_blank"><u>Goo Goo Dolls</u></a><span> and the dynamic </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.liveoar.com/" target="_blank"><u>O.A.R.</u></a><span> brought their “The Big Night Tour”, delivering a night of musical brilliance.</span><br><br> </p><div class="sm-page-layout-row yui3-g" data-layout-row="D"><div class="sm-page-layout-column yui3-u" style="width:100%;" data-layout-column="0"><div class="sm-page-widget sm-page-widget-text sm-page-widget-34617275" id="sm-page-widget-FH7RScHK" data-typeid="34617275"><div class="sm-page-widget-content">
<div class="sm-page-widget-body" id="sm-page-widget-8WcVzPgD"><div class="sm-widget-text"><p><span>The vibrant energy and timeless melodies of the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/" target="_blank"><u>Goo Goo Dolls</u></a><span> came to life as they hit the stage for an unforgettable performance. Frontman Johnny Rzenik’s unmistakable voice resonated throughout the theater, immediately captivating the audience. Bassist and co-founder Robby Takac infused the performance with his animated presence, driving the rhythm with his powerful bass lines and contributing vocals that perfectly complemented Rzenik’s. The chemistry of the duo was unmistakable, a testament to decades of collaboration. The way they played off each other showcased their musical camaraderie, whether in ballads or more upbeat anthems.</span></p></div></div>
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<h2 style="text-align:center;"><u>Goo Goo Dolls Setlist</u></h2>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span>1. Broadway 2. Over and Over 3. Slide 4. Big Machine 5. Here Is Gone 6. Black Balloon 7. January Friend 8. Yeah, I Like You 9. Going Crazy 10. Lucky Star 11. Miracle Pill 12. Dizzy 13. Sympathy 14. Lost 15. Come to Me 16. Name 17. Long Way Down 18. Run All Night 19. So Alive 20. Life's a Message 21. Bringing On the Light 22. Give a Little Bit (Supertramp cover) 23. Better Days 24. Stay With You 25. I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty cover) 26. Iris</span></p>
</div></div>
</div></div></div></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Click the link for the OAR review and awesome pro shots of both bands</strong><br><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.asburyparkvibes.com/CONCERT-REVIEWS/LIVE-MUSIC-2023/ENERGETIC-FUSION-GOO-GOO-DOLLS-OAR-ROCK-THE-BORGATA">https://www.asburyparkvibes.com/CONCERT-REVIEWS/LIVE-MUSIC-2023/ENERGETIC-FUSION-GOO-GOO-DOLLS-OAR-ROCK-THE-BORGATA</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7256312
2023-08-13T00:43:05-04:00
2023-08-13T00:43:06-04:00
OC Music News - Goo Goo Dolls Live at White Oak Amphitheater
<p>Read the review here - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://ocmusicnews.com/goo-goo-dolls-live-in-greensboro/">https://ocmusicnews.com/goo-goo-dolls-live-in-greensboro/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7256307
2023-08-12T23:49:38-04:00
2023-08-12T23:49:39-04:00
Lehigh Valley Live - Goo Goo Dolls rock Musikfest with set full of fan favorites (PHOTOS)
<p><strong>By Connor Lagore</strong></p><p> </p><p id="MSLZGRLQ5VGMVKV2N6ICDRR6A4">John Rzeznik had the crowd in the palm of his hand on Wednesday night as The Goo Goo Dolls tore through a setlist full of their most beloved hits.</p><p id="HJGA3RIJHBE63DCPW2TXHNJPPM">The band took the Wind Creek Steel Stage at Musikfest to heavy applause and the energy didn’t slow down from there, culminating in a soaring rendition of the smash hit “Iris” that had the crowd singing along. It was not dissimilar from 2019, when the band shared a co-headlining date with fellow 2023 headliner Train.</p><p id="NEZBIBCBTRD5DFSJCRGQXMHPLQ">This time, though, The Goo Goo Dolls had the stage all to themselves, their third time headlining the festival (they were also a main stage performer in 2012), and they used it to fit in as many classics as they could, including “Black Balloon,” “Slide” and “Name.”</p><div class="InContent_Center_Background" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:"Benton Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-optical-sizing:inherit;font-size:10px;font-stretch:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variation-settings:inherit;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="InContent_Center_Padding" style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px 30px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="ad-observer" style="border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="InContent_Center_NEZBIBCBTRD5DFSJCRGQXMHPLQ"> </div></div></div><p id="CZRJA6BRD5A4NI63G3GIEZ56GM">Check out the photos from the band’s set in the gallery below:</p><p id="CZRJA6BRD5A4NI63G3GIEZ56GM"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-rock-musikfest-with-set-full-of-fan-favorites-photos.html">https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-rock-musikfest-with-set-full-of-fan-favorites-photos.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7256306
2023-08-12T23:46:58-04:00
2023-08-12T23:46:58-04:00
K&J CHATS: Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik
<p>Today we chat with Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls! We talk about his musical influences, new music and working with O.A.R. on “The Big Night Out” Tour. Johnny also talks about how crowds have changed since he played back-in-the-day!</p><p>You can catch Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. at The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater on Sunday, August 13.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.star999.com/2023/08/09/kj-chats-goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik/">https://www.star999.com/2023/08/09/kj-chats-goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7256292
2023-08-12T23:07:18-04:00
2023-08-12T23:07:19-04:00
The Valley Ledger - OAR AND THE GOO GOO DOLLS GAVE MUSIKFEST A BIG NIGHT OUT
<h2>REVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DIANE FLEISCHMAN</h2><p><span style="color:rgb(43,43,43);">The Big Night Out tour made a stop at Musikfest Wednesday night. The pairing of these two groups, O.A.R. and The Goo Goo Dolls have a good deal in common as they have both been around for well over twenty years. This was a sold-out concert with many O.A.R. fans trying to make their way to their seats well into the first song, “Lay Down”. They moved into “Love and Memories” next, which kept the crowd on their feet as they sang and danced along. One of their first music videos for the song, “Hey Girl” was explained by frontman, Marc Roberge, and performed with a bit of nostalgia and great emotion. Their set ended with “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker”.</span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">After a brief intermission, The Goo Goo Dolls took the stage, frontman, John Rzeznik looked fit and trim, but now seated front and center stage. A couple of weeks ago, he donned a medical boot on his right leg. Explained as something that happened after he walked off stage, something didn’t feel right, and then pain ensued. For this show, the boot was off, but he remained seated. His romping around the stage was surely missed. But nonetheless, there was plenty of fun in store.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">As a dozen spotlights surrounded Rzeznik, the show kicked off with “Broadway”, a song which is usually buried deep in the set . For The Goo Goo Dolls, they’re boasting an amazing 25 song set list on this tour, leaning towards more of their newer material, but also recognizing the 40-year span of their career and commercial success ,so there were a few surprises.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">A crowd favorite, “Slide” was the third song, and brought everyone to their feet to sing along. “Here is Gone” made a return, and the black balloons dropped during “Black Balloon” which gave the fans in the front rows the fun task to keep the balloons up in the air. From their last studio release, ‘Chaos in Bloom’, they included “Yeah I Like You”, “Going Crazy”, and their latest single, “Run All Night” which holds some pretty inspiring lyrics, “Don’t let your dreams die young, Don’t let your heart grow numb. We got just one life, you better run all night.”</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">They hit the way back machine, as Robbie Takac covered lead vocals on “Lucky Star”, from the 1993 release of ‘Superstar Car Wash’, and another surprise addition was the hard rocking, “Long Way Down, ” sung by Rzeznik, from their 1995 release, ‘A Boy Named Goo’ .</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">As a joke to their primitive A1 technology, Rzeznik commented that they collaborated with other musicians on “Lost” and brought the reel-to reels to add into this song, a large box affectionately named “Tapey”.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The arrangement was changed on “Sympathy”, as Rzeznik belted out the lyrics accompanied by a piano, and it was a convenient moment to give the other band members a break.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Jerry DePizzo, saxophonist, from O.A.R. was brought onstage to play along with “Give a Little Bit”, adding a bit of authenticity to the original version from the band Supertramp.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">There wasn’t a lot of banter in-between songs, after all, when you’re dealing with a 25 song set list, time is tight. But there were moments where Rzeznik spoke about all the shows The Goo Goo Dolls have performed at Musikfest. Rzeznik quipped, “we must have played here 20 times!” And can easily be interpreted that they do enjoy bringing their music to the Lehigh Valley. Overall, it was one song after another, as it was heard by Rzeznik exclaiming ‘Let’s go’ to the band to move on to the next song.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The set ended with “Stay With You”, and instead of leaving the stage and returning for the encore, they carried on and brought Marc Roberge, lead singer from O.A.R. back to sing a long to a cover of “I Won’t Back Down” followed by the show’s closer, “Iris”.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-width:0px;color:rgb(43, 43, 43);font-family:Lato, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Click the link for photo set - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thevalleyledger.com/?p=121358">https://www.thevalleyledger.com/?p=121358</a>
</div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7255114
2023-08-10T12:33:40-04:00
2023-08-12T23:00:30-04:00
Lehigh Valley News: REVIEW: Goo Goo Dolls' music at Musikfest is miraculous
<p data-reader-unique-id="5"> </p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:13.5px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-reader-unique-id="248">
<p data-reader-unique-id="249"><i><strong>By John J. Moser</strong></i></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="251"><i><strong>LehighValleyNews.com</strong></i><br><br>BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After nearly 30 years of releasing hits, with 10 that have sold gold or platinum, alt rockers Goo Goo Dolls certainly have earned the right to make its concerts greatest-hits outings.</p>
</div><p data-reader-unique-id="6">And, indeed, its headline concert Wednesday at Musikfest's Steel Stage included all of its hits.</p><ul>
<li data-reader-unique-id="8"><b data-reader-unique-id="10"><strong>Goo Goo Dolls played a concert of 25 songs in 107 minutes at Musikfest that included all of its hits</strong></b></li>
<li data-reader-unique-id="8"><b data-reader-unique-id="12"><strong>It also played deep cuts and new songs, all with the same intensity</strong></b></li>
<li data-reader-unique-id="8"><b data-reader-unique-id="14"><strong>Co-headliners O.A.R. also gave a strong performance</strong></b></li>
</ul><p data-reader-unique-id="8"><b data-reader-unique-id="14"><strong>Read the full article; https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/local-news/review-goo-goo-dolls-music-at-musikfest-is-miraculous</strong></b></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7254814
2023-08-09T19:31:16-04:00
2023-08-09T19:31:16-04:00
WFMZ - Goo Goo Dolls bassist sits down with 69 News ahead of Musikfest performance
<p><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">The group is set to headline Musikfest on Wednesday night, but first, one of the band's founders made time to chat with 69 News.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wfmz.com/video/goo-goo-dolls-bassist-sits-down-with-69-news-ahead-of-musikfest-performance/video_1d194600-dcaf-5904-9ab5-f694ec299c46.html"><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">https://www.wfmz.com/video/goo-goo-dolls-bassist-sits-down-with-69-news-ahead-of-musikfest-performance/video_1d194600-dcaf-5904-9ab5-f694ec299c46.html</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7254813
2023-08-09T19:26:57-04:00
2023-08-09T19:26:57-04:00
Nippertown - CONCERT REVIEW: GOO GOO DOLLS / O.A.R. @ SPAC, 08/08/2023
<p><strong>By Hilary Crannage</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(35,34,31);">Perfect weather set the stage for an electrifying evening at SPAC on Tuesday night, as OAR commanded the spotlight in front of a packed and enthusiastic audience. The band’s setlist expertly melded their contemporary hits with timeless classics, delivering a performance that left the crowd in awe. Among the standout moments, saxophonist/guitarist Jerry DePizzo stole the limelight with his awe-inspiring talent and remarkable lung capacity. The energy emanating from the stage was met in kind by an engaged crowd that harmonized joyfully to crowd favorites such as “Shattered” and “Peace.” A remarkable interlude during the song “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” saw playing cards take flight through the air, creating a surreal spectacle within a small section of the audience.</span></p><p>Officially established in 1996, lead singer Marc Roberge took a nostalgic detour down memory lane, reminiscing about their humble beginnings performing original music at 8th-grade talent shows. Roberge seamlessly transitioned from these early recollections to the band’s debut single, the timelessly evocative “Hey Girl.” OAR’s ability to forge a personal connection with their fans was evident as they candidly discussed the challenges and fears they encountered during their growth as a musical entity. The band also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards their unwavering support network of family and friends.</p><p>As OAR’s final notes echoed, the anticipation in the atmosphere reached its zenith, heralding the arrival of the night’s headliner: The Goo Goo Dolls.</p><h3 id="h-origins-and-resonance-the-goo-goo-dolls-take-center-stage"><i><strong>Origins and Resonance: The Goo Goo Dolls Take Center Stage</strong></i></h3><p>Hailing from Buffalo, NY, and tracing their roots back to 1986 under the moniker “Sex Maggots,” the Goo Goo Dolls embarked on a musical journey that would catapult them to international recognition. Comprising the dynamic trio of singers/guitarist Johnny Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac, and drummer George Tutuska, the band’s evolution into the beloved Goo Goo Dolls was an organic and transformative process. Not even a broken foot could deter Rzeznik from delivering a performance that exceeded all expectations.</p><p>The show’s opening moments were marked by a mesmerizing spectacle: a television screen flickered to life, gradually joined by a checkerboard of screens, each displaying news broadcasts. This audiovisual crescendo culminated in a burst of light, signaling the onset of the band’s performance with their inaugural track, “Yeah, I like you.” An air of nostalgia enveloped the venue as iconic hits like “Slide,” “Big Machine,” and “Broadway” ignited fond memories for the audience.</p><p>Towards the culmination of their set, the Goo Goo Dolls unveiled their latest creation, “Lost,” utilizing an artful blend of a prerecorded electronic beat emanating from a vintage cassette player affectionately referred to as “Tapey.” The night culminated in a crescendo of emotion and energy as the band launched into their magnum opus, the universally recognized anthem “Iris,” igniting the entire audience in a chorus of song and celebration.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(35,34,31);">The SPAC stage became a nexus of musical excellence, an arena where the collective talents of OAR and the Goo Goo Dolls converged to create an unforgettable night of melodies and memories. As the final notes reverberated through the air and the lights dimmed, the echoes of this remarkable performance will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of attendees for years to come.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(35,34,31);">Photo gallery at the link - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://nippertown.com/2023/08/09/concert-review-goo-goo-dolls-o-a-r-spac-08-08-2023/"><span style="color:rgb(35,34,31);">https://nippertown.com/2023/08/09/concert-review-goo-goo-dolls-o-a-r-spac-08-08-2023/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7254811
2023-08-09T19:15:29-04:00
2023-08-09T19:15:30-04:00
WTTS IN CONVERSATION – ROBBY TAKAC OF GOO GOO DOLLS
<p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);"><strong>BY </strong></span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wttsfm.com/author/matt/" title="Posts by Matt Pelsor" rel="author"><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);"><strong>MATT PELSOR</strong></span></a></p><p>‘<strong>WTTS In Conversation’</strong> is a bi-weekly podcast delivering <strong>decades of WTTS interviews</strong> with music legends and emerging artists.</p><p>For<strong> Episode #</strong>66, Matt Pelsor talked with <strong>Robby Takac</strong> about the <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> upcoming <strong>August 23rd</strong> show at TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park. They talked about the songs he wrote for the new album <i>Chaos in Bloom,</i> as well as his successful Buffalo-based nonprofit “Music Is Art,” and why he often performs barefoot.</p><p>Find “WTTS In Conversation” <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wttsfm.com/podcasts/">here</a>. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wttsfm.com/podcasts/">https://www.wttsfm.com/podcasts/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7254788
2023-08-09T19:11:05-04:00
2023-08-09T19:11:05-04:00
Baltimore Post - Examiner: Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls on Their Current Tour and Why They’re Still Going Strong
<p><strong>By Michele Wojciechowski</strong></p><p>Even though the Goo Goo Dolls have been touring for more than 35 years, bass guitarist Robby Takac admits that there’s a song he still loves to play.</p><p>“My favorite song of the show is generally ‘Slide’ because we play it early, and everybody knows it. So we come out and play a couple of songs. Everybody might not know those songs, but as soon as we play ‘Slide,’ everybody’s in,” Takac says. “That’s probably my favorite on most nights. It’s hard to pick one in particular that I like just because they’re all fun to play.”</p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls will be playing that and many other tunes tonight as they rock Merriweather Post Pavilion with the Rockville-founded band O.A.R. on The Big Night Out Tour.</p><p>Although people tend to associate Takac with the Goos, he got started playing in rock bands years earlier.</p><p>“I’ve always been into music. I wasn’t all that athletic, not much of a debater. I just sort of leaned towards the things that I could do aside from run around in the woods and act like a nut,” he says while laughing. “I could kind of play guitar. A bunch of kids in my neighborhood that had a band, and nobody wanted to play bass. They all wanted to play guitar or drums or sing.</p><p>“You know how someone ends up the goalie? Well, I was sort of the goalie of the rock bands when I was young,” Takac says.</p><p>At the time, he was taking guitar lessons. But the kids had a bass. Takac eventually bought that bass from them and became the bass guitarist in that and the future bands he was in.</p><p>But it was when he met Johnny Rzeznik that everything would eventually skyrocket.</p><p><strong>Touring in a Van</strong></p><p>When they met, Rzeznik was playing in a punk band with Takac’s cousin, Paul, called The Beaumonts. At the time, Takac was playing more in rock bands, but had played a few gigs with them. He was also playing in a band called The Beat Generation with drummer George Tutuska.</p><p>Memorial Day, 1986 is the date Takac gives as when the Goos officially formed. At that time, the line-up featured Takac, Rzeznik, and Tutuska. Takac says that they played punk rock and were doing demos like crazy.</p><p>They started recording their first album at Track Master Recording Studios, which Takac owns today. And they played—a lot.</p><p>“We went to places like Heebie Jeebies, Maxwell’s, the Continental, and the 930 Club in Washington, D.C.,” he recalls. “That was our world. We’d drive around in our van and did that for 10 years until we learned how to make records, how to write songs, and Johnny became a confident singer. I sang almost our whole first record and most of our second record, and then John started singing more. So, we’ve been able to grow through this process. Most bands don’t make it through those drifts.”</p><p>Well, not the entire band came through. The band fired Tutuska, who was replaced with Mike Malinin, who would end up playing with them for 19 years. Today, Takac and Rzeznik remain the only original members.</p><p><strong>Giving Out Demos on the Street</strong></p><p>When the Goo Goo Dolls were in their infancy—pun totally intended—Takac says he and Rzeznik would travel to New York City from Buffalo and literally give their demo tapes to everyone and anyone.</p><p>“We’d wait out on the street in front of places and just hand our demos to people like at Warner Brothers or whatever—to anybody. It was crazy. But it’s funny because later on some of those people popped up again, and they’re like, ‘Oh my God—I remember you guys walked up to me in an elevator in 1987.’ Yeah, that sounds right,” says Takac, again laughing. “We were pretty ambitious. But I don’t know if we knew what was out there. I think we thought like when you signed a deal, they would hand you the keys to your castle or Rolls Royce. But it was so far away from what we thought was possible. We’re dudes from Buffalo. That didn’t happen to dudes from Buffalo.”</p><p>But it actually did.</p><p>Their first hit, “Name” came off their album <i>A Boy Named Goo</i>, which went to number one on the Billboard Charts.</p><p>These Buffalo boys would hit the stratosphere, though, in 1998, when Rzeznik was asked to pen a song for a movie.</p><p><strong>Still Getting a Charge</strong></p><p>Before <i>City of Angels</i>–the movie starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan–came out, Rzeznik was approached about writing a song for the soundtrack. The song he created was “Iris,” which not only became a mega-hit for the band and the soundtrack, but was also included on their 1998 album <i>Dizzy Up the Girl</i>.</p><p>Five years ago, the band did a 20th-anniversary tour to celebrate the iconic album. This year, for the 25th anniversary, it will be re-released as a special edition on vinyl in September.</p><p>Over the years, they’ve put out many more albums and always toured.</p><p>Although their most recent album <i>Chaos in Bloom</i> came out in 2022, the Goo Goo Dolls debuted a new single “Run All Night” on Good Morning America just before their current tour began in late July.</p><p>And even though they’ve probably played certain songs like “Iris” thousands upon thousands of times, Takac says he still loves it.</p><p>“’Iris’ is always amazing. Holy shit. If you don’t get a charge out of what happens when you play a song like that, then you should have a different job, man,” he says. “Energy comes from that song. When you have thousands of people in the mix singing it back to you, oh my God, it’s just awesome. It’s so much fun!”</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://baltimorepostexaminer.com/robby-takac-of-the-goo-goo-dolls-on-their-current-tour-and-why-theyre-still-going-strong/2023/08/04">https://baltimorepostexaminer.com/robby-takac-of-the-goo-goo-dolls-on-their-current-tour-and-why-theyre-still-going-strong/2023/08/04</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7254279
2023-08-08T19:25:43-04:00
2023-08-08T19:25:43-04:00
Robby's Latest Blog for InRock Mag
<p>Hey hey In Rockers and welcome to Robby's Lobby coming to you from across the pond as they say, the morning of our last show of the Goo Goo Dolls UK/IE 2023 tour in London this evening! We're at the Eventid Apollo tonight after an incident a few weeks back temporarily shutdown of the Brixton Academy the show was rescheduled for tonight at The Apollo! We're headed home for a weeklong break and then we'll be making our way into rehearsals for the Summer Big Night Out tour with OAR and Fitz and the tantrums which kicks off at the end of July in Clearwater, Florida!</p><p>This UK tour has been amazing, we've been in many of these rooms in the past and they are always truly inspiring shows, lots of enthusiastic singing and participation from the crowd. We don't get over here to play all that often and with our first return trip to the UK since the global shutdown everyone was ready to sing! We began the trip in Dublin, got a chance to spend a rehearsal day there as well and enjoy a stroll around the canals and the Temple Bar area to launch the trip properly. We we entered the UK through Bristol and we were off to the races with 7 more shows over 9 days in Sheffield, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Glasgow Scotland, Birmingham and Manchester before heading to London to meet my wife and daughter for the second time on the trip! They met me for the US Father's day holiday in Bournemouth, they met me again yesterday in London after a little girls side trip to France, and will be coming to the London show and flying back for the short break!</p><p>Before we made the trip to the UK we did a whirlwind round trip to San Paolo Brazil for an appearance at the Blues and Rock Festival with Tom Morello and Blues legend Buddy Guy along with some Brazilian bands earlier in the day! It was an unbelievably quick trip, only 72 hours in the country, but it was a phenomenal show and the Brazilian fans were so wound up as we had discovered on our first ever trip to Brazil before the pandemic at our Rock in Rio performance a few years back. I've included some pics from a bunch of the shows with this month's column!</p><p>I mentioned a few months back about being in the studio recording in NYC with our friend and producer Gregg Wattenberg (Train, Matchbox 20), well the fruits of that labor are currently on display with our new single Run All Night available now on all the download and streaming services, there’s also a pretty “out there” music video that accompanies the song online. It's a video based on a “collage” concept we were pitched, no band, just some artfully executed thought provoking images set to some new music from the GGDS! We'll be out performing the new single, as well as a bunch of favorites for some sing alongs and a few tracks from deep in the catalog this summer, all the things that make up a great Summer tour! Maybe a few of you might make it out for a show or 2, or 3 from Japan, maybe you could make it part of a great Summer holiday to the US!</p><p>That's it for this month….In the short time I have at home in Buffalo, NY between trips, I'll be attending the official opening party for the newest GCR Audio recording studio facility and also hosting a Music is Art Festival fundraiser at the newest location, I'll show you around the place next month. I'm off to soundcheck for tonight’s show in London, hope you all have a great month and I look forward to catching up next time as we'll be heading into a very, very busy and exciting touring season for the band!</p><p>Talk soon!<br>Robby</p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7253740
2023-08-07T20:45:18-04:00
2023-08-07T20:45:18-04:00
TVD Radar: The Podcast with Evan Toth, Episode 117: John Rzeznik
<p>By Evan Toth<br><br><strong>There are some musical groups and performers whose music is as ubiquitous as having the lights on in a dark room, or water streaming from a kitchen faucet. Some music is more than just songs, it’s as though the words, phrases and messages are ingrained into our psyche. This might not even have anything to do with whether we like the music, or not! It’s just always there: on the radio, of course, but also in echoing hotel lobbies, in the backseat of cramped taxi cabs, in sprawling, neverending mall hallways, and yes—even the occasional elevator ride. Wherever music is, certain songs can be found.</strong></p><p><img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.thevinyldistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MEP_1660-copy.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="150" width="150" />Since 1995, no matter where you’ve gone in the world, at some point, the music of the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Goo Goo Dolls</a> has followed you around. You know the choruses and those acoustic guitar riffs almost as intimately as some of their hardcore fans do! To-date, the band has sold over 15 million records worldwide, garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations, and they have produced nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined, and seized a page in the history books by achieving 16 number one and Top 10 hits. It doesn’t matter if it’s “Name,” “Long Way Down,” “Iris,” “Slide,” or “Black Balloon” those songs are our companions, and the lyrics of John Rzeznik are inspiring, especially in the right set of circumstances. The themes of resilience in the face of love, loss, and being lost strike a familiar chord with anyone who stops to listen and soak up the deeper notions that are inside of each song.</p><div id="buzzsprout-player-13356277"><iframe src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1640449/13356277-john-rzeznik-from-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-their-new-song-and-tour?client_source=small_player&iframe=true&referrer=https://www.buzzsprout.com/1640449/13356277-john-rzeznik-from-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-their-new-song-and-tour.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-13356277&player=small" loading="lazy" scrolling="no" title="The Vinyl District's Radar with Evan Toth, John Rzeznik From the Goo Goo Dolls and Their New Song and Tour" width="100%" height="200" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><p> </p><p>Rzeznik joins me on this episode to talk about the band’s new song, “Run All Night,” the band’s recent collaboration with O.A.R on Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” and the nationwide tour that they are currently on that will see them performing career-spanning sets at major amphitheaters across the country. So, maybe the next time you’re feeling a little low, a little bit lost, I’ll bet that—wherever you may find yourself—if you bend your ear in the right direction, you might hear John Rzeznik singing a song about staying brave and believing in yourself in the midst of life’s inevitable changes, and that’s a comfort that is much more than just listening to a good song.<br><br>Link for audio:<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/2023/08/tvd-radar-the-podcast-with-evan-toth-episode-117-john-rzeznik/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"> https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/2023/08/tvd-radar-the-podcast-with-evan-toth-episode-117-john-rzeznik/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7251224
2023-08-02T21:32:41-04:00
2023-08-02T21:32:41-04:00
WTOP - Goo Goo Dolls ‘slide’ into Merriweather Post Pavilion
<p><strong>By Jason Fraley</strong></p><p><i>One of the biggest rock bands of the 1990s and 2000s is about to “slide” right into our area.</i></p><p><i>The Goo Goo Dolls rock </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://merriweathermusic.com/event/o-a-r-goo-goo-dolls-the-big-night-out-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><u>Merriweather Post Pavilion</u></i></a><i> in Columbia, Maryland, this Friday night.</i></p><p>Watch the entire interview at the link - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://wtop.com/entertainment/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-slide-into-merriweather-post-pavilion/">https://wtop.com/entertainment/2023/08/goo-goo-dolls-slide-into-merriweather-post-pavilion/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7250634
2023-08-01T17:03:38-04:00
2023-08-02T21:27:48-04:00
Melodicmagazine: The Goo Goo Dolls brings their Big Night Out Tour to Sand Mountain
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<span>By:</span> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.melodicmag.com/author/adamcolwell/">Adam Colwell</a>
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<div class="tdm_block td_block_wrap tdm_block_inline_text tdi_66 tdm-inline-block td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1" data-td-block-uid="tdi_66"><p>Date:</p></div>
<div class="td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_67 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1 tdb-post-meta" data-td-block-uid="tdi_67"><div class="tdb-block-inner td-fix-index"><time datetime="2023-07-31T01:01:21-04:00">July 31, 2023</time></div></div>
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<p><strong>The</strong> <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> and <strong>O.A.R.</strong> united for their thrilling Big Night Out tour at the Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville, AL. Despite the scorching heat and high humidity, both bands put on an unforgettable show. The venue was packed to near capacity, with seats filled and the lawn adorned with chairs and eager spectators, all ready for an electrifying evening of music.</p>
<p><strong>O.A.R.</strong> took the stage first, kicking off with the powerful “About an Hour Ago”, led by Marc Roberge’s impressive vocals, never missing a beat. The band’s energy was relentless, and the crowd’s enthusiasm reached its peak during the performance of the hit “Shattered (Turn the Car Around).” The vibrant saxophone solos by Jerry DePizzo added an extra layer of excitement to their set. As they closed with the energetic “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” the amphitheater was left buzzing, eager for more.</p>
<p>At 9:00, <strong>The Goo Goo Dolls</strong> graced the stage to thunderous applause. Their nearly two-hour performance began with classics like “Broadway,” “Over and Over,” and “Slide”. John Rzeznik’s passionate delivery and mix of beloved classics and fresh material, like the unreleased song “Use Me,” kept the audience engaged. Robby Takac surprised everyone with a punk-fueled rendition of “Lucky” and a couple of other songs, adding to the night’s excitement.</p>
<p>Further surprises awaited the crowd, including Jim McGorman’s captivating piano performance of “Symphony” and a “new” member of the band, known as Tapey. The enchanting atmosphere continued as John serenaded with his acoustic guitar, launching into “Name” and witnessing the entire audience joining in for the chorus. The crowd’s camaraderie and the band’s infectious energy made the experience even more memorable. <strong>The Goo Goo Dolls</strong> followed with a trio of hits, from “Give a Little Bit” to “Stay With You” leaving the amphitheater thoroughly satisfied.</p>
<p>As tradition dictated, the band returned for an encore, inviting Marc Roberge on stage for a stirring rendition of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” with both John and Marc taking turns on various parts of the song. The encore left the crowd in awe, but the Goo Goo Dolls had one more surprise up their sleeve – their biggest hit, “Iris.” The audience erupted in excitement, and the venue was aglow with hundreds of swaying cellphone lights. It was a spectacular end to a night of pure musical magic. Both The Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. prove that as time has gone on, they have not missed a beat!</p>
<p>Link for photos:<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.melodicmag.com/2023/07/31/the-goo-goo-dolls-brings-their-big-night-out-tour-to-sand-mountain/" data-link-type="url"> https://www.melodicmag.com/2023/07/31/the-goo-goo-dolls-brings-their-big-night-out-tour-to-sand-mountain/</a></p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7249011
2023-07-28T18:00:11-04:00
2023-08-02T21:27:48-04:00
Alabama.com - Goo Goo Dolls talk ‘90s hits, opening for Motorhead, being snubbed by Sting
<div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);display:block;font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.65em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;"><div class="byline" style="display:inline !important;font-size:1em !important;font-style:normal !important;margin:0px;max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="234">
<p> </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="236"><a title="Matt Wake at mwake@al.com" data-reader-unique-id="238"><strong>By </strong></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.al.com/staff/mwake/posts.html" title="Matt Wake at mwake@al.com" data-reader-unique-id="238"><strong>Matt Wake | mwake@al.com</strong></a></p>
</div></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="229"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="230"><img src="https://www.al.com/resizer/YGY_VFNxLOdVSGSW6-hRWts9JKo=/1280x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/BTLIRVVC3ZBIJMSS6M2ETTAJOM.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Goo Goo Dolls" height="600" width="300" /></div>
<p data-reader-unique-id="230">Robby Takac, left, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. (Courtesy Maxine Evans)</p></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="1">The mainstream came to The Goo Goo Dolls, The Goo Goo Dolls didn’t come to the mainstream. The Buffalo, New York, band had been making scrappy punk meets power-pop albums since the late ‘80s for Metal Blade Records, the same label that released early recordings by Metallica and Ratt, and playing shows with everyone from R.E.M. to Motorhead.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="1">Read the article at: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.al.com/life/2023/07/goo-goo-dolls-talk-90s-hits-opening-for-motorhead-being-snubbed-by-sting.html">https://www.al.com/life/2023/07/goo-goo-dolls-talk-90s-hits-opening-for-motorhead-being-snubbed-by-sting.html</a></p><p data-reader-unique-id="3"> </p><p> </p><p data-reader-unique-id="18"> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7248584
2023-07-27T21:42:58-04:00
2023-07-28T17:57:42-04:00
News & Record - Goo Goo Dolls head to Greensboro – and, yes, they still like playing 'Iris'
<h2 itemprop="headline"><i><span><strong>'It's kind of what we do'</strong></span></i></h2><p itemprop="headline"><strong>By Cooper Sullivan</strong></p><div class="lee-article-text first-p" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Even after racking up millions of sales and billions of streams with classic hits such as "Iris," "Slide" and "Dizzy," Buffalo-based rock band Goo Goo Dolls aren't done yet.</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Goo Goo Dolls, which released its 13th studio album "Chaos in Bloom" last August to the pleasure of fans and critics, has just gotten back from a tour in the U.K. and Ireland and are about to embark on another one stateside.</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>"The Big Day Out Tour" with O.A.R., which kicked off earlier this week in Florida, will be making its way to the Triad with a performance at the White Oak Amphitheatre in Greensboro on Aug. 2. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are available online starting at $22.</p></div><div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>We spoke with bassist and founding member Robby Takac about the upcoming tour, what keeps the band going after almost 40 years of performing, Japanese rock music and all those covers of their song "Iris."</p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"><strong>You and John Rzeznik have been doing press interviews for the last few weeks and now The Big Day Out Tour is about to start. How are you feeling about hitting the road finally?</strong></span></p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>It feels great. It's actually been the last few decades we've been doing these. Nah, man, it's been great. It's good to get started again. Sometimes it feels we never really stop playing — maybe two, three gigs a month, five, six gigs a month, whatever — but it's kind of really jerky. You're not in the process of being on the road and doing shows every night, so it'll feel good to get back in the groove again and start sharing some music with folks.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>What keeps you guys coming out and touring and performing and going through this exhausting next couple of months?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>You know, that's a good question. I think it's kind of what we do. Since we were kids, this is just kind of what we do. We figure out how to get in front of people and play music. We've been blessed enough to have an opportunity that provides us a way to do this over and over again, all over the world. So, it's just what we do this over and over again, all over the world So, it's just what we do.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p><strong>What do you do during a tour to have a break from performing and to stay relaxed?</strong></p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Everybody's got their thing. John likes to go to the gym and watch old movies and stuff . I tend to walk around a lot. I do a lot of walking. I've got a couple of little projects that I work on, you know, that are kind of not Goo Goo Doll-related, that sort of keeps my mind flexible and in other directions. But more than anything else, we're just busy getting to the next place and trying to make sure that we get enough rest so we can get out there and do the best show we can.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>Are these solo projects?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>I'm part of a festival [Music is Art Festival] that happens in Buffalo every year, I have a little record label [Good Charamel Records] that my wife and I run that has Japanese bands that we bring here to the U.S., and I've got a recording studio in Buffalo [GCR Audio] that I run as well. Just kind of a bunch of other things that, like I said, keep my mind busy in other ways.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p><strong>I'm sure this is something you get through trial-and-error, but have you found out the best way to go through your creative process and in finding a rhythm?</strong></p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>I'm not sure about that. We're not the kind of band that likes to just do the same thing every time, you know? We like to try to change things up. Our first couple records, it's not even recognizable as the same band as we are today. That's because we tried to change things up. So, I think for us, we just try to keep it interesting within what we're doing. That the process is completed, you know, when you're singing your song and the song is being sung back to you and that's where the magic happens. I think you just got to focus on that, remember why you're there.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>When people hear the name Goo Goo Dolls, a lot of people go to some of that earlier work, like "Iris," "Slide" or anything from the '90s, but you guys are still putting out music and, like you said, there's kind of a different kind of sound between your early work and now. How does that feel knowing that some people connect with the older work more so than the newer?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>You know, man, it's all what we do. And if some people dig parts of it a little bit more than others or whatever, I just hope they come to the show and can appreciate the whole thing while they're there, that's all.</p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>What is your favorite kind of song to perform for everyone, or maybe you guys don't perform it much because you know it won't get the same amount of reaction as others?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>Obviously when you play a song like "Slide" or "Iris" or "Black Balloon" or something like that, you know, it's amazing to share that experience with a roomful of people. It's pretty amazing. Inspiring, really. But for us, I think the moments that we love the most are when we're really throwing down, turning it up and having more of an aggressive side of the band. I think that that's what we were born of and so I think that those moments when we're really clicking are pretty intense, sometimes within the group. It's pretty amazing.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>You guys are touring with O.A.R. and have actually put out music with them in the last few months, covering Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" and releasing a new song, "Run All Night." How did that come about?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>We knew the tour was going out and Mark [Roberge, front man of O.A.R.] and John live not too far from each other so they work out in the same studio occasionally with a guy named Greg Wattenberg, a producer both bands work with. They just got to talking and thought it'd be a cool thing for the tour and a fun thing to do live maybe. So, we just did it for the first time with Goo Goo Dolls' band playing and Mark just came in and sang with us on Good Morning America. We did an ungodly early performance of that there but we plan on doing that during the tour, too, so it should be a lot of fun.</p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>Do you have any dream collaborations that you would like to do in the next few years?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>That's a good question that I should probably be more prepared to answer, but I don't know. I always thought it'd be fun to make a record with Rick Rubin one day.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>Do you know Rick Rubin?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>No, I've never met him before. I just follow his Yoda-like musings on Instagram.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>Who are your favorite artists that you like listening to right now?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>It's funny, I've been listening to a lot of deep funk stuff . I love just putting on Spotify and then starting a channel with two or three bands that I'm familiar with. I'll tell you, man, I love living in the algorithms. When I was a kid, there were a couple of record stores that I used to go to and I would stand around all day and we'd listen to a record. That would sort of lead to another record and, you know, people in the places would just kind of do that for you. I sort of feel like it's sort of the same experience with these algorithms right now. Although, it's been a cannonball into the music industry, I don't know, man, musically for me, I just love the availability of the largest music catalog in the world. I never had that when I was young. I just sort of listened to what I had, but it really is amazing with some of the things that you stumble across these days, as you're listening to stuff . But let's just look here in my Spotify and see what I've been listening to. There's a band called CHAI from Japan that I really like listening to lately. There's a couple of Post Malone songs that I actually like. He's an interesting artist, I think. I think his personality really shines through his music, you know? So, when I listen to his stuff , I don't know if I necessarily have the same appreciation for everything else in that genre, but I feel like his personality really shines through. There's a band – well it's more of a DJ – Slow Magic. I don't know if you're familiar with him at all, but I've been listening to stuff by him lately. What else do I have here? Depeche Mode had a new record out that I listened to a little. Cornelius, another Japanese artist, he's sort of like a DJ, kind of producer type. There's a lot of stuff out there right now it's awesome.</p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p><strong>Do you feel like this easy access to all these different sounds is really impacting your creative process and the music you put out?</strong></p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p>It sure does have you listening to a lot more stuff , a lot more different types of music. I write in a little bit of a bubble personally, like when I write a song. But I'm sure everything you're influenced by has some sort of effect, you know, on the artistic or on the musical things that you put out. I think everything you see and do sort of pushes you in a certain direction, so I guess it does.</p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><p><strong>A lot of younger fans have been introduced to your work through covers of songs, especially "Iris." What are your thoughts when you come across a cover and new fans are coming to appreciate your work?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol";font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>It's just amazing. I mean there's so many ways that it's been happening, too, lately, like Sleeping with Sirens or Phoebe Bridgers or someone covering a song to people speeding them up and using it as background music on TikTok, even the song itself, tons and tons of independent people covering the songs. Yeah, man, there's just so many places for people to experience music right now, and "Iris" is just kind of one of those songs that makes it through all the screeners to the next generation. It feels like we're working on our third generation of kids here right now.</p>
<div class="lee-article-text" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;"><p><strong>Do you feel like you always have something new or another message to say that you can put out to your fans through your art?</strong></p></div>
<div class="lee-article-text" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px auto;max-width:760px;">
<p>I think currently. I guess you have to keep revisiting that question, but I think currently we feel like there's still some room for us to grow, so that's why we're releasing new records. Maybe someday we'll just sit back and play casinos, but right now, we're about writing records and putting records out into arenas.</p>
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://greensboro.com/its-kind-of-what-we-do/article_7f5c51d1-de86-52b9-b594-3aa15fefac9b.html">https://greensboro.com/its-kind-of-what-we-do/article_7f5c51d1-de86-52b9-b594-3aa15fefac9b.html</a></p>
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<div class="comment__commentHeader___iIOjS" style="align-items:center;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;margin-top:12px;"><img src="https://images.spot.im/image/upload/w_60,h_60,q_50,dpr_3,f_png,fl_lossy,fl_png8/avatars/Cyan-Scooter" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="60" style="border-radius:50%;box-sizing:border-box;height:30px;margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;width:30px;" width="60" /><span class="comment__userName___3vwgz" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;flex-shrink:1;font-weight:600;overflow:hidden;word-break:break-all;">drtooth32</span>
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<div class="comment__commentBody___kNrsz comment__noLikes___3f4gK" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;margin-top:6px;overflow:hidden;transition:-webkit-line-clamp 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;word-break:break-word;">You know Allen, I’m not a drinker,so, they could give it away. and would make no difference to me. I call it p—swater anyway! But Allen, if you’ll remember 30 years ago, “This Buds for you” was for all the steelworkers, ranchers, farmers and middle class Americans who made up the backbone of this country. Middle class America does not identify or associate with Dylan Mulvaney. If you remember the Dixie Chicks who decided to express their political views at one of their concerts. They ticked off a bunch of people, and the Dixie Chicks are no more. May that happen to Bud Light!</div>
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<div class="comment__commentBody___kNrsz comment__noLikes___3f4gK" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;margin-top:6px;overflow:hidden;transition:-webkit-line-clamp 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;word-break:break-word;">"I'm not claiming there is no bias in any of the major media outlets, I'm just calling on the N&R to find another conservative commentator who might be more "fair and balanced" in their articles.Robert Goldberg Greensboro"oy bobby goldberg what are you smoking lol! there are ZERO fair and balanced commentators on both sides... imo, Trey Gowdy is worth your time....</div>
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<div class="comment__commentBody___kNrsz comment__noLikes___3f4gK" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;margin-top:6px;overflow:hidden;transition:-webkit-line-clamp 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;word-break:break-word;">We don't want the Habit Burger Grill. We want the In-n-Out franchise in North Carolina! For fast food, these burgers are the best! As for service. They make McDonalds look like a slow food restaurant!</div>
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<div class="comment__commentHeader___iIOjS" style="align-items:center;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;margin-top:12px;"><img src="https://images.spot.im/image/upload/w_60,h_60,q_50,dpr_3,f_png,fl_lossy,fl_png8/avatars/Olive-Rocket" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="60" style="border-radius:50%;box-sizing:border-box;height:30px;margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;width:30px;" width="60" /><span class="comment__userName___3vwgz" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;flex-shrink:1;font-weight:600;overflow:hidden;word-break:break-all;">Rich Rainey</span>
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<div class="comment__commentBody___kNrsz" style="-webkit-box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;margin-top:6px;overflow:hidden;transition:-webkit-line-clamp 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;word-break:break-word;">"Almost as ridiculous as the actual Jan. 6 “hearing” staged by Democrats, ". Clyde it seems your passive attitude towards a very real event which was NOT a protest but an attempt to overthrow the government is ludicrous. Plain and simple, how do you explain it any other way. The mob that stormed the capitol on Jan. 6th had stated they were after Mike Pence and demanded a recount of the election. Any citizen should know that setting foot on the steps of the capitol in protest is against the law and will be arrested. These hoodlums did more than that. They wanted to hold congress men/women hostage plain and simple. And at the urgings of a sitting president Donald Trump. Trump should already be in jail. His actions are unheard of and shows his childish disregard for law and order. President Biden with his indictment of Trump for refusing to turn over sensitive government documents is merely doing what needs to be done. Keep this idiot Donald from ever running for office again. It is amazing that so many Republicans want to sweep all of Trumps shenanigans under the table and even Mike Pence. Pence's speaking at the recent Republican convention in favor of Trump running for office again is mindboggling. Only thing I can say is if this is the best candidate the Republicans can offer for president there isn't much to say for the Republican party.</div>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7248089
2023-07-26T22:12:19-04:00
2023-07-26T22:12:19-04:00
7 News - Goo Goo Dolls release new music ahead of Australian tour
<p><span style="color:rgb(41,42,51);">Best known for their single ‘Iris’, the band will tour Australia with Matchbox Twenty in 2024.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://7news.com.au/video/entertainment/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-music-ahead-of-australian-tour-bc-6331899031112">https://7news.com.au/video/entertainment/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-music-ahead-of-australian-tour-bc-6331899031112</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7247205
2023-07-25T18:30:31-04:00
2023-07-25T18:30:32-04:00
The Suncoast Post - Goo Goo Dolls “The Big Night Out” tour Kicks Off at The Sound in Clearwater
<p><strong>By Vicky Sullivan</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">The first show of the tour and there is a rain delay, but a little rain is not going to stop the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" role="link"><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong></a><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);"> from performing this show! We are talking about the band that on July 4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">, 2004, played their hometown of Buffalo, New York in the POURING rain in a show that has since become iconic! This band has weathered decades of the music business from 80’s punk to rock & pop and have survived just fine into 2023. </span></p><p>After the rain, the weather was breezy which allowed the crowd at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/the-sound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" role="link"><strong>The Sound</strong></a> in Clearwater, Florida to patiently wait it out and was on their feet when the Goo Dolls made their entrance. True to his punk roots, Robby Takac was sporting purple hair and barefoot. John Rzeznik was dressed for Florida heat & humidity in tank top and need length cargo pants. Celebrating the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of their hit album “Dizzy Up The Girl” they opened with the hit “Broadway”. Coming next was “Over & Over” from 2016’s “Boxes” album showed that this was going to be more than just a greatest hits tour. The Goo’s have plenty of hits but they have continued to make new music. Their latest album being 2022’s “Chaos in Bloom” from which they played, “Yea, I Like You”. Their 26-song setlist included an array of hits and tunes from about every album they have had since 1995!</p><p>Robby takes his turn at the mic with Dizzy’s “January Friend.” Robby keeps the Goo punk sound alive with his contributions to the band. His raspy voice is perfect on “Life’s A Message”. John’s “So Alive”, written about his struggle with alcoholism and sobriety is an anthem in the making for concerts. “Sympathy” is one my personal favorites and usually played on acoustic guitar but this version was with piano and it was beautiful! For “Lost” from the album “Miracle Pill” they brought out an AI machine called “Tapey” to add what was recorded in the studio to the song. “Name” was a big, fun sing-a-long.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">“Long Way Down” from the album “A Boy Named Goo”, what most people may not know was on the soundtrack for the movie “Twister” in the 90’s. It has been covered and sampled over the years. It had the fans out of their seats rockin’! There was a cover of Supertramp’s “Give A Little Bit”. They played “Better Days” and the title track of the 2005 album “Let Love In”. We also got the live debut of the new single, “Run All Night”. The encore brought O.A.R. lead singer Marc Roberge to the stage for a rousing cover of Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down”. Goo has always been a fan of Petty, playing his “American Girl” tune for years at their shows. Closing out the show, you know what’s coming, that epic, amazing extravaganza of a song, “Iris” with everyone on their fee and singing along. For Goo fans this is a great show, a mixtape of their career. Don’t miss it!</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">Opening the show was </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.liveoar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" role="link"><strong>O.A.R</strong></a><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">. (Of A Revolution). A seven-piece band with lead singer Marc Roberge, that has excellent musicianship that includes a horn section with trumpet and sax, they played an 11-song setlist. They played their hits, “Lay Down” and “Love & Memories”, and a cool cover of Zeppelin’s “Fool InThe Rain”. Their song “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” had fans throwing playing cards in the air during the song. I loved the vibe of their song “Peace”. Another summer tour to put on the list for great music!</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.suncoastpost.com/music/goo-goo-dolls-the-big-night-out-tour-kicks-off-at-the-sound-in-clearwater/"><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">https://www.suncoastpost.com/music/goo-goo-dolls-the-big-night-out-tour-kicks-off-at-the-sound-in-clearwater/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7247202
2023-07-25T18:23:14-04:00
2023-07-25T18:23:14-04:00
Tampa Bay Times - Review: At Clearwater’s The Sound, the Goo Goo Dolls kick off summer tour
<p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><i>After a two-hour rain delay, the band cycled through past hits and recent tunes.</i></span></p><p><strong>By Maddie Franklin</strong></p><p>CLEARWATER — It rained in sheets for so long Monday night that by the time the Goo Goo Dolls’ opening act, rock band O.A.R., arrived on stage, there was no time for a preamble. They started playing straight away.</p><p>At 9:30 p.m., when Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac<strong> </strong>and the rest of the rockers finally sauntered on stage, they wanted to make it worth the wait.</p><p>“Broadway is dark tonight,” Rzeznik sang.</p><p>Everyone sprang to their feet.</p><p>There’s nothing more rock ‘n’ roll than playing in a downpour,<strong> </strong>but<strong> </strong>the start of a nationwide tour dubbed “The Big Night Out” calls for a fully attentive and comfortable audience, not one hiding from the elements. A big draw of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/music-reviews/2023/06/29/the-sound-coachman-park-first-concert-cheap-trick-parking-tickets/" target="_blank">Clearwater’s new, open-air venue The Sound</a> is that you can kick off your shoes, sit back and let the music engulf you. Best to do that when your shoulders are dry and the grass is<strong> </strong>suitable for sitting on.</p><p>The band knew this.</p><p>“We almost drowned a few times today. Let’s have a good time tonight,” Rzeznik said.</p><p>For a group that’s been making music for almost four decades, crafting a show of wall-to-wall bangers fit for the summertime was easier said than done, Takac told the<strong> </strong>Tampa Bay Times in an interview before the show.</p><p>The crowd’s momentum from opening song “Broadway” didn’t carry over into the next tune, “Over and Over,” from the band’s 2016 album “Boxes.” But those distinct opening chords for 1990s sensation “Slide” pulled people right back in.</p><p>Rzeznik’s vocals were deliciously crisp throughout, if a little too polished for the more rugged tunes of the set. Takac was ever the energetic musician — headbanging his purple locks and kicking around his bare feet.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Without screens at the amphitheater, it was hard to tell when either made eye contact with the audience, but they made up for it in other ways. Each utilized the space on stage to walk around and point at the crowd, especially Rzeznik. At the end of the chorus of “Yeah, I Like You,” a song off their 2022 album “Chaos in Bloom,” you felt like you were the object of his desire.</span></p><p>What more could you hope for from a 1990s heartthrob who wrote a deluge of alternative rock ballads swimming with romanticism?</p><p>As the show stretched past 10 p.m., you got the sense that the two-hour delay started to catch up to the audience. The later it got and the fewer older hits the band played, the more people began to trickle out. Compared to a groovy opening set from O.A.R. laced with lots of fan<strong> </strong>interaction, including the tossing of playing cards during “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” the more subdued crowd was a little jarring.</p><p>But for those who stuck around, there would be a reward later in the show.</p><p>A highlight of the evening<strong> </strong>was a stripped-back version of “Sympathy” featuring the group’s pianist and Rzeznik. The melancholy, apologetic lyrics were amplified by<strong> </strong>the sound of Rzeznik’s powerful voice. It was by far the most intimate and emotional moment of the show.</p><p>Takac also took a few turns at the mic on songs like “Life’s a Message” and “Lucky Star,” from the band’s more thrashy, rough-around-the-edges days. If anything, it was a reminder of how many lives the band has lived and the sounds they’ve followed. When we talked to Takac before the show, he touched on this.</p><p>“It’s just great to be able to still share this with everybody and feel like it’s something people want to be involved with still. It’s an amazing feeling every day,” he said.</p><p>Gratitude was a constant theme on Monday as the band thanked the crowd several times during<strong> </strong>the night. When<strong> </strong>’90s hit “Iris” — the moment everyone was waiting for — finished off the band’s encore, it was time for the crowd to thank them with the loudest cheers of the night.</p><p>The chorus’ raw plea — “I just want you to know who I am” — feels relevant for a band that continues to churn out music, tinker with sounds and hope that fans don’t forsake them.</p><p>At one point, Rzeznik turned his mic to the crowd and let the audience finish<strong> </strong>the song.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/music-reviews/2023/07/25/goo-goo-dolls-clearwater-the-sound-tampa-concert/">https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/music-reviews/2023/07/25/goo-goo-dolls-clearwater-the-sound-tampa-concert/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7242935
2023-07-16T23:35:48-04:00
2023-07-19T14:15:57-04:00
Southern Illinois Now - Goo Goo Dolls releasing 25th anniversary vinyl edition of ‘Dizzy Up the Girl’
<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"><strong>By Andrea Dresdale</strong> </span></p><figure><figcaption>Warner Records</figcaption></figure><p style="text-align:justify;">On September 15, almost 25 years to the day after it was first released, <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> will release a special vinyl version of <i>Dizzy Up the Girl</i>, the 1998 album that made them superstars.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The limited-run LP is pressed on metallic silver ice vinyl. When the original version came out on September 22, 1998, it spun off the hits “Slide,” “Broadway” and “Black Balloon.” It also included the band’s signature hit, “Iris,” which had actually been released months prior on the soundtrack of the film <i>City of Angels.</i></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Since then, 6 million copies of the album have been sold worldwide. “Iris” alone has been RIAA-certified for sales of 7 million copies and 1 billion Spotify streams. You can preorder the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://googoodolls.lnk.to/DizzyUpTheGirl25" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">special edition now</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Goo Goo Dolls’ Big Night Out tour, which kicks off July 24, will feature performances of the hits from that album, plus “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcV4BX0sWbs">I Won’t Back Down</a>,” the band’s new<strong> Tom Petty</strong> cover song recorded with their opening act, <strong>O.A.R.</strong> The Goos’ new single, “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJGE2bsYq8">Run All Night</a>,” will also be on the set list.</p><p>Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://southernillinoisnow.com/2023/07/14/goo-goo-dolls-releasing-25th-anniversary-vinyl-edition-of-dizzy-up-the-girl/#">https://southernillinoisnow.com/2023/07/14/goo-goo-dolls-releasing-25th-anniversary-vinyl-edition-of-dizzy-up-the-girl/#</a></p><p>Click here to purchase - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://googoodolls.warnerrecords.com/en/goo-goo-dolls/music/dizzy-up-the-girl-silver-lp/0093624857167.html">https://googoodolls.warnerrecords.com/en/goo-goo-dolls/music/dizzy-up-the-girl-silver-lp/0093624857167.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7241664
2023-07-13T22:17:16-04:00
2023-07-19T14:15:57-04:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey hey In Rockers and welcome to this month's installment of the Lobby, my lobby, Robby's Lobby, coming to you in the pages of the mighty In Rock for what will soon be nearly 2 decades. We've seen much together, and I look forward to sharing these journeys with you as a trusted companion as I continue my travels and this career as a lifelong goo goo doll. This edition finds me in Portland, Oregon as we're here for a private show after gathering the goo goo dolls camp in Los Angeles to go over the details for our North American Big Night Out tour this summer with OAR and Fitz and the Tantrums. But before we begin preparing for the summer set lists we return to Buffalo to help celebrate the opening of a new art gallery with an acoustic show in the new gallery space. After a few days of rest at home, well I'm not sure how much resting will be done, but we then head off for shows at The Rock and Blues festival in Brazil and a 2 week tour of the UK and Ireland to follow the Sao Paulo show. So it's a ton of flying and many more countries coming up for us this month, let's get to it !</p><p>As the weather warms and the Spring is in full swing The 2023 Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival that I am involved with was last month at the Buffalo History Museum, my Music is Art organization booked all of the entertainment t for the day, classic Japanese arts such as dance, shamisen and taiko were featured as well as acoustic acts and even some hip hop and spoken word artists. The 2 days of music featured a performance by local up and coming band Sunday Reign and our Buffalo Shibuki Taiko Drum group. W3 had one day of perfect weather and a day of rain, but the celebration of the blossoms went on and we had another successful year of the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival! We're so lucky to have this beautiful garden in our city, in cooperation with the city of Kanazawa since 1972 and with the support of the Consulate of Japan we are proud to help continue the legacy of these gardens and the shared cultural experiences they provide our community.</p><p>Last week was my wife Miyoko's birthday and to celebrate we took a trip to Cleveland Ohio to see Ohtani and The LA Angels play the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland which is about 3 hours drive from Buffalo. My daughter Hana and Miyoko proudly wore their Ohtani jerseys to the game as did thousands of other Japanese people who made the trip to see Ohtani play! He didn’t pitch the game we went to, but since he is such an amazing player we were able to see him play as a designated hitter and although they didn’t win the game we truly enjoyed the day, hot dogs, singing, doing the wave and seeing the support of the US Japanese community for their MLB superstar who is making such an impact on the game of baseball.</p><p>Alright, as I mentioned next for month's column we'll be smack dab in the middle of our UK tour, can’t wait to fill you in on the Brazil trip as well! All sorts of stuff going on for the summer including a single GGDS just released with the band OAR, a cover of Tom Pettys “Won't Back Down” which we'll be performing with them throughout their leg of The Big Night Out tour of North America, it's out now! That's it for this month, I look forward to touching base next month here in the pages of the mighty In Rock!</p><p>Peace<br>Robby</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7241641
2023-07-13T22:02:42-04:00
2023-07-13T22:02:42-04:00
Good Morning America - Goo Goo Dolls Talk New Single and Tour
<p>Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated band, Goo Goo Dolls stops by “GMA3” to dish on their latest single, “Run All Night”, nationwide tour, and longevity in the industry.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/goo-goo-dolls-talk-new-single-tour-101219603">https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/goo-goo-dolls-talk-new-single-tour-101219603</a></p><p>Goo Goo Dolls and Marc Roberge of O.A.R. perform “I Won't Back Down”.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/video/goo-goo-dolls-marc-roberge-oar-perform-wont-101206926">https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/video/goo-goo-dolls-marc-roberge-oar-perform-wont-101206926</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7240393
2023-07-11T20:02:59-04:00
2023-07-12T07:31:17-04:00
Rock Sins: Goo Goo Dolls – Live Review & Photos From Eventim Hammersmith Apollo, London, 24th June
<p>By Nick Allen<br><br>Johnny and the boys aka <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> arrived back in our nation’s capital for a sold out show at the famous <strong>Eventim Hammersmith Apollo</strong>, originally booked for Brixton Academy but through unfortunate circumstances moved across town.</p><p>As the lights go down the excitement is palatable. With a career of over 30 years they have a huge catalogue to chose from and as you look around the venue there is a variety of audience members from die hard fans, young kids and boyfriends of girlfriends that just absolutely love Iris. However you found the band, all are welcome.</p><p>The band walk on stage and play new track ‘Yeah, I Like You’, a sentiment that is very much reciprocated from the audience and then into another more recent track from the 2010 album ‘Something For The Rest Of Us with track ‘Home’. Being the seasoned professionals they are they definitely know how to get a crowd going as they fly into hit Slide, and the hits did not stop from there as the band launched into Big Machine then into Here is Gone and finally into another mega smash of Black Balloon.</p><p>However, throughout the night you could see Johnny having issues with his on stage sound, disappearing numerous times off of the stage which came as a welcomed relief when Robbie lead the track Smash. The arc of the show came to a climax with an acapella singalong of the bands first hit Name. This felt like a really poignant part of the set. The new track Going Crazy went down well on a warmed up crowd. If you want your fans to love new tracks lead up to it with a hit first. Rockstar 101.</p><p>A pleasant surprise came from a real deep dive into the bands back catalogue with track Lucky Star from the album Superstar Carwash released in 1993. Robbie’s vocal sounded as good as it was when it was first recorded. The price of admission was fulfilled when biggest hits Broadway and Iris got the Hammersmith Apollo choir singing at full voice.</p><p>Reflecting on the bands set; on a personal level I have seen the Goo Goo Dolls many times and I believe this was maybe the worst I’ve seen of them and it wasn’t through any fault of the band at all. They played and sounded great however there was no oomph in the volume in the room; you could hear the crowd audibly from the back of the room over the band. The drummer almost looked like he was scared to hit the drums too hard, or if he was hitting them hard that certainly wasn’t translated in volume. This is certainly a bigger conversation around gig volume regulations but if you can hear an audience talking over a band when they are playing rockier, involved tunes, it’s time to turn it up. All low end from the kick drum and bass guitar was lost.</p><p>The set was full of hits and the band (when you could hear them) sounded fantastic. On paper this should have been a perfect set to match all the other times I have seen them. However the band were desperately let down by the sonics and regulations. Hopefully next time they will get the sound performances like this deserve. <strong>6.5 / 10</strong></p><p>Please check out our exclusive gallery of Goo Goo Dolls from the night’s action in Hammersmith in link below:<br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rocksins.com/2023/07/goo-goo-dolls-live-review-photos-from-eventim-hammersmith-apollo-london-24th-june-55277/" data-link-type="url">https://www.rocksins.com/2023/07/goo-goo-dolls-live-review-photos-from-eventim-hammersmith-apollo-london-24th-june-55277/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7239835
2023-07-11T01:19:38-04:00
2023-07-11T01:19:38-04:00
Antihero - Concert Review: GOO GOO DOLLS and THOSE DAMN CROWS at Manchester Academy
<p><strong>By Mark Dean</strong></p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls have an extensive musical legacy but until now our musical paths have never actually crossed. Promoting their latest album release, “Chaos In Bloom”, they set foot on UK shores. On discovering that my favourite current rock band, Those Damn Crows, were to support on these dates, it was an easy decision to make and witness their majestic live power again in a familiar setting.</p><p>Dressing suitably in my Crows hoodie and hat I joined the Crow family early in securing a good vantage position at the front of the stage early doors. The rising stars had attracted a large portion of their increasing fan base along with the Goo Goo Dolls UK dates. All reports and feedback from earlier dates indicated that they had been very well received and not just by audience members who already knew of them.</p><p>Unfortunately, like the band’s own anthem, their all too brief six-song set quickly passed by in the “Blink of an Eye.” I have now seen the band in a variety of settings, from Hmv acoustic set to their own headline shows and festivals. Never letting energy levels drop they deliver passion and quality songs every single time that they step onto a stage. If you are not yet familiar with them do yourself a favour and give them a listen from emotional ballads to hard-hitting anthems they have it all.</p><p>The venue was already close to capacity when after a short changeover the headliners came on calmly and without pomp and any ceremony. In quite a surprise they opened with a new song, from their latest album. Despite it being relatively unfamiliar it immediately engaged with the audience who greeted it like an old friend.</p><p>A major part of the set was focused on their most successful album release, 1998’s “Dizzy Up the Girl.” The difficulty for most bands of a certain vintage is how to compose a setlist that plays homage to their past but at the same time also focuses on the present, while looking ahead to the future.</p><p>Despite not being overly familiar to me personally, it was to the band’s credit that they kept me engaged and actually enjoying their set. It actually turned out that the band had created many more earworms over their musical legacy that I was actually aware of after all.</p><p>In conclusion a great night out with the hard-hitting rock anthems of the support combined with the more subtle musical nuances of the Goo Goo Dolls’ musical repertoire.</p><p>Photo set at the link - </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.antiheromagazine.com/concert-review-goo-goo-dolls-and-those-damn-crows-at-manchester-academy/">https://www.antiheromagazine.com/concert-review-goo-goo-dolls-and-those-damn-crows-at-manchester-academy/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7239833
2023-07-11T01:15:09-04:00
2023-07-11T01:15:10-04:00
Epigram - Review: Goo Goo Dolls @ O2 Academy
<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>When I saw that Goo Goo Dolls were playing a show in Bristol, I jumped at the chance to go and check it out. Admittedly, I knew very little of their material - the infamous 'Iris' being pretty much it - but this concert was simply brilliant.</i></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>By </strong></span><strong>Susie Long</strong></p><p><strong>Packed into the O2 Academy on one of the hottest days so far this year, the band had attracted a wonderful crowd ranging from uni students and young people to senior citizens and parents with their young children. And really, it’s no surprise.</strong></p><p>So many of Goo Goo Dolls’ songs - like 'Slide', 'Here is Gone', 'Sympathy', and their latest 'Run All Night' - have a certain quality to them that instantly renders them as timeless classics. Their discography has such a great range that there really is something for everyone, whether that’s a quintessential nineties’ rock-and-roll hit or a heartbreakingly beautiful acoustic ballad.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">With powerful vocals from both John Rzeznik and Robby Takac alongside the masterful instrumentation provided by the touring band (especially keys player/backing vocalist Jim McGorman, whose harmonies were so clean I was often distracted from the band themselves), it’s no wonder Goo Goo Dolls are as successful and popular as they are.</span></p><p>Opening the show for Goo Goo Dolls was Welsh rock band Those Damn Crows. I personally hadn’t come across this band before, but I wish I’d encountered them sooner. With a hard and heavy rock sound reminiscent of Foo Fighters or Metallica, the band brought an amazing energy to the venue, setting the night up wonderfully for the main event.</p><p>It was obvious as soon as Goo Goo Dolls first appeared on stage that they really belonged there: it seemed like home to them. The band has a stage presence that can only really be achieved after years in the industry - these guys gave everything that you would expect from rock veterans. Chatting and laughing with the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes about the songs, their tour, and plenty more, it felt so natural to see them perform and their showmanship just shone out. Between these interactions and their stunning set list, the atmosphere inside the Academy was magical and almost tangible.</p><p>And then, just to perfect these magical vibes even more, 'Iris' starts playing. Hearing 2000 people singing their hearts out to this beautiful, iconic song alongside the band was incredible - it would’ve been hard to not be moved by it. Whilst Goo Goo Dolls have a plethora of amazing songs that I’d highly recommend listening to, there is something undeniably special about this one and it’s effect on people that now extends generations.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Suffice to say, seeing Goo Goo Dolls - and their support act Those Damn Crows - live was a great experience.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://epigram.org.uk/2023/07/09/review-goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy/"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">https://epigram.org.uk/2023/07/09/review-goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7237379
2023-07-05T19:48:43-04:00
2023-07-05T19:48:44-04:00
Kiss 98.5 - John Rzeznik Interview with Janet and Nick in the Morning
<p><strong>John Rzeznik talks to Janet and Nick in the Morning on Kiss 98.5.</strong></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.audacy.com/kiss985/latest/john-rzeznik-from-the-goo-goo-dolls7-3">https://www.audacy.com/kiss985/latest/john-rzeznik-from-the-goo-goo-dolls7-3</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7237375
2023-07-05T19:42:18-04:00
2023-07-05T19:42:19-04:00
The Mancunion - Live Review: The Goo Goo Dolls at Manchester Academy
<p><strong>By Katie Bray</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(97,99,103);"><i>New York rockers the Goo Goo Dolls delivered an energetic performance in Manchester, their first in three years.</i></span></p><p>Alternative rock band the <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> have finally returned to Manchester three years after their last visit, now following the release of their newest album <i>Chaos In Bloom</i>. After almost 40 years of success, their most influential song ‘Iris’ hitting one million streams, and a massive US tour, the band finally had a chance to take root in the setting of Manchester Academy with thousands of adoring fans perfectly reciting the words back to the exhilarated band.</p><p>The band’s variety is still rather surprising and for those who are unsure where they have heard them, lead singer <strong>John Rzeznik</strong> has sung ‘I’m Still Here’ for Disney’s <i>Treasure Planet</i> and, as a band, ‘Iris’ featured in 1998’s<i> City of Angels. </i>However, The Goo Goo Dolls’ appeal doesn’t stop here, and their set featured numerous unforgettable smash-hits.</p><p>Starting with their newest song, the band opened with the massively chantable and bouncy ‘Yeah, I Like You’, kicking off the night by introducing a fresh yet nostalgic 2000s party sound. This aesthetic was reinforced through the energetic jumping of guitarist/bass guitarist <strong>Robby Takac</strong> and Rzeznik hyping up the crowd as energetically coloured lights flooded the stage.</p><p>Next up were ‘Home’ and ‘Big Machine’, both having elements of punk rock and a message of love and belonging that lit up the audience with a contagious energy of excitement. Other hits included ‘Slide’, ‘Dizzy’, and ‘Here is Gone’, before an unexpected pause in the show as the concerned band called for paramedics as a girl in the front had fainted. After a few moments of checking on the fan and talking with the audience, they began again, in their own words, “From the TOP!!!.” The Goo Goo Dolls showed care, consideration, and adaptability for their audience.</p><p>In fact, the fans were probably the biggest surprise of the entire event, with almost every audience member singing the lyrics as loud as possible, several bantering or bringing signs to the band that proudly displayed that they were their biggest Italian fans, or even throwing black balloons in the air for the song of the same name. Despite it being one of the hottest concerts I have ever been to, it was also one of the best and most energetic, as the audience – some with tiny handheld fans, others with refreshing pints of beer – proudly enjoyed every second of the concert.</p><div class="songPart" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>There’s something about their unforgettable vocals and harmonies, the headbanging percussion and gorgeous looping guitar riffs that create such an uplifting and unforgettable experience. Truly, the Goo Goo Dolls are masters of the genre, and performers at heart, swapping out their instruments between sets and even using a harmonica for one song.</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>While many of their songs like ‘Broadway’ or ‘Life’s a Message’ are rather upbeat with exciting rhythms, and lyrics asserting the importance of making “your life a message and bring light to all you see” or making “your life a storybook with no apologies”, this is intermitted by the more intimidating key riffs of ‘Miracle Pill’, the solemn sounds of ‘Name’, and the message of self-importance in the laid back ‘So Alive’.</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>After teasing the audience with a quick getaway, the band hurtled back to stage one last time for their encore: ‘Naked’, followed by the most popular fan-favourite ‘Iris’, which was as perfect as ever. Rzeznik even paused to bring a young fan he’d met previously on stage to sing in the finale and boy, were the two of them a powerhouse together!</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><span style="color:rgb(97,99,103);">All in all, The Goo Goo Dolls are a must-see artist for any fan of the rock genre, bringing together a fabulous performance that prioritised fan enjoyment and safety, whilst letting loose and experimenting with some of their all-time classics.</span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(97, 99, 103);font-family:"Nunito Sans";font-size:20px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mancunion.com/2023/07/04/live-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-at-manchester-academy/"><span style="color:rgb(97,99,103);">https://mancunion.com/2023/07/04/live-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-at-manchester-academy/</span></a></div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7235449
2023-06-30T23:12:16-04:00
2023-07-01T16:42:53-04:00
Mirror - The Goo Goo Dolls review - Yeah, WE Like You! John and Robby feel the love (and heat) as band close European leg of their tour
<p><strong>By Andy Rudd</strong></p><p>‘Let’s see if we can pull this toilet right out of the s****er”, Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik tells the audience three songs into their set.</p><p>The band are having sound issues and John is frustrated.</p><p>“Sorry you showed up at practice", he says. “The show starts later.”</p><p>It may be hard to hear some of the beautifully crafted lyrics due to a ‘muddy’ mix front of house but luckily for the fans they know every single word already.</p><p id="amp-readmore-target">And they’re in for a treat as the band romp through their greatest hits catalogue that spans four decades.</p><p>Surprisingly, the only song from their latest album Chaos In Bloom to make the cut is the opening track Yeah, I Like You which they aptly use to kick off tonight’s proceedings.</p><p>Entertainer John has always said he owes it to the fans to play ‘all their hits’ and so it’s understanding why the latest album needs to take a backseat tonight.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(53,51,78);">As we start our trip down memory lane with Home, Slide and Dizzy, John promises fans ‘we’re going to have a good time tonight’.</span></p><p>Despite it being the final gig on the band’s Europe leg of their tour, John and bassist Robby Takac are once again on fine form.</p><p>John’s distinctive voice still sounds the same as it did many years ago as he delivers poignant lyric after lyric.</p><p>And excited Robby is clearly enjoying whipping the crowd up into a frenzy as he pulls a multitude of facial expressions while bouncing around the stage.</p><p>The fans are in fine voice and are definitely the sixth member of the group tonight.</p><p>Black Balloons fall from the ceiling as the band play their hit by the same name before So Alive and Let Love In.</p><p>Then John takes it down a notch and performs the beautiful Sympathy on acoustic guitar along with Name before the rest of the band join him at the first chorus.</p><div class="converse-re-wrapper" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(246, 249, 248);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(53, 51, 78);font-family:Apercu, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:16px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" data-tmdatatrack="commercial" data-tmdatatrack-slot="converse-re-wrapper" data-tmdatatrack-context="converse" data-tmdatatrack-visible="true"><iframe class="converse-re cre-center" style="box-sizing:border-box;float:left;min-width:100%;width:1px;" width="100%" height="0" frameborder="0" src="https://get-latest.convrse.media/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mirror.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fgoing-out%2Fmusic%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-review-yeah-30358932&cre=center&cip=23&view=web" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><p>Robby takes to the mic for Lucky Star and Bringing On The Light before the band close with some of their biggest crowd pleasers.</p><p>Stay With You, Better Days and Broadway featuring a brilliant harp solo by John sees the night reach a crescendo.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(53,51,78);">As the band walk off, everybody knows what’s coming as John returns to the stage for an encore of Naked and Iris - the 1998 hit from the movie City Of Angels that spent 18 consecutive weeks at number one and catapulted the band to stardom.</span></p><p>And as the distinctive guitar riff begins, the crowd erupts once more and 5,000 voices join the band for one last song.</p><p>John has joked in the past that “at least one of the songs I’ve written will be remembered”.</p><p>But judging from the mass singalong this evening it’s clear that the Goos will be remembered for a whole lot more than just that.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/goo-goo-dolls-review-yeah-30358932">https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/goo-goo-dolls-review-yeah-30358932</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234160
2023-06-28T17:53:40-04:00
2023-06-28T17:53:40-04:00
The Up Coming - The Goo Goo Dolls at the Hammersmith Apollo
<p><strong>By Talitha Stowell</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">From Buffalo, New York to Hammersmith, London, the Goo Goo Dolls still draw an eager crowd, treating them to a seamlessly blended night of old and new, of guitar solos and catchy melodies, and of two men who love the stage. John Rzeznik on guitar and vocals is a cool guy, laughing with the crowd while he deals with technical issues, acting like an old friend playing out of his garage and not the iconic Apollo. Bassist Robby Takac is simply a joy to watch, sizzling with rocky energy and interacting with the crowd throughout the night.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">They kick off with <i>Yeah, I Like You</i>, a catchy tune from their recent album, <i>Chaos in Bloom.</i> They move on to <i>Home, </i>the two running across the stage with glee, before playing <i>Slide</i>: the first few chords alone earn them screams, proving it a clear fan favourite. Towards the end of the song Rzeznik takes out both of his in-ears, revelling in the full force of the crowd.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The band are really in their groove now, despite the tech issues at the start. From their 2002 album <i>Gutterflower</i>, they strum out evocative rock ballad <i>Here Is Gone </i>to a sea of raised hands. It is peak early 2000s sound, the kind that drenches you in vivid nostalgia, and the loudest song of the night so far as the crowd move and feel as one. <i>Black Balloon </i>follow as one for the fans; they’ve even blown up black balloons for everyone to keep in the air during the song – a very powerful few minutes.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">They fluctuate smoothly between their stacked discography for the next few offerings. The funky <i>Miracle Pill </i>particularly thrills the crowd with its climatic ending, then they slow down with <i>Sympathy</i>, another ballad that earns arms around arms, and reminds listeners that the Goo Goo Dolls’ music is powerfully moving. It is followed by <i>Name</i>, a highlight of the night. Rzeznik is left alone onstage for a moment that feature’s just his voice and the crowd’s return, and it is striking. <i>Broadway </i>showcases each member’s musical talent nicely, the frontman even playing the harmonica to a roar of cheers.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The night ends, of course, with <i>Iris</i>; as the set’s most powerful by far, it’s a song of agonizing love. The emotion crawls up the walls of the Apollo, shaking it with both hands, and the Goo Goo Dolls revel in it, letting the fans take the wheel and scream the chorus multiple times. It’s just them for the line “You bleed just to know you’re alive”, and it simply takes your breath away. The show is worth it for that moment alone.</p><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;color:rgb(85, 85, 85);font-family:"Open Sans", sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' itemscope="" itemtype="https://data-vocabulary.org/Review">
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<span style="color:rgb(255,192,61);"><span title="4 out of 5 stars">★★★★</span></span><span style="color:rgb(185,185,185);"><span title="4 out of 5 stars">★</span></span>
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<div class="author-post-rating" style="border-width:0px;display:block;line-height:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2023/06/26/the-goo-goo-dolls-at-the-hammersmith-apollo-live-review/"><span style="color:rgb(185,185,185);"><span title="4 out of 5 stars">https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2023/06/26/the-goo-goo-dolls-at-the-hammersmith-apollo-live-review/</span></span></a></div>
</div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234159
2023-06-28T17:45:44-04:00
2023-06-28T17:45:44-04:00
3 Songs and Out - Goo Goo Dolls - O2 Academy, Sheffield 22.06.2023
<p id="viewer-33ra0"><strong>Review - Geno de Lora </strong></p><p id="viewer-33ra0"><span>After being at work for 12hrs I knew I needed and good night and so took a walk from the office to a great pub (The Yorkshireman) to meet my friend and photographer for the show Claire. The queue to the venue already had a couple of hundred people in it as it was a humid evening so lots of t-shirts were being worn. What was great to see was the support for the support band THOSE DAMN CROWS (TDC).</span></p><p id="viewer-3eli3"><span>I had a chance to speak with TDC 3 weeks ago when they headlined the Sunday at Call Of The Wild 2023 festival in Lincolnshire. Watching a full set from these guys is an experience so I was intrigued what they would bring to a 30-minute set as an opener.</span></p><p id="viewer-bvio0"><span>Now to be fair, I have been a fan of the band since they started and have seen them grow as individuals, musicians, and a band.</span></p><p id="viewer-b5oqv"><span>The recently released INHALE/EXHALE album which reached number 3 in the UK album charts and number 1 in the Rock charts and is a testament of how far they’ve come.</span></p><p id="viewer-765tc"><span>The venue was about 80% percent full when TDC hit the stage and I believe the TDC fans strategically placed themselves on the barrier and throughout the venue as one thing I knew was that they would be singing along. As the intro music hits and drummer Ronnie Huxford came on sporting the blonde Mohawk the crowd lit up followed by Lloyd (Bass), Dave & “Shiner” (Guitars) the shouting didn't stop. However, when vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist Shane Greenhall comes on there is an eruption. For those who were there seeing TDC for the first time they were probably wondering what it was all about.</span></p><p id="viewer-fdi1a"><span>Well after the TDC intro sing along the first chords of WHO DID IT were struck, and the crowd chorus started and pretty much didn't stop until the end of the short set.</span></p><p id="viewer-1nul"><span>Shane is on fire and his vocals are amazing as these songs are emotional rockers while riff laden there is a softness to them. They crowd is loving this and I can see that those who had not seen TDC before were enjoying it.</span></p><p id="viewer-duovr"><span>For me the highlight was when Shane sits down behind the piano for BLINK OF AN EYE. The song was originally released back in 2018 as full on guitar anthem which had become a fan favourite but Shane also did a piano version which was also released. Morphing the 2 versions together, TDC have created a monster of an experience and there were those who did have tears in their eyes as the song ended.</span></p><p id="viewer-ea266"><span>The power and musicianship of the band is amazing Ronnie is a powerhouse drummer but with impeccable time keeping combined with the energy of bassist Lloyd Wood who cannot stand still as he runs around the stage using the platforms with a full-blown smile. What can I say about guitarists Dave and “Shiner” but awesome, fantastic, heavy, light, technical these two work so well together and is what gives TDC the unique sound. Shane is an amazing vocalist who knows how to write lyrics that touch his audiences’ heart and soul and combined with the guys, are able to leave an audience gobsmacked and new fans made.</span></p><p id="viewer-640v4"><span>TDC have proven that with perseverance and hard work great songs and always giving a 100% at each show they are a force to be reckoned with.</span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block22"> </div><p id="viewer-3eimu"><span><strong>Set List:</strong></span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block24"> </div><p id="viewer-68udn"><span><strong>Who did it – Point Of No Return (2021)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-6nhj4"><span><strong>Man on Fire – Inhale / Exhale (2023)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-erqr3"><span><strong>Blink of an Eye – Murder and The Motive (2018)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-33gce"><span><strong>This Time I'm Ready– Inhale / Exhale (2023)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-99c3h"><span><strong>See You Again– Inhale / Exhale (2023)</strong></span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block29"> </div><p id="viewer-3sksk"><span>With a 30 min break before The Goo Goo Dolls come on the fans have time for drinks, cigarettes, and merch. Purchasing.</span></p><p id="viewer-40rl4"><span>But as soon as the Intro started the crowd immediately made its way back into the arena and the venue was at about 90% capacity.</span></p><p id="viewer-7kho0"><span>Now as bands go the Goo Goo Dolls are a genre jumping song writing force that have been churning out great songs since they started in 1986. They duo of Robby Takac (bassist, vocalist) and John Rzeznik (Guitars, vocals) have taken no prisoners from their punk beginnings to more mainstream and crossover rock sound as tonight's set shows they have 14 albums to choose material with only 2 tracks coming from 2022's Chaos in Bloom.</span></p><p id="viewer-9u3j3"><span>As Robby started out as the original vocalist back in 1986, he does step up to the microphone on several tracks throughout the set while John handles the rest.</span></p><p id="viewer-1s1ca"><span>In a musical partnership over 35 years old John and Robby still act like they are teenagers on stage with the energy and jokes and musicianship to prove it. They are rockers, guitar infused with a disdain for the norm at the same having a compassionate side that endears them to their fans.</span></p><p id="viewer-1h76k"><span>The fans are an important part of any band experience and when you have played more than 1,500 shows over your career - they will follow you.</span></p><p id="viewer-1huir"><span>The fans tonight in Sheffield were no exception as like the TDC fans couldn't stop singing along during the set. I have seen many a shows in this venue but nothing even comes close to the ending of this one.</span></p><p id="viewer-57qgs"><span>As John and Robby showcased their back catalogue, the intensity of the set got bigger with the touring band giving it their all. With fantastic versions of Stay With You, Better Days & Broadway, finishing off the normal show they said good night and left the stage....but the fans knew they were coming back as they hadn't done THE song yet.</span></p><p id="viewer-fdi07"><span>So of course, John and Robby came back on stage and started Naked and the crowd went crazy because they knew what the final song was going to be as the onstage clock was already up to 80mins.</span></p><p id="viewer-3ca91"><span>So as the first chords of IRIS hit…that was it, game over, knock the door down time the crowd hit it note perfect and on time and off we went in the loudest sing along the 02 in Sheffield has ever had.</span></p><p id="viewer-fii16"><span>There is something about that song that resonates in people with the single selling over 10million copies globally and currently having over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify alone.</span></p><p id="viewer-aunbg"><span>But when you get to sing along with the band, then you give it 110%. I know because I did.</span></p><p id="viewer-fnoj7"><span>The perfect ending to a great show!!!!</span></p><p id="viewer-eduin"><span><strong>So tonight, this one gets a 10/10.</strong></span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block58"> </div><p id="viewer-2jbff"><span>The Goo Goo Dolls are finishing up in London on the 25th of June 2023 before heading back to the US and resting before their summer tour there, while Those Damn Crows finish up the UK leg of their tour with the Goo Goo Doll's in London and then continue on the 27th of June in Hamburg, Germany as the main support for Hollywood Vampires for most of July before returning to the UK for their slot at Steelhouse Fesitival 2023 on 29th July 2023.</span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block60"> </div><p id="viewer-9b5em"><span><strong>Set List:</strong></span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:din-next-w01-light, din-next-w02-light, din-next-w10-light, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" type="paragraph" data-hook="rcv-block63"> </div><p id="viewer-cbujf"><span><strong>Yeah, I Like You – Chaos in Bloom (2022)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-9j9sj"><span><strong>Home – Something For the Rest of Us (2010)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-3eqof"><span><strong>Slide – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-1fvv"><span><strong>Dizzy – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-c3u5k"><span><strong>Big Machine – Gutterflower (2002)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-bmj8k"><span><strong>Here is Gone – Gutterflower (2002)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-797or"><span><strong>Black Balloon – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-8opsi"><span><strong>Smash – Gutterflower (2002)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-e14u"><span><strong>Life's a Message – Miracle Pill (2019)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-45sqa"><span><strong>Miracle Pill – Miracle Pill (2019)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-20i45"><span><strong>So Alive – Boxes (2016)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-82n75"><span><strong>Let Love In – Let Love In (2006)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-593r3"><span><strong>Sympathy – Gutterflower (2002)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-4umlf"><span><strong>Name – A Boy Named Goo (1995)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-5tclc"><span><strong>Going Crazy – Chaos in Bloom (2022)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-76f78"><span><strong>January Friend – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-735ch"><span><strong>Bringing on The Light – Magnetic (2013)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-22evj"><span><strong>Stay With You – Let Love In (2006)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-cm0n2"><span><strong>Better Days – Let Love In (2006)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-7oj8"><span><strong>Broadway – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-7l2od"><span><strong>Naked – A Boy Named Goo (1995)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-a4tb3"><span><strong>Iris – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)</strong></span></p><p id="viewer-a4tb3"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.threesongsandout.com/single-post/goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy-sheffield-22-06-2023"><span>https://www.threesongsandout.com/single-post/goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy-sheffield-22-06-2023</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234158
2023-06-28T17:35:25-04:00
2023-06-28T17:35:25-04:00
Bring the Noise UK - PHOTO GALLERY: Goo Goo Dolls, Eventim Apollo, London, 25/06/2023
<p><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">To round off their first run of UK shows in three years, </span><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);"> headed to Eventim Apollo in London for a delightful Sunday night. Check out our gallery from the show below!</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/202306/reviews/live-reviews/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-eventim-apollo-london-25-06-2023"><span style="color:rgb(68,68,68);">https://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/202306/reviews/live-reviews/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-eventim-apollo-london-25-06-2023</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234157
2023-06-28T17:30:25-04:00
2023-06-28T17:30:25-04:00
Devil's Gate Music - Review: Goo Goo Dolls - O2 Academy, Glasgow 2023
<p>Click the link for the full review and photo set - <a class="no-pjax" href="http://devilsgatemusic.co.uk/review-goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy-glasgow-2023/">http://devilsgatemusic.co.uk/review-goo-goo-dolls-o2-academy-glasgow-2023/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234146
2023-06-28T17:15:19-04:00
2023-06-28T17:15:19-04:00
Left Lion - Gig Review: The Goo Goo Dolls at Rock City
<p><strong>By Charlotte Gould</strong></p><p><strong>Photos Rae Dowling</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(30,41,59);"><i>Charlotte Gould saw rock legends The Goo Goo Dolls return to Rock City...</i></span></p><p>Talbot street couldn’t be seen for the swarm of revellers, from die hard Goo Goo fans with their Mohawks, leather jackets and band tees to curious first timers in their summer weather wear. As the sun began to set it was clear that the day was only getting started.</p><p>Inside the venue the atmosphere simmered with anticipation. Shrouded in a cloak of smoke, the stage stood as an illuminated pedestal, a promise of a good night ahead, delivered by rock legends The Goo Goo Dolls and their support act Those Damn Crows.</p><p>Opening the night with anthemic, high energy track Who Did It?, the Bridgend based band, Those Damn Crows, set the pace for the rest of the evening. Vocalist, Shane Greenhall dominated the stage, his showmanship unrivalled as he danced on speakers and engaged with the crowd.</p><p>Taking us on an audio tour of their latest album, <i>Inhale/Exhale</i>, Those Damn Crows are truly breath-taking with their performance. Their songs sound like a soul hungry for more out of life - one that despite hardship and rejection is seen through by perseverance. This is especially the case with stand-out track <i>Man on Fire</i>, a cathartic, two fingers up moment that saw the crowd go wild. Despite Greenhall’s surprise that this album reached Number 3 in the charts, it is clear to anyone in the crowd as to why.</p><p>With guitars lowered and drums catching their breath Greenhall had sauntered over to the piano - an instrument, that before this night, I wouldn’t have associated with hard rock. A softer, slightly unsettling sound flooded the room as we were submerged into their next track, This Time I’m Ready.</p><p>Aggression can be an armour against vulnerability, a defence against what we worry will be judged as weak, when actually, being true to one’s emotions is the greatest sign of strength. <i>This Time I’m Ready</i> expertly showcases the importance of coming to terms with our emotions, encouraging us to let everything go. Exploring themes different to previous tracks such as coming to terms with loss, the internal conflict trigged through grief and trying to persevere despite feeling powerless, this track offers a moment of reflection. Despite its explosive chorus with the distinctive rock shreds and fast paced beat, this song is predominantly a slow burner as it reminds us that it takes time to heal.</p><p>Concluding their set with the optimistic <i>See You Again</i>, the crowd become its own sound - a consistent clap overpowering the propulsive drumbeat, with the occasional whoop or whistle from a reveller. Greenhill’s soaring vocals echoed back from the fans, the sound of hope a fitting end to a fighting performance.</p><p>Once more, the lights descended, and our musical lighthouse became shrouded in a veil of fog. A rush to the bar, some Instagram scrolling and a half an hour worthwhile wait later, a dance tune oozed from somewhere backstage, an audible angel providing light through the haze. After a few more cheers from the crowd, the floor stood still, apprehending the electricity The Goo Goo Dolls were about to bring.</p><p>Suddenly the crowd is submerged in the booming bass and satirical sound of <i>Yeah, I Like You</i> from their latest album Chaos in Bloom. Contrary to its high tempo and 90s-esque post-grunge era guitar sound, this song pokes fun at those addicted to arrogance and vanity. Perhaps it’ pacing deliberately reflects the instant gratification that haunts the heads of this generation due to the ‘just add water’ nature of success showcased on social media.</p><p>With songs such as <i>Going Crazy</i> and <i>Loving Life</i>, <i>Chaos In Bloom</i> is a love letter to loyalty, whether that be to the fans, to new connections or to oneself. It not only showcases how far The Goo Goo Dolls have transformed as a band, but also echoes who they used to be.</p><p>From their beginnings in 1986 as a cover band, The Goo Goo dolls have been bringing storms to stages with the same energy and passion at each performance. Last seen in Nottingham three years ago, they returned with the same zealous that saw them win two Grammy awards in 1999. John Rzeznik’s razor-sharp vocals and Robby Takac’s quick fingered, booming bass still have power reminiscent of their 90s hayday.</p><p>When faced with ailments in life, we all wish for something to aid our recovery. Pleading for a quick fix to stop the pain, only to realise you can’t put a plaster on a mental wound and just hope that it will stop bleeding. If only there was a <i>Miracle Pill</i> to fight off feelings. Of course this rhythmic banger, from their previous album of the same name, saw the crowd sway with a breeze on the dancefloor. The slower pace of this song reminds us that we have to be patient with our recovery - broken bones do not mend quicker if you beat them up more.</p><p>Rzeznik is a self-aware show man, toying with the crowd, apologising at his feeble attempts to encourage audience participation. His charming tone and powerful vocals do the trick though as the fans sing alongside him, swaying their hands to and fro and clapping in time to the music. His conversation is reassuring and when he introduced <i>Sympathy</i> by saying “this song is about self-pity, which is a hobby of mine” there was a collective chuckle as each individual silently recalls a time when they have spent nights wallowing in loathing over something they can’t control. In this moment we realise this man on stage is just like us and we feel less alone.</p><p>As the crowd moved and moshed to songs such as<strong> </strong>Bringing On The Light, <i>Better Days</i><strong> </strong>and <i>Broadway</i>, the sense of anticipation felt tighter. Everyone was enjoying themselves, perhaps a few may have fallen back to quickly flicking through Instagram. There was a sense of held breaths, whisperings of “it has to be next.” The build up is teased for a few more songs, <i>Not Broken</i> and cult favourite <i>Long Way Down,</i> until that iconic guitar twang rumbles from the speaker. Tears in eyes and phone torches held high, the crowd were almost louder than Rzeznik as he belted out the song that took the band from their humble beginnings to instant recognition. <i>Iris</i> is as soft but as powerful as a whisper, a song about feeling isolated that brings so many people together through their shared experience of love and loss. The shredding guitar and consistent drum beat sounds angered and hurt, yet through this pain there is comfort. Both musician and listener know that this is a shared experience, something they will face and overcome together.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(30,41,59);">I always believed that rock music was synonymous with energy, raging against establishment, and songs made for those who headbang and pog. Which it sometimes is, but it is also motivational - a testament to perseverance, breaking through angst and challenging the mundanity of daily life. Experiencing The Goo Goo Dolls live, I realised that rock music, especially stand out songs like Here is Gone and </span><i>Iris</i><span style="color:rgb(30,41,59);">, creates the most aggressive, passionate form of love song, and it is the sound of a broken heart still beating.</span></p><p><i>The Goo Goo Dolls performed at Rock City on June 19 2023.</i></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://leftlion.co.uk/features/2023/06/gig-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-at-rock-city/"><i>https://leftlion.co.uk/features/2023/06/gig-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-at-rock-city/</i></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7234143
2023-06-28T17:08:17-04:00
2023-06-28T17:08:18-04:00
Ramzine - The Goo Goo Dolls triumphant return to the UK
<p><strong>By Lamestream Lydia</strong></p><p>The <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> last appeared in Manchester in 2018 at a much smaller venue, their absence has been felt by so many in the audience and their triumphant return has been a long time coming. </p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls came on stage to the ultra-positive crowd pleaser <i>‘Hey, I Like You’</i>. This song was so easy to learn the chorus to and it made the show really accessible to a newcomer and therein lies the Goo Goo Dolls greatest skill, their ability to write fun accessible tracks without coming off too simplistic or lazy. </p><p>The band continued with <i>‘Home,’</i> a more dour track which contrasted with their bubbly chipper demeanour. If you squint with your ears, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a softer Creed song and there were many moments like that which displayed range. </p><p>John Rzeznik was given a phone from the audience after <i>‘Slide’ </i>and he took the time to talk to a woman who couldn’t be there that night – which is something not a lot of acclaimed rock stars would do but the Goo Goo Dolls seem very inviting and welcoming to their fans which is a rare sight lately. </p><p><i>‘Here is Gone’</i> had to be started again due to someone fainting but luckily the crowd and the band were all there to help. It’s important to stay hydrated at shows especially when they’re as hot as this one was. Everyone is super accommodating at shows and it benefits everyone to help each other out, the show can’t exist without everybody working together after all. </p><p>The majority of the set was made up of their most famous record, <i>Dizzy up the Girl, ‘Slide’ </i>was a personal favourite but it was a relief to a newcomer like myself to have the best tracks compiled in one package. The bouncy<i> ‘January Friend,’</i> the ever iconic <i>‘Iris’</i> and the relaxed harmonics of<i> ‘Black Balloon’</i> of which Manchester brought visual aides in the form of black balloons. </p><p>Despite being acoustic guitar driven, there were still some really engaging guitar picks and synth work that filled out the already rich and dynamic soundscapes on tracks like<i> ‘Life’s A Message’ </i>and it goes without saying John Rzeznik’s vocals have hardly changed since the 90s. He paradoxically sounds youthful, wide-eyed and hopeful while having an older more experienced delivery. </p><p><i>‘Name’</i> was a bonding experience for many as thousands of people came together to scream the anthemic chorus of this beautiful low-key ballad. So many people woke up the following morning with hoarse voices as they gave it so much effort and gusto. </p><p>So many bands have gotten sick of their big song and have since stopped playing it like Radiohead with <i>‘Creep’</i> but the Goo Goo Dolls still play <i>‘Iris’</i> like clockwork. <i>‘Iris’ </i>still feels like a song they have a great deal of love for, perhaps it’s due to the admiration the fanbase has for it or perhaps it’s just the song they’re most appreciative of. Whatever the case is, the Goo Goo Dolls still give it their all and so did Manchester as the whole crowd sang along for the grand finale. </p><p>There aren’t many bands that have the longevity and multi-generational appeal that the Goo Goo Dolls have but they’re sure to go down in history as songwriting legends and their live show lives to that same reputation.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ramzine.co.uk/featured/the-goo-goo-dolls-triumphant-return/">https://ramzine.co.uk/featured/the-goo-goo-dolls-triumphant-return/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7232932
2023-06-26T20:11:21-04:00
2023-06-28T17:02:44-04:00
Mercenary Publicity - Glasgow Review - Goo Goo Dolls - Live @ O2 Academy
<p><span><strong>Review By Darren McIntyre</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Photos By Barry Douglas</strong></span><br><br> </p><div class="dmwr" id="dm"><div class="dm_wrapper standard-var5 widgetStyle-3 standard"><div dmwrapped="true" id="1460738368"><div class="standardHeaderLayout dm-bfs dm-layout-sec hasAnimations rows-1200 inMiniHeaderMode hasStickyHeader dmPageBody dmFreeHeader runtime-module-container d-page-1626449427" dmtemplateid="StandardLayoutMultiD" id="dm-outer-wrapper" data-page-class="1626449427" data-soch="true" data-background-parallax-selector=".dmHomeSection1, .dmSectionParallex"><div class="dmOuter" id="dmStyle_outerContainer"><div class="dmInner" id="dmStyle_innerContainer"><div class="dmLayoutWrapper standard-var dmStandardDesktop"><div><div id="iscrollBody"><div id="site_content">
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<p><span>The Goo Goo Dolls are a rock band from Buffalo, New York who formed in 1986 by school buddies John Rzeznik & Robby Takac, the boys teamed up with George Tutuska and the band was born. Like most there has been ups and downs but the guys have kept the music as the soul of this incredible outfit, the boys have given us 14 studio albums to date with the latest Chaos In Bloom slotting into this well laden setlist that is sure to delight all fans tonight, as the lights dim and the house PA fades the boys hit the stage to rapturous applause. </span></p>
<p><span>From the moment lead vocalist Johnny Rzeznik stepped onto the stage, it was clear that the Goo Goo Dolls were here to deliver a show that would leave a lasting impression. Opening with their classic hit Yeah I Like You, the band captivated the audience with their raw energy and unwavering stage presence.</span></p>
<p><span>Rzeznik's vocals were as powerful and soulful as ever, effortlessly hitting every note with an emotional depth that sent shivers down our spines. His connection with the audience was palpable, as he sang his heart out, pouring his emotions into every lyric. It was a true masterclass in rock vocal performance.</span></p>
<p><span>The band's tight musicianship was evident throughout the entire set. Robby Takac's bass lines reverberated through the venue, providing a solid foundation for the band's sound. And let's not forget the rhythm section that ably brought the groove to tonight's performance, keeping the energy levels soaring.</span></p>
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<p><span>The setlist was a carefully curated journey through the Goo Goo Dolls' extensive discography, showcasing their evolution as a band over the years. From their early alternative rock anthems like Home, Slide, Dizzy & the classic Big Machine and rolling into the classic Here Is Gone before we slid effortlessly into the foot stomping Black Balloon which really got the crowd going. </span></p>
<p><span>We paused for a minute as Robby addressed us and thanked us for coming out and bringing our silky smooth vocals to this fantastic night of music, that said Robby kicked things off as he thundered into Smash and this got the place moving for sure. As we caught our breathe for a second Robby smashed head first into Life's A Message that took us straight into Miracle Pill, I stood and watched the audience sing their hearts out which was a sight to behold from this colossal sold out audience.</span></p>
<p><span>Killer tracks like So Alive, Let Love In led us onto a powerful rendition of Sympathy that let John take centre stage as the place fell silent to let him bring us this truly enchanting piece of music, saying that as he strolled into the track he stopped not once, not twice but three times as he totally got lost in the moment of this tremendous night that was just magical in so many ways</span></p>
<p><span>The band's chemistry on stage was infectious, and it spread like wildfire among the audience. There wasn't a moment when the crowd wasn't singing along, their voices blending with the band's in perfect harmony. It was a testament to the Goo Goo Dolls' ability to create songs that resonate with people on a profound level.</span></p>
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<p><span>Up next came classics such as Name, Going Crazy, Lucky Star and led us into the incredible Bring On The Night, we were nearing the end of this fantastic night of music that will be with me for quite some time for sure. The audience got involved with soulful rock classics like Stay With You that saw the place light up as we all got involved with these two cool musicians, we caught our breathe for a second as the guys were asking if we were having a good time to which we bellowed back hell yeah. The last song was upon us as the boys led the way with the fantastic Broadway and you could tell that the boys didn't want the night to end as they sloped off stage and kept us waiting for a minute or two before returning to rapturous applause.</span></p>
<p><span>We readied ourselves for the big finish as the boys led the way with classics in Not Broken, the charismatic Long Way Down and finished with their all time killer track Iris, this got the crowd on their feet and singing their hearts out to these two fantastic musicians who really delivered a set full of hits and real foot stompers that sent us home happy till next time.</span></p>
<p><span>The stage production was visually stunning, with an impressive light show that enhanced the mood of each song. The carefully designed visuals and tasteful use of pyrotechnics added an extra layer of excitement, creating an immersive experience that brought the music to life in a whole new way.</span></p>
<p><span>In conclusion, the Goo Goo Dolls' gig in Glasgow was an absolute triumph. They proved once again why they are regarded as one of the greatest rock bands of our time. Their impeccable musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering stage presence created an unforgettable experience for all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Goo Goo Dolls -</span></p>
<p><span> John Rzeznik - Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Electric Guitar</span></p>
<p><span> Robby Takac - Bass / Vocals</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Setlist -</span></p>
<p><span> Yeah, I Like You</span></p>
<p><span> Home</span></p>
<p><span> Slide</span></p>
<p><span> Dizzy</span></p>
<p><span> Big Machine</span></p>
<p><span> Here Is Gone</span></p>
<p><span> Black Balloon</span></p>
<p><span> Smash</span></p>
<p><span> Life's A Message</span></p>
<p><span> Miracle Pill</span></p>
<p><span> So Alive</span></p>
<p><span> Let Love In</span></p>
<p><span> Sympathy</span></p>
<p><span> Name</span></p>
<p><span> Going Crazy</span></p>
<p><span> Lucky Star</span></p>
<p><span> Bring On The Night</span></p>
<p><span> Stay With You</span></p>
<p><span> Better Days</span></p>
<p><span> Broadway</span></p>
<p><span> Not Broken</span></p>
<p><span> Long Way Down</span></p>
<p><span> Iris</span></p>
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<strong>Link for photoset</strong>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.jacemedia.co.uk/newpagec0f7266e" data-link-type="url">https://www.jacemedia.co.uk/newpagec0f7266e</a>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7231869
2023-06-24T18:47:34-04:00
2023-06-24T18:47:35-04:00
stereoboard.com: "Goo Goo Dolls Release New Single Run All Night"
<p>By Jon Stickler<br><br>Goo Goo Dolls have shared a new single called Run All Night.</p><p>The stirring piano and strummed guitar ballad marks the first original material from the New York duo since their 2022 album 'Chaos In Bloom'. Singer John Rzeznik said:</p><blockquote><p>"Run All Night is about escaping from your circumstances, and finding hope in the wild unknown of the night."</p></blockquote><p>It arrives ahead of the band's final two shows on their current UK tour, which continues in Manchester tonight (June 23) before a return to London's Eventim Apollo on Sunday (June 25).</p><p>Following that, they'll take <i>The Big Night Out Tour</i> across the United States, beginning on July 24, joined by special guests O.A.R. </p><p>Check out Stereoboard's recent interview with Rzeznik, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/239891/9" target="_blank">here.</a><br><br><br><br>Goo Goo Dolls Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows</p><blockquote><p>Fri June 23 2023 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy<br>Sun June 25 2023 - LONDON Eventim Apollo<br><br>Mon July 24 2023 - CLEARWATER Florida - Sound at Coachman Park (USA)<br>Wed July 26 2023 - BOCA RATON Florida - Mizner Park Amphitheater (USA)<br>Thu July 27 2023 - SAINT AUGUSTINE Florida - St. Augustine Amphitheatre (USA)<br>Sat July 29 2023 - ALBERTVILLE Alabama - Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (USA)<br>Sun July 30 2023 - ATLANTA Georgia - Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park (USA)<br>Tue August 01 2023 - SIMPSONVILLE South Carolina - CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park (USA)<br>Wed August 02 2023 - GREENSBORO North Carolina - White Oak Amphitheatre At Greensboro Coliseum Complex (USA)<br>Fri August 04 2023 - COLUMBIA Maryland - Merriweather Post Pavilion (USA)<br>Sat August 05 2023 - WANTAGH New York - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater (USA)<br>Sun August 06 2023 - BETHEL New York - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (USA)<br>Tue August 08 2023 - SARATOGA SPRINGS New York - Saratoga Performing Arts Center (USA)<br>Wed August 09 2023 - BETHLEHEM Pennsylvania - Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza (USA)<br>Fri August 11 2023 - ATLANTIC CITY New Jersey - Borgata Event Center (USA)<br>Sat August 12 2023 - HOLMDEL New Jersey - PNC Bank Arts Center (USA)<br>Sun August 13 2023 - BRIDGEPORT Connecticut - Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (USA)<br>Tue August 15 2023 - BOSTON Massachusetts - Leader Bank Pavilion (USA)<br>Wed August 16 2023 - SYRACUSE New York - St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview (USA)<br>Fri August 18 2023 - CINCINNATI Ohio - PNC Pavilion at Riverbend (USA)<br>Sat August 19 2023 - STERLING HEIGHTS Michigan - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (USA)<br>Sun August 20 2023 - CUYAHOGA FALLS Ohio - Blossom Music Center (USA)<br>Tue August 22 2023 - CHICAGO Illinois - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (USA)<br>Wed August 23 2023 - INDIANAPOLIS Indiana - TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (USA)<br>Fri August 25 2023 - FRANKLIN Tennessee - FirstBank Amphitheater (USA)<br>Sat August 26 2023 - MARYLAND HEIGHTS Missouri - Saint Louis Music Park (USA)<br>Sun August 27 2023 - KANSAS CITY Missouri - Starlight Theatre (USA)<br>Wed August 30 2023 - DENVER Colorado - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre (USA)<br>Thu August 31 2023 - SANDY Utah - Sandy Amphitheater (USA)<br>Sat September 02 2023 - WOODINVILLE Washington - Chateau Ste Michelle Winery (USA)<br>Sun September 03 2023 - WOODINVILLE Washington - Chateau Ste Michelle Winery (USA)<br>Mon September 04 2023 - BEND Oregon - Hayden Homes Amphitheater (USA)<br>Wed September 06 2023 - IRVINE California - FivePoint Amphitheatre (USA)<br>Thu September 07 2023 - HIGHLAND California - Yaamava’ Theater at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino - Complex (USA)<br>Tue September 12 2023 - EUGENE Oregon - Cuthbert Amphitheatre (USA)<br>Thu September 14 2023 - IDAHO FALLS Idaho - Hero Arena at the Mountain America Center (USA)<br>Fri September 15 2023 - BILLINGS Montana - MetraPark Arena - First Interstate Arena (USA)<br>Sat September 16 2023 - CASPER Wyoming - Ford Wyoming Center (USA)<br>Mon September 18 2023 - MANKATO Minnesota - Vetter Stone Amphitheater (USA)<br>Wed September 20 2023 - SOUTHAVEN Mississippi - BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove (USA)<br>Fri September 22 2023 - CAMDENTON Missouri - Ozarks Amphitheater (USA)<br>Sat September 23 2023 - LA VISTA Nebraska - Amphitheater at The Astro (USA)<br>Sun September 24 2023 - DECATUR Illinois - Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater (USA)<br>Tue September 26 2023 - ASHEVILLE North Carolina - Rabbit Rabbit (USA)<br>Wed September 27 2023 - PORTSMOUTH VA Virginia - Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion (USA)<br>Fri September 29 2023 - BANGOR Maine - Maine Savings Amphitheater (formerly Darling's Waterfront Pavilion) (USA)<br>Sat September 30 2023 - GILFORD New Hampshire - Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (USA)</p></blockquote>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7231863
2023-06-24T18:37:57-04:00
2023-06-24T18:37:57-04:00
EssexMag: "Goo Goo Dolls debut new single ahead of UK tour dates this weekend"
<div class="td-pb-span8 td-main-content" role="main"><div class="td-ss-main-content"><article id="post-27528" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Article"><div class="td-post-content">
<p>Currently on tour in the UK Goo Goo Dolls have debuted their brand new single “Run All Night” which is their first original song since the release of their 2022 album Chaos in Bloom. The track begins with a sombre piano line that slow-burns into an uplifting, foot-stomping ballad. “I killed my father’s name before it killed me,” reflects frontman John Rzeznik, as he traces the map of his life and the destinations yet to be experienced. Listen to “Run All Night” now HERE.</p>
<p>Singer John Rzeznik said “Run all night is about escaping from your circumstances, and finding hope in the wild unknown of the night “</p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls kick off their The Big Night Out Tour of the US on July 24th with special supporting guests O.A.R. The two groups recently teamed up for a brand-new cover version of Tom Petty’s song “I Won’t Back Down.” A soaring collision of two alt-rock linchpins, Goo Goo Dolls and Marc of O.A.R. will perform the song live on television for the first time on Good Morning America on Thursday, July 13th.</p>
<p>With only two shows left on their UK tour – tonight June 23rd at Manchester Academy, and Sunday June 25th at London’s Eventim Apollo, Goo Goo Dolls have been delivering career-encompassing sets that feature songs from their new album Chaos in Bloom along with other hits from their complete discography including the indelible hit “Iris,” which eclipsed 1 billion streams on Spotify last year.</p>
<p>The first album of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, Chaos in Bloom found the band continuing to evolve as they have for nearly four decades together. Consisting of 10 tracks including singles “Yeah, I Like You” and “You Are The Answer”, Chaos in Bloom is an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that’s led them to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time.</p>
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<div class="osd-sms-title">https://www.essexmagazine.co.uk/2023/06/goo-goo-dolls-debut-new-single-ahead-of-uk-tour-dates-this-weekend/</div>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7231829
2023-06-24T16:59:49-04:00
2023-06-24T16:59:49-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls - "Run All Night" Video
<p>Check out the latest single - “Run All Night” </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/3QJGE2bsYq8">https://youtu.be/3QJGE2bsYq8</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7231828
2023-06-24T16:51:46-04:00
2023-06-24T16:51:47-04:00
American Songwriter - Goo Goo Dolls Release New Single “Run All Night”
<p><strong>By Silke Jasso</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">The</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/cait-martin-kala-banham-wow-with-whitney-houston-goo-goo-dolls-covers-on-the-voice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Goo Goo Dolls</a><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> have just released a new summer anthem. Just before their highly awaited tour across the country, the immensely popular rock band, known for their multiple platinum albums and four GRAMMY nominations, have released their latest single titled “Run All Night.” This marks their first original track following the launch of their album </span><i>Chaos in Bloom</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> in 2022.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">“”Run All Night” is about escaping from your circumstances, and finding hope in the wild unknown of the night,” frontman John Rzeznik said of the single. The ballad showcases beautiful piano melodies as well as strings accompanied by smooth vocals.</span></p><p>With alluring and sentimental lyrics, Rzeznik sings, <i>Don’t let you dreams die young/ Don’t let your heart go numb/ ‘Cause all we got is just one life/ You better run all night, better run all night/ So let’s burn so bright/ While we’re still alive/ And on this long, lonely mile/ We better run all night, better run all night/ Better run all night</i>.</p><p>The new single arrives ahead of their The Big Night Out Tour, which is set to kick off on Saturday, July 24th, with special guests O.A.R. The two recently teamed up to produce a new cover version of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/what-do-the-lyrics-of-tom-pettys-now-politically-charged-song-i-wont-back-down-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Petty’s</a> hit, “I Won’t Back Down.”</p><p>The Big Night Out Tour will also feature<a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/fitz-and-the-tantrums-drop-new-banger-moneymaker-announce-new-album-and-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Fitz and the Tantrums</a> supporting on the second run. Spanning several venues nationwide, the North American tour will showcase Goo Goo Dolls performing an extensive collection of songs that encompass their entire career, including tracks from their latest album, <i>Chaos in Bloom</i>. The band will also treat fans to beloved hits, including the iconic and widely streamed track “Iris,” which surpassed one billion streams on Spotify last year.</p><p><i><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS – THE BIG NIGHT OUT SUMMER TOUR</strong></i></p><p>Jul 24 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park *</p><p>Jul 26 – Boca Raton, FL – Mizner Park Amphitheater * </p><p>Jul 27 – Saint Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre * </p><p>Jul 29 – Albertville, AL – Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater * </p><p>Jul 30 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park * </p><p>Aug 01 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park * </p><p>Aug 02 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre * </p><p>Aug 04 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion * </p><p>Aug 05 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater * </p><p>Aug 06 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – The Pavilion * </p><p>Aug 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – SPAC * </p><p>Aug 09 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest * </p><p>Aug 11 – Atlantic City, NJ – The Borgata * </p><p>Aug 12 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center * </p><p>Aug 13 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater * </p><p>Aug 15 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion *</p><p>Aug 16 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater *</p><p>Aug 18 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion *</p><p>Aug 19 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill *</p><p>Aug 20 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center *</p><p>Aug 22 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island *</p><p>Aug 23 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park *</p><p>Aug 25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater * </p><p>Aug 26 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park *</p><p>Aug 27 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre *</p><p>Aug 30 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *</p><p>Aug 31 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater *</p><p>Sep 02 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery *</p><p>Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery *</p><p>Sep 04 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater * </p><p>Sep 06 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre * </p><p>Sep 07 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater </p><p>Sep 12 – Eugene, OR – The Cuthbert Amphitheater #</p><p>Sep 14 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena inside the Mountain America Center #</p><p>Sep 15 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena at MetraPark #</p><p>Sep 16 – Casper, WY – Ford Wyoming Center #</p><p>Sep 18 – Mankato, MN – Vetter Stone Amphitheater #</p><p>Sep 20 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove #</p><p>Sep 22 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater #</p><p>Sep 23 – Omaha, NE – The Astro #</p><p>Sep 24 – Decatur, IL – The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater #</p><p>Sep 26 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit #</p><p>Sep 27 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion #</p><p>Sep 29 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater #</p><p>Sep 30 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion #</p><p> * With O.A.R.</p><p># With Fitz and The Tantrums </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-single-run-all-night/">https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-release-new-single-run-all-night/</a></p><div class="code-block code-block-4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-style:solid;border-width:0px;clear:both;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:8px 0px;max-width:662px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> </div><div class="code-block code-block-3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-style:solid;border-width:0px;clear:both;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);display:block;font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:8px auto;max-width:max-content;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><div class="ai-viewport-1" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;display:inherit !important;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="htlad-as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" style="align-items:center;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;display:flex;font-size:18px;justify-content:center;margin:0px;min-height:250px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;"><div class="htl-ad" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="htlad-9" data-unit="americansongwriter/americansongwriter//desktoarticle/americansongwriter//as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" name="htlunit-as_bottom_desktoparticleheader" data-lazy-pixels="500" data-sizes="0x0:|768x0:300x250,1x1,728x90,728x250,336x280,320x250|1025x0:300x250,1x1,728x90,728x250,336x280,320x250,300x100" data-prebid="0x0:|768x0:as_bottom_desktoparticleheader-tablet|1025x0:as_bottom_desktoparticleheader-desktop" data-refresh="viewable" data-refresh-secs="30" data-refresh-max="20" data-lock-refresh-size="true"><div class="htl-ad-gpt htl-size-1x1" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" id="htlad-9-gpt" data-google-query-id="CNKvoaPj3P8CFTKGNQodRwoBZg">
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7230304
2023-06-21T19:24:41-04:00
2023-06-21T19:24:42-04:00
The Razor's Edge - Live Review: The Goo Goo Dolls – Birmingham
<p><strong>By Cat Finch</strong></p><p><i>Live Review: The Goo Goo Dolls - O2 Institute, Birmingham</i><br><i>16th June 2023</i><br><i>Support: Those Damn Crows</i></p><p>The O2 Institute in Birmingham was transformed into a haven for music enthusiasts as The Goo Goo Dolls and Those Damn Crows took the stage for an electrifying night of rock and roll. With a captivating line up of songs that spanned their illustrious careers, both bands delivered powerhouse performances that left the audience craving more.</p><p>Opening the show with a burst of energy, <strong>Those Damn Crows</strong> showcased their immense talent and commanded the stage with a setlist filled with infectious rock anthems. The crowd was instantly captivated as the band launched into ‘Who Did It’, setting the tone for the evening. Songs like ‘Man On Fire’ and ‘Sin on Skin’ unleashed a raw intensity that reverberated through the venue, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. The band's energy was infectious, and they left an indelible impression on the audience with their heartfelt ballad ‘See You Again’.</p><p>As the anticipation reached its peak, <strong>The Goo Goo Dolls</strong> took the stage and wasted no time in delivering a masterclass in rock and roll. Their setlist was a well-crafted journey through their iconic discography, showcasing their ability to captivate and resonate with their fans. Opening with the infectious ‘Yeah, I Like You’, they immediately had the crowd singing along and dancing in unison. Hits like ‘Slide’ and ‘Iris’ prompted an eruption of cheers, with the audience belting out every word in unison.</p><p>The band's ability to connect with the audience was evident throughout the night, as they flawlessly transitioned from crowd-pleasing anthems to soul-stirring ballads. The emotional depth of songs like ‘Black Balloon’ and ‘Sympathy’ showcased the band's versatility and allowed them to connect with fans on a profound level. The atmosphere inside the O2 Institute was electric, with the band's infectious energy and heartfelt performances creating an unforgettable experience.</p><p>The night was filled with standout moments, including the powerful rendition of ‘Broadway’, which had the entire venue rocking and swaying to the music. As the evening drew to a close, The Goo Goo Dolls left the audience on a high note with their iconic hit ‘Iris’, a timeless song that resonated deeply with fans, creating a spine-tingling conclusion to an extraordinary night of live music.</p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls and Those Damn Crows proved that they are both exceptional live acts, delivering performances that will be etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to be in attendance at the O2 Institute in Birmingham. It was a night that showcased the enduring appeal and talent of these bands, leaving the audience with an insatiable appetite for more.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://therazorsedge.rocks/2023-06-live-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-birmingham/">https://therazorsedge.rocks/2023-06-live-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-birmingham/</a><br> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7228003
2023-06-17T00:26:47-04:00
2023-07-01T16:42:53-04:00
Metal Planet Music - Gig Review : Goo Goo Dolls – Basht – Vicar Street, Dublin
<p><strong>Review and Photography : Stephen Brophy for MPM</strong></p><p>The last time I managed to catch the Goo Goo Dolls live was back in The Ambassador in Dublin when it was still operating as a venue and they were excellent.</p><p>Being honest the last couple of albums haven’t really grabbed me so it was going to be interesting to see how the band were performing in the live arena and how any tracks off the newest release Chaos In Bloom were sounding and going down with the fans.</p><p>Taking up the support slot for tonight’s show were Dublin’s <strong>Basht</strong>, who I am catching for the first time. These guys do have some very good tracks floating around, go check out “Never Love” and the excellent “Tomorrow”, a young band that already have a lot of depth in their music.</p><p>For me the singer goes slightly off kilter in the middle of the set, but both he and the band really get things back on track and the building crowd are getting into their set as it goes on, with the closing track being superb, a loud round of applause see them on their way off the stage and their first time playing Vicar Street has been a success. Not the easiest thing to do when you play a very different style to the headliner, so will look forward to catching them again.</p><p>The show is sold out and the venue is getting more and more jam packed and in conjunction warmer the closer we get to the headliners taking to the stage, liquids are of course essential and the bar seems to be doing a roaring trade, but you can feel a great air of anticipation building as the moment draws near.</p><p>When you start to hear the intros to songs like “Slide” or “Dizzy” you know what you are in for, John’s voice is on top form and as he has been for as long as I have seen the band Robby is all over the stage and still jumping around like a crazy man, they still have something that’s infectious to see and hear. The set is made up from tracks spanning their 14 album career, but there’s a great balance in it’s construction. The band power through the opening tracks and that workman like ethic is still how they do things, packing as much music into their shows alongside the usual banter, the guys always come across as funny without overdoing things.</p><p>When Robby takes over on lead vocals the flow of the music always stays true and it’s great to hear the classic “Smash” and “Life’s A Message” which is one of my favourite tracks off the <i>Miracle Pill</i> album. Robby’s voice and style are so very different from John’s but the feel is still always very much Goo Goo Dolls and his energy has always been infectious.</p><p>The newer tracks definitely work well in the set, but perhaps at times slow everything down a little more that I would like, but that’s not important, the crowd are loving the whole thing from start to finish and it’s refreshing to be surrounded by a number of fans that are just so into the music, the warmth spreads and brings you even more into the show.</p><p>The band barely get to the edges of the stage before they are back on, noting the futility of disappearing for a long time to come back and finish the set. And for the encore they dig deeper into the vault with “Naked” and the excellent “Long Way Down” from the album that really elevated the band to a different level <i>A Boy Named Goo</i> alongside their biggest hit.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">What you can always be sure of when you play Ireland is an enthusiastic crowd that will raise the roof off when the opportunity arises, and lets be honest as the set went on we all knew what the band were going to finish off with, but damn when they started playing the massive hit Iris the whole place when nuts, it’s one of those songs that’s great to sing along to and Vicar Streets patrons needed absolutely no encouragement, but what really hit me was the sheer volume when the crowd sang pieces on their own, it was wonderful and electric.</span></p><p>For me this was just like stepping back in time, the band not only sounded great, were on terrific form and really enjoying themselves, but on a hot and sticky night the atmosphere was amazing, when they manage to make it back to these shores I will be there. The Goo Goo Dolls may be a little less raucous than they once were but they are still an excellent live band that manage to put a wide smile on their fans faces and that was certainly the case anywhere you looked tonight.</p><p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls Setlist –</strong></p><p>Goo Goo Dolls Setlist –<br>Yeah, I Like You<br>Home<br>Slide<br>Dizzy<br>Big Machine<br>Here Is Gone<br>Black Balloon<br>Smash<br>Life’s A Message<br>Miracle Pill<br>So Alive<br>Come To Me<br>Sympathy<br>Name<br>Going Crazy<br>Another Second Time Around<br>Bringing On The Light<br>Stay With You<br>Better Days<br>Broadway</p><p>Encore<br>Naked<br>Long Way Down<br>Iris</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://metalplanetmusic.com/2023/06/gig-review-goo-goo-dolls-basht-vicar-street-dublin/">https://metalplanetmusic.com/2023/06/gig-review-goo-goo-dolls-basht-vicar-street-dublin/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7228001
2023-06-17T00:19:00-04:00
2023-06-17T00:19:00-04:00
Louder Than War - Goo Goo Dolls: O2 Institute, Birmingham – Live Review
<p><strong>By Sam Lambeth</strong></p><p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong><br><strong>Birmingham O2 Institute</strong><br><strong>Thursday 15th June 2023</strong></p><p><strong>Buffalo rock legends make their regular stop to Birmingham with more sun, but the same amount of surefire hits. Sam Lambeth reviews.</strong></p><p>It’s certainly a lot warmer this time when compared to the Goo Goo Dolls’ <a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/goo-goo-dolls-o2-institute-birmingham-live-review/">previous visit to Birmingham</a>, mere weeks before the world shut down due to Covid-19. Back then, the Buffalo stalwarts arrived amid a blitz of unprecedented ice and snow. This time, it’s so sweltering that the word Naked on the band’s setlist could either be a song or an instruction.</p><div class="td-g-rec td-g-rec-id-content_inline tdi_2 td_block_template_1 w3_bg" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "segoe ui", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "open sans", "helvetica neue", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="background-color:transparent;border-style:none;box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;height:60px;margin:0px;padding:0px;position:relative;visibility:visible;width:468px;" id="aswift_3_host" tabindex="0" title="Advertisement" aria-label="Advertisement">John Rzeznik and Robby Tabac don’t really score hits in the UK these days, but they’re still a prominent live draw. On tonight’s showing, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The band are a well-oiled machine, perfecting their craft over decades of relentless touring. More importantly, though, they seem like genuine buddies who still can’t believe that they get to do this for a living.</div>
<p>Both are skilled raconteurs and establish an early, easy-going rapport with the ample Brum crowd. They’re here for the songs, though, and Goo Goo Dolls deliver a strong blend of contemporary stormers and nostalgic classics.</p>
<p>Songs from <a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/goo-goo-dolls-dizzy-up-the-girl-turns-twenty/">1998’s globe-gobbling Dizzy Up The Girl</a> dominate the set and for good reason – it was a real sliding doors moment, where the band went from Replacements-indebted rascals to arena-ready rockers. The uplifting, acoustic-drenched rockers Slide and Black Balloon combine beauty with brawn.</p>
<p>The rest of the setlist is a timely reminder that Rzeznik has the songwriting chops to rival any of his contemporaries. Big Machine and Here Is Gone are arms-aloft anthems, Miracle Pill is buoyed by kaleidoscopic keys and Come To Me is an elegant ditty.</p>
<p>There are so refreshing throwbacks of the band’s rawer days in the taut, bruising Long Way Down and the jagged melodies of Naked. Name, meanwhile, serves as a moment where the band took their first steps to more refined, tuneful territories.</p>
<p>Closing with the magnetic, monstrously popular power ballad Iris, the crowd sing back every word. It’s a hot night and Goo Goo Dolls ensured everyone left with a sweat on.</p>
<p><strong>All words by Sam Lambeth.</strong><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span><strong>Sam is a Birmingham-based journalist and musician. More of his work for Louder Than War is available on his </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/author/sam-lambeth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>archive</strong></a><strong>. He also runs his own </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thelambethtalk.home.blog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>blog</strong></a><strong> and his music can be found on </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dB0TG0MmX4VELcadBJpWc?si=bfGgMr7MQnSmwaNpnZCN1A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spotify</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/goo-goo-dolls-o2-institute-birmingham-live-review-2/"><strong>https://louderthanwar.com/goo-goo-dolls-o2-institute-birmingham-live-review-2/</strong></a></p>
</div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7227377
2023-06-15T22:13:36-04:00
2023-06-15T22:13:36-04:00
Maximum Volume Music - Review: GOO GOO DOLLS, THOSE DAMN CROWS @ O2 INSTITUTE, BIRMINGHAM 15/06/23
<p><strong>By </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://maximumvolumemusic.com/author/andyscfc1863/"><strong>Andy Thorley</strong></a></p><p>"This”, reckons Shane Greenhall, “is our “Iris”.</p><p>The Those Damn Crows singer is sitting at the piano to play “Blink Of An Eye” and in doing so he’s sort of hit the nail on the head.</p><p>Everyone who’s seen Bridgend’s finest over the last few years is surely agreed that they are a special band and one who is going to headline venues like this at some point, but they need the crossover that these shows are going to give them.</p><p>More than once Greenhall asks “How many of the Crows family are in tonight?” and then says “We’ll win you over” to those that aren’t. It sounds like a promise.</p><p>They might start with “Who Did It” but generally speaking they tone the set down to suit their audience here. An emotional “This Time I’m Ready” and “See You Again” both from the wonderful “Inhale/Exhale” album from earlier this year, which reached number 3 in the charts, are hit singles if such a thing existed. Both make good on the aim of making new friends.</p><p>Who said rock n roll is dead? Well, actually not Those Damn Crows tonight, but no one could leave here not thinking they’d seen future stars.</p><p>Speaking of stars…</p><p>Let’s start at the end because we’ve almost got to, but there’s a moment in “Iris” where the lights go on and John Rzeznik stops at the line “Yeah, you bleed just to know, you’re alive”. The lights go on and thee tiers sing it back to him.</p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls have won another night, then.</p><p>They’d started with “Yeah I Like You”, the opening track from last year’s “Chaos In Bloom” record, the pop-infused reaction to the pandemic, if you will (the last time they’d played here was about three weeks before the world ended in March 2020) but its in “Home”, the next one, where they really find their stride. You can’t fail to notice the beaming smiles on the faces of both Rzeznik and Robby Takac his right-hand man for 37 years.</p><p>With a body of work like they have, everyone will have their own favourite so indulge me mine, “Slide” – played early but able to transport me back to the late 90s and the girl I was convinced they were singing about. Those stories will be replicated everywhere in here.</p><p>Beefed up to a five-piece live, GGD are in wonderful form here. They are on stage for 95 minutes and 33 seconds (there’s a stopwatch to the left of the stage) and every one, basically, is a banger. On their own terms, mind. For every “Black Balloon” there’s a “Smash” – a more punk-orientated thing that Takac sings.</p><p>There’s something of an acoustic interlude in the middle, “Sympathy” (“let’s hear it for self-pity” offers Rzeznik) and “Name” slow the pace but there is a welcome inclusion of “January Friend” as Takac takes the singers roll again.</p><p>This is a superbly paced show and “Going Crazy” is arena rock in all but name, “Bringing On The Light” is power pop almost and “”Better Days” offers a beacon of hope – and there’s a general vibe of that anyway throughout.</p><p>The ever-brilliant “Broadway” gets us to an encore, which live drummer Craig Macintyre ushers in with the strident pattern for “Naked”, there’s a freedom to “Long Way Down” which brings us back to where we started and with the one about not wanting the world to see me, that you might know.</p><p>Earlier in the set though, they’d just played “Come To Me” and Rzeznik, moved by the cheering from the packed crowd, had said, “You know, I’ve been doing this since I was 19, and you never know when your last gig will be, but I’d be happy with this…..”</p><p>This won’t be the last show, of course, but the sentiment was right. The Goo Goo Dolls have morphed into a different beast on their journey, but they’ve always been superb, and right here, right now they are right where they need to be.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://maximumvolumemusic.com/goo-goo-dolls-those-damn-crows-o2-institute-birmingham-15-06-23/">https://maximumvolumemusic.com/goo-goo-dolls-those-damn-crows-o2-institute-birmingham-15-06-23/</a></p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7227373
2023-06-15T22:05:59-04:00
2023-06-15T22:05:59-04:00
Unchained - Robby Takac Interview
<p>Robby Takac talked to the Unchained podcast about Chaos in Bloom, the new tour, and more.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/garry-foster/unchained-13062023-hour-two/">https://www.mixcloud.com/garry-foster/unchained-13062023-hour-two/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7226635
2023-06-14T17:37:53-04:00
2023-06-14T17:37:54-04:00
Louder - Goo Goo Dolls: "As soon as any song comes out and becomes available to the public, that’s when I wave goodbye"
<p><strong>By Dave Ling</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><i>As Goo Goo Dolls and Those Damn Crows head out on tour, Dolls' mainman John Rzeznik talks doing good, internet celebrity, and the differences between US and UK audiences</i></span></p><p>Formed as a garage-rock band 37 years ago in Buffalo, New York, over the course of 13 albums the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/top-10-goo-goo-dolls-songs" data-component-tracked="1">Goo Goo Dolls</a> have transitioned gradually into something more polished and sophisticated. </p><p>Below, singer/guitarist John Reznik previews their latest visit to the British Isles, to promote recent album <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/goo-goo-dolls-have-not-run-out-of-stuff-to-sing-about-yet" data-component-tracked="1"><i>Chaos In Bloom</i></a>. The tour kicks off in Dublin this evening (full dates below), with support from <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/those-damn-crows-inhale-exhale-interview" data-component-tracked="1">Those Damn Crows</a>. </p><p>Next month, the Goo Goo Dolls head to the US for their Big Night Out Tour, a mammoth, 43-date trek that begins at Coachman Park in Clearwater, FL, on July 24. And early next year, they'll head down under for shows in Australia and New Zealand. </p><p><strong>How have you found returning to the road after suffering a nick on your vocal cord? Did you worry about performing night after night?</strong></p><p>I was apprehensive, yeah. But weirdly, at the same time I tore a ligament in my elbow and couldn’t play the guitar either. It happened after we had finished the record. I spent hundreds of hours with a vocal coach, and taking loads of anti-inflammatory drugs which make you go crazy – I wanted to turn cars over and stuff. Basically, I retrained myself to sing. </p><p><strong>How familiar are you with Those Damn Crows, the support act on this tour?</strong> </p><p>When they were suggested to us, I listened and thought: “Wow, this band is really cool.” I like them. It [the package] will be a lot of fun. </p><p><strong>The new album’s song </strong><i><strong>Yeah, I Like You</strong></i><strong> protests at the growing phenomenon of so-called internet personalities</strong>. </p><p>I’m baffled by all of that. Fame is a really bizarre thing right now. The TikTok generation of artists seems to use music as a launch pad for their ‘brand’, in quotation marks. There’s a constant need to have a camera on them. I find that pretty exhausting. I still believe that music is more important than any of that other stuff.</p><p><strong>Another track on the album, </strong><i><strong>You Are The Answer</strong></i><strong>, is a response to domestic violence. But instead of it being an empty sentiment, Goo Goo Dolls have raised money to benefit the wellbeing of children affected.</strong></p><p>I'm happy that we did that. What we do [as musicians] is self-indulgent in a lot of ways. On top of making a bag of money, it feels great to do some good, to mitigate some of that damage just a little.</p><p><strong>While some of the album is dark, there’s also the self-empowerment of</strong><i><strong> You Are The Answer</strong></i><strong>.</strong> </p><p>I love that song. It started out with the drummer, Craig [Macintyre], playing the piano. What he was doing was so 1970s-rock, so classic, I thought it was really cool. We’re at a point in our career now where we can just drive off the trail for a while. We can do what we want without people clutching their pearls and going: “What are they doing?” </p><p><strong>What do you like in particular about playing in the UK?</strong> </p><p>I love the intensity of the audiences. The way people appreciate music over there, it feels like you’re playing at a big party. Here [in the United States] it feels like there are so many rules. Your audiences are looser. They party more. </p><p><strong>When you’ve written a song like </strong><i><strong>Iris</strong></i><strong>, which now has a billion streams on Spotify, does a small part of you relinquish ownership of it?</strong> </p><p>As soon as any song comes out and becomes available to the public, that’s when I wave goodbye. Either it withers and dies, or it connects. I have no control over that. But this is an extreme case. </p><p><strong>After it becomes used as a wedding song and changes people’s lives, it must be fun to just sit back and observe its footfall? </strong></p><p>Yeah. And it’s still gratifying [the song was released in 1998]. Like, wow. I’ve written a lot of good songs, and a couple of great ones [laughs]. I’ve also written some complete shit. But that one has something very special about it.</p><h2 id="goo-goo-dolls-uk-tour-2023"><strong>Goo Goo Dolls UK Tour 2023</strong></h2><p>Jun 13: Dublin Vicar St<br>Jun 15: Birmingham O2 Institute<br>Jun 16: Bristol O2 Academy<br>Jun 17: Bournemouth O2 Academy<br>Jun 19: Nottingham Rock City<br>Jun 20: Glasgow O2 Academy<br>Jun 22: Sheffield O2 Academy<br>Jun 23: Manchester Academy<br>Jun 24: London Eventim Apollo</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/c/221109/431519/7559?subId1=loudersound-us-4627084830331982000&sharedId=loudersound-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.co.uk%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-tickets%2Fartist%2F735190" target="_blank" data-url="https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/goo-goo-dolls-tickets/artist/735190" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/c/221109/431519/7559?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.co.uk%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-tickets%2Fartist%2F735190" rel="sponsored noopener" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="ticketmaster.co.uk" data-merchant-id="26392" data-merchant-url="ticketmaster.co.uk" data-merchant-network="ImpactRad" data-component-tracked="1" data-custom-tracking-id="4627084830331982000" data-hawk-tracked="hawklinks" data-label="Tickets are on sale now">Tickets are on sale now</a>.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/goi-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-interview">https://www.loudersound.com/features/goi-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-interview</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7226599
2023-06-14T17:15:42-04:00
2023-06-14T17:15:42-04:00
Stereo Board - 'I Love Being A Songwriter': Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik On What Keeps Their Creative Fires Burning
<p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);"><strong>by Simon Ramsay</strong></span></p><p><span>It’s always heartbreaking when our most cherished bands lose their creative drive and, effectively, retire into the role of a touring outfit content to feed off past glories. Fortunately, fans of the Goo Goo Dolls will likely never have to experience such grief. The US rockers are one of the hardest working live acts around, with their latest UK and Ireland tour about to get underway, but as last year’s ‘Chaos In Bloom’ affirmed, not at the expense of vibrant new music.</span></p><p><span>And if there was ever a group who could easily milk their past for all its worth, it’s them. We are, of course, referring to a certain global smash hit named Iris. With more than a billion Spotify streams, and having been covered by a wealth of artists, the band’s signature song continues to be embraced by new generations of listeners, most recently after becoming something of a TikTok sensation. But that cut is merely one, admittedly very important, chapter in the near five decade career of a band whose catalogue is stacked with songs every bit as good as Iris.</span></p><p><span>After being forced off the road when the world shut down in 2020, John Rzeznik (vocals/guitar) and Robby Takac (bass/vocals) found themselves in a surprisingly luxurious position. Recalling how they used to make records back in the early days, as young kids unburdened by a wealth of external distractions, the band’s founding members began work on their 13th album, ensconced in their own little bubble and with plenty of time on their hands.</span></p><p><span>Marking a return of sorts to the group’s beloved turn of the millennium sound, albeit with a prescient thematic nod to the last few years, and sparkling modern production flourishes courtesy of Rzeznik, ‘Chaos In Bloom’ epitomised how the Goo Goo Dolls have survived and thrived for so long in the face of changing eras and trends. </span></p><p><span>We caught up with Rzeznik to chat about making their latest record, the glue that binds their catalogue and band together and why, once this tour is over, new music might be just around the corner.</span></p><p><span><strong>Prior to the pandemic, I’m sure you never took touring for granted and really appreciated being able to do it for a living for such a long time. That said, after being forced off the road for a considerable period, when you finally got back out there did you have any new revelations about what touring means to you?</strong></span></p><p><span>Yes, that was a rough period of time. We have such a connection with our audience it was hard to be away. It was also difficult for all the fine people who work for us, so we had to get creative about how to keep our business afloat. But once we got back on stage my biggest realisation was that this could be taken away from me. So, enjoy it, play as if it’s your last show and be grateful for the opportunity to have a pretty amazing job.</span></p><p><span><strong>A few weeks ago you guys went on social media and asked fans which songs they’d like to hear live, ones you don’t play very often, on this summer’s Big Night Out Tour. What was the thinking behind that?</strong></span></p><p><span>We tour so much and have so many people who come to multiple shows that I thought it would be a good idea to see what the fans want to hear, aside from the obvious songs. I want to keep them happy and surprise them with different songs and small changes in the set. It was a cool experience to see what people’s response was. Now we have to relearn a bunch of songs but, ultimately, I think the audience will be happy with the results</span></p><p><span><strong>You and Robby have both talked about the ‘purity of process’ when comparing how you made ‘Chaos In Bloom’ to your previous two albums, something that allowed you to recreate the vibe you were feeling as a group back in the early days. How did that develop?</strong></span></p><p><span>I was listening to live recordings of the band and started to notice the push-pull between the people playing. I wanted to capture more of the band's live feel. So, after doing my preliminary songwriting sketches we packed up as a band and moved into a house in the woods in Upstate New York that had a studio attached to it. We just played and played and let the songs take shape over hours and days in a very organic fashion. It’s an amazing experience to do that, we went horribly over budget, but it was so much fun to work that way again which is a luxury because recording budgets are nothing nowadays.</span></p><p><span><strong>Having spoken about this record as going back to the vibe of your earlier albums, have you ever thought about making another raw guitar record like your early 90s days or is it a case of ‘been there, done that, life’s about moving forwards?’</strong></span></p><p><span>Everything to me is about trying to keep evolving and keep moving forward. That being said, if incorporating some classic early feel into the new songwriting moves me forward, I’ll do it.</span></p><p><span><strong>Last year you told Spin magazine: “I don’t care about genres of music, I care about hooks.” Goo Goo Dolls songs are so inherently, almost effortlessly anthemic, and those monster refrains bind all the eras of your catalogue together. How hard do you work on getting those pay offs to the place where they strike so effectively and consistently?</strong></span></p><p><span>I’m a sucker for a huge hook. Something that I’m humming for days and can’t get out of my head. Lyrics that I relate to so much it feels like it was written for me. So, yeah, I work hard on having a big banging hook. Other people might feel differently about it but Bob Mould, who is a huge influence and inspiration to me, said it best: “Ya gotta have a hook.”</span></p><p><span><strong>I have to ask about Iris and what a special number that’s become. Some artists are often very surprised when songs of theirs, ones they hadn’t thought particularly remarkable, take off in such a way. Did you immediately realise you had something special on your hands when Iris was recorded, or were you taken aback by what it went on to become?</strong></span></p><p><span>I knew I was turning a corner as an artist and a writer, which is scary because you don’t want to alienate your audience. I just wanted to have a song on an album (the City of Angels soundtrack) that had Peter Gabriel and U2 on it. I’m always so grateful for that song, although it does cast a long shadow on the rest of my music. That being said, when I’m on stage anywhere in the world and people sing the chorus, and I see the looks on their faces, I feel incredibly lucky that that song came into my life and my world.</span></p><p><br><span><strong>After the life changing success of that song, and the subsequent album it featured on, ‘Dizzy Up The Girl’, you didn’t wilt under the pressure and came back even stronger with ‘Gutterflower’. As a band riding the crest of a wave, how confident did you feel making that album?</strong></span></p><p><span>Well, the twin pillars of my life are self-doubt and waiting for the other shoe to drop so it’s always a struggle, but that’s just the way my mind works. I have to sweat and obsess and worry about a song or a project for a while. Then I get off my precious little ass and go to work.</span></p><p><span><strong>Does the Goo Goo dolls scratch every creative itch you have or might you like to do a solo album one day?</strong></span></p><p><span>So far this has been scratching my itch pretty well, and I don’t particularly feel the need to go out on my own. I mean, I pretty much get to do whatever I want in this band. So…that’s satisfying. But, I don’t know, maybe someday.</span></p><p><span><strong>Is there anything you’ve thought about, or maybe you and Robby have talked about, that you haven’t done yet with the band that you’d love to try in future?</strong></span></p><p><span>Yeah, I’d love to add more musicians to the touring band. I thought that it would be cool to have some singers and another guitar player or something like that. I’d love to work with Dave Fridmann. He’s such a crazy talented, unorthodox producer I think he and I would do some serious damage given the chance.</span></p><p><span><strong>No matter how great their musical chemistry was, many great bands have still imploded for a multitude of other reasons. How do yours and Robby’s different personalities work together, because that seems like the unshakeable foundation that’s allowed you to continue for so long?</strong></span></p><p><span>In my opinion that’s mostly Robby. As I said earlier, I’m fuelled by self-doubt and a mild sense of doom and he can usually talk me off the ledge. I quit the band three to four times a week. He’s my voice of reason in this and we still kind of get along. It’s funny cause we fight and argue then get up and have coffee in the morning as if nothing happened the night before.</span></p><p><span><strong>Somewhat tantalisingly, I believe you have at least five songs that weren’t used on the latest record that could be the launchpad for its follow up. So when do you envisage getting back in the studio to finish the next album?</strong></span></p><p><span>As soon as we finish this tour I’m going to lockdown in a studio and get to work. The world is moving so insanely fast now and I’m not a kid any more. So I’ve begun to pick up my pace. Rather than chill out and rest on what I’ve ‘accomplished’ I wanna learn more and dig deeper into this. I love being a songwriter.</span></p><p><span><strong>I recently saw you guys described as elder statesmen. How do you think those young artists known as The Sex Maggots would have reacted if they’d known, after renaming themselves as the Goo Goo Dolls, that would be their destiny?</strong></span></p><p><span>I’d have said “fuck those dinosaurs, make way for the new generation, the new sound etc, whatever.” But when you’re on the other side of a statement like that, your perspective changes. I feel old.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/239891/9"><span>https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/239891/9</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7225552
2023-06-13T00:21:41-04:00
2023-06-13T00:26:42-04:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
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<p>Hey hey In Rockers and welcome once again to The Lobby here amongst the fun filled pages of the mighty In Rock ! Another column written to you from 30,000 feet up on my way to Puerto Rico with the band after a couple of private shows in the US, the first is another private show, a birthday party I believe, and the next in Mexico … more about that in a second.</p>
<p>Before I left Buffalo for these shows I was busy getting a project ready for the upcoming Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival which occurs when I get home from this run of shows! The project I've been working on is a collaboration between an original “orchestral” Buffalo band called Sunday Reign and a part of The Japanese Group of Buffalo called The Shibuki Japanese Drum Group. We got to get her in the studio about a week ago and put an arrangement to get her of a song they had written to be performed at The Sakura Matsuri this year. We started out just rehearsing at my studio but before we knew it were in full recording mode and busy for the next few days putting together a pretty epic song we will be releasing later this summer! It's amazing how unique the Taiko drums sound in the recording space and how different it is to mic a group of drummers while we are so used to recording drum sets in our space. The band and the taiko drummers will be performing the song to close out the festival each day so I will be sure to send some pictures along next month so you can check it out along with the beautiful gardens we are so lucky to heave here in Western New York!</p>
<p>The plane has landed since I finished that last sentence and we're now in Puerto Rico getting ready for tomorrow's show here in Dorado … it's so beautiful here, just a quick stop for us, but it really makes me want to come spend a little more time here in the Caribbean! We're playing down on the beach in the afternoon tomorrow but I have to get the column in before bedtime tonight so I've just included a photo of the beach at sunset. It feels a lot like Hawaii here, but it's much closer to the east coasters here in the US, about a 5-6 hour trip rather than a 13-15 hour trip from door to door.</p>
<p>The next day we head to Cancun, Mexico for Hootiefest which is an annual festival thrown by the band Hootie and the Blowfish on the beach at a huge resort on the Mayan Riviera. Bands like Hootie, Barenaked Ladies, Collective Soul, Edwin McCain, Everclear and a bunch more bands of that era all performing over a 3 day weekend in Mexico! We've known so many of these bands for years and years, we're looking forward to seeing some of our old friends and enjoying a day of music, fun and sun on the beach! I'll make sure to include a bunch of pictures next month!</p>
<p>Ok! In the ocean for a swim and off to bed! Take it easy guys and I hope you all are having a great Spring. See you next month with Buffalo Sakura Matsuri coverage, some action from Hootiefest in Mexico and some more fun from the Caribbean!</p>
<p>Peace!<br>Robby</p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7223479
2023-06-08T19:06:00-04:00
2023-06-08T19:06:00-04:00
WIVB TV - Robby Takac announces plans for 21st annual Music is Art Festival
<p>Click the link to watch the announcement - </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/OvRM9X8ZOUM">https://youtu.be/OvRM9X8ZOUM</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7220421
2023-06-04T13:48:36-04:00
2023-06-04T22:52:39-04:00
Entertainment-focus.com: Interview: Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac talks UK tour and the band’s musical evolution
<h2 data-reader-unique-id="titleElement"> </h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);display:block;font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.65em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;"><strong>By Neil Markides</strong></div><div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);display:block;font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.65em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">https://publish.entertainment-focus.com/2023/06/04/interview-goo-goo-dolls-robby-takac-talks-uk-tour-and-the-bands-musical-evolution/</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-reader-unique-id="1"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="2"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="30"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="31"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="32"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="33"><div class="clear" style="clear:both;max-width:100%;" data-td-block-uid="tdi_83" data-reader-unique-id="62"><div style="max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="63">
<p data-reader-unique-id="102">Punk cover band turned iconic rock group Goo Goo Dolls are set to come over to the UK as part of a nine date tour starting 13th June.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="103">With massive hits such as ‘Iris’, ‘Name’ and ‘Sympathy’, Goo Goo Dolls have been in the industry for 35 years. They have faced challenges, successes and failures but come out the other side tighter than ever with the release of 2022 album ‘Chaos In Bloom’. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="112">Ahead of the UK tour I spoke to band member Robby Takac to talk about their first trip here in three years, discuss their musical evolution and find out about their latest album ‘Choas in Bloom’…</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="113"><strong data-reader-unique-id="114">Hey Robby, thanks for taking the time today to chat, how are you? </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="124">I’m good thanks Neil, how are you?</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="125"><strong data-reader-unique-id="126">I’m well thank you. You’re coming back over to the UK for the first time in three years, tell me what your expectations and feelings are on the upcoming tour? </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="136">Yeah, it has been three years. We landed in the last time and about four days later, the pandemic happened. So they shut New York down and we sat in the house for a little bit (laughs). So it’ll be nice to come back and restart this whole thing again. It was just crazy but it seems like everything’s kind of in order again. We just love playing the UK man. It’s amazing for us to do. We play over here (in the States) all the time and we come over there (to the UK) every three years and it’s a bit more special. If somebody in America wants to see us, they just have to drive a few hours but we don’t make it over to the UK that often. I just love all the old rooms with all the ghosts of rock music you know. You can feel it when you walk in a room and the crowds are so engaged. It’s amazing! </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="137"><strong data-reader-unique-id="138">You guys are both big entertainers on stage. I know John has said in the past he’s more than happy to play the big hits as well as some curveballs for the die hard fans. What can fans expect to hear on this tour, a big mix or more of a focussed set with the new album potentially? </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="148">Yeah, a little bit of the new album, probably a good dose of it. But you know, we like to play the songs people love to hear, we’re pretty sure what those are and there’s a couple that we’ve been pretty consistent with lately that we’re digging, they aren’t necessarily some of the bigger hits but some of the songs we know really work well live. So it’s just a great show, it’s just fun and like I said, the interaction especially in the UK between the crowd and the band, it’s just awesome.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="149"><strong data-reader-unique-id="150">Having toured for 35 years now, is it still as rewarding getting up on that stage every night than it was in the beginning?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="160">I don’t know if I would tell you every night, but I would say most of them (laughs). We’re humans and life’s weird sometimes, but I would say a good 98% of them are awesome. We’ve been doing some touring outside of the US over the past little bit here and I think being able to bring your stuff outside of the atmosphere you’re used to really adds a whole new level to what you’re doing, a whole new level of excitement. So for us, just leaving the country and playing shows is a much different feeling. As I said, we do this an awful lot here. I’m about to go do it in about four hours (laughs).</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="161"><strong data-reader-unique-id="162">Having toured for many years now, is there still a bucket list venue left you’d like to play?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="163">Yeah, we’ve never headlined the Hollywood Bowl. We’ve played there before but we’ve always wanted to play the headline slot at the Hollywood Bowl. So that’s one of them. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="164"><strong data-reader-unique-id="165">I’d like to focus on ‘Chaos In Bloom’ quickly. Produced by yourselves in a little retreat outside on New York amidst the pandemic, what was the thought process behind the record? I understand it’s really about the anxiety inducing traumatic time we were and still are facing to a degree.</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="166">Yeah, I think that with at least our band, the records we make are about the things that have been going on around us and the things that affect your life and our lives. That ends up making its way into our thought processes and ends up being songs. But I feel like (during Covid), the world sort of got pointed in a direction, a pretty common direction and there was a lot of that feeling of anxiety. I think people were feeling very common fears and common themes throughout that time. So I feel like if you actually take the time to listen to what’s going on on the record, it’s pretty reflective of the uncertainty of those moments that we were living in when that record was being written. I think it’s pretty par for the course, as far as capturing our observations of what was going on, but I think it was obviously a pretty unique time and so it makes it a little bit different than the rest.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="167"><strong data-reader-unique-id="168">On a more frank note, as John has mentioned this album wasn’t written to necessarily produce a big hitter of a number one but how did you find fan’s reactions to it?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="169">It’s a weird world right now. We’re not living in a culture where rock bands fly to the top of the charts these days. I think that coupled with the fact that we’ve been doing this an awfully long time and we’ve made an awful lot of records and we’ve got a catalogue that we’re building off of, I think all of those things together just sort of added up to it being the time to make that kind of record. That being said, John just wrote a single with Gregg Wattenberg and we’re about to release another single before this next summer tour. Sounds like it should be on the radio to me, but I don’t know (laughs). We’ll see. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="170"><strong data-reader-unique-id="171">What was the experience like doing your own production on it? It’s a step away from recent years releases.</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="172">John decided to produce the record. I think once again it was the situation that we were in at the moment. It was tough to find a producer who was willing to come and spend four months in the middle of a pandemic with a bunch of people. So I think that drove the decision but I’m not quite sure he’ll do it again. I think at the end there was an awful lot there that he had to go through but I think that once again, that record is really a product of the craziness and the chaos of that time. I remember we had CNN on 24 hours a day in the lounge because we were just waiting to see what was going to happen. It was like just waiting for the the other foot to drop or not, you know, and everybody’s waiting and you couldn’t do anything. Just that uncertainty added to how the record got made at the same time. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="173"><strong data-reader-unique-id="174">Both of you came out of it in one piece, and you’ve both been very tight over the years forming a kinship early. Would you say the band has helped keep you tight over the years?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="175">We’re a lot like brothers, you know. Some days, we love each other and some days I would just rather not see him (laughs) and I know, he would be saying the same thing. It’s been like that for 40 years. We used to be roommates, living in literally the same room when we were kids and we’ve grown over the years. I think that if you don’t allow yourself as a person the chance to grow and become that person that you’re going to become outside of the group, I don’t think that the group has much of a chance, because I think there’s just way too much pressure put on it. I think you’ve got to make sure you got a little orbit going on, that you can retreat to and then come back and do your best when you’re here with the band and make it happen. Try to massage the relationships into the places that they need to be to make sure you can still make music together.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="176"><strong data-reader-unique-id="177">I know in the original days, you were the one who pushed the band to be a bit more serious and it worked!</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="178">Oh, I just wanted to practice! They didn’t want to (laughs) but I wanted to just practice. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="179"><strong data-reader-unique-id="180">The whole of ‘Chaos In Bloom’ is a far sight from your punk origins, how would you describe your musical evolution throughout the years? Going from a covers band called The Sex Maggots to 35 years later, being nominated for Grammy’s and breaking moulds. </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="181">Yeah, well you’ve gotta be willing to let it be what it is. I think it’s somewhere between that, letting it be what it is, and guiding it to be what you want it to be, you know. There’s a delicate thing that happens, sometimes you can’t bring your audiences along with you and we were always really, really worried about it. That’s why this band is called Goo Goo Dolls to this day. It’s not necessarily a fitting name for a band, but we didn’t want to lose those 400 fans that we got from our first album, you know. I mean, it’s got to be up to 20,000 copies sold by now (laughs). We didn’t want to lose that and that was because we knew that we had done something. Our favourite bands at the time were maybe playing 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 capacity venues, they weren’t playing to arenas full of people because we weren’t into that situation, that wasn’t our thing. So we always felt like we weren’t that far away from being where we wanted to be. Of course the world changed in the 90s. Bands like us all of a sudden had a chance to actually get a real record deal and stuff like that. So that was another phase of our band, we switched from being this band that didn’t have a chance of doing too much and we were happy with what we’re doing, to being a band that maybe had a chance and ‘Name’ happened and all of a sudden, we’re on MTV and then ‘Iris’… boom! But then we were that band that didn’t have those songs that were <em data-reader-unique-id="182"><i>that </i></em>big anymore, you know. They were still being played on the radio, but it’s a hard place when you’re that band but we were able to make it through that too and then once again we got two more songs on the radio. We never quite got to the size of what was happening in the 90s. But we’ve still been able to maintain this thing and keep a positive frame of mind as to where we’re going and I think that all stems from those early days, you had to stay as positive as you could, you know, just to get to the next place where maybe you get 100 or 200 bucks to get the next city. I think it’s the same attitude that drove this whole thing.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="183"><strong data-reader-unique-id="184">With a fair few hits over the years but with ‘Iris’ being up there as one of the biggest songs in the genres history I’d go as far to say, do you ever feel like your new work is being compared to your older releases? </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="185">No, I think we’ve been pretty careful to <em data-reader-unique-id="186"><i>not</i></em> try to release that song again. I think that that’s what a lot of bands put out. They’d think I have ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ so let’s try to release nine ‘Eye Of The Tiger’s’ and then they can’t figure out why it doesn’t work, you know? You have to find your moments and that song was a moment. It’s a great song. I think John’s written many songs that are as good as that song. It just wasn’t their moment. You don’t just end up on the Billboard charts for a year without some sort of magic happening. The biggest songs in the world don’t last 18 weeks at number one, they just don’t. So you can’t expect or gauge your career on whether that happens again or not. But I’ll tell you this, we’re just about to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil to play a festival and we wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for that song, I can guarantee you that. It’s given us the opportunity to go and play the rest of our songs for folks again, in Brazil and I know, they’ll all be singing and I know that they’ve all been listening to our records before we come so they’ll know the rest of the songs.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="187"><strong data-reader-unique-id="188">To follow that, which song or album are you proud of that you think maybe fell under the radar a little bit?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="189">Yeah, we put out a record called ‘Hold Me Up’ a long time ago and it was when John realised he could sing and we realised we can write songs and we started listening to our producer. I think it’s a really special record from our youth. I feel like it has the fact that you could see everything that was about to happen but it just simply is not on that record. But you know what’s coming…but it’s not on there at all. I love that record, I I often tell people to listen to that one because I think that’s the one that changed this band from being just the drunken mess to a group that could actually craft a pop song.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="190"><strong data-reader-unique-id="191">How often do you reflect on the past in terms of musical endeavours or is it very much eyes fixed forward in your career these days? Obviously you released ‘Rarities’ in 2021. </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="192">That ‘Rarities’ record was our manager who had a box of tapes in his office and he was going through listening to them and he just sort of put that together and released it. It’s interesting to listen to all those old recordings, a lot of that stuff was just stuff from radio stations and such that we had never even heard. They just ended up in our mailbox and we sort of threw them in a box. So I don’t know how much backwards listening we do. I think we take a cruise through, but I think in general we’re trying to move forward.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="193"><strong data-reader-unique-id="194">Having been making music for years now and having faced turbulence from record labels and others, do you prefer the music world in the 80’s and 90’s or past the millennium? </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="195">Well, it’s just different I think. Obviously we’re in a different place now than we were, you know, we were struggling through the 80s (laughs.) At the time, I didn’t love the music industry back then. I thought it was elitist. There was no room for free thinkers, that’s the sort of idea I had when it came to mainstream music. But obviously, things changed for us over the years as we became a different band over decades and so I think that industry was great for what it was, it supported itself. You sold records, you got money and that’s how it worked. Now, you were still getting a loan at an 80% interest rate because when the record company lends you their money, to make a record and do all this, you’re making this money, but you’re only making 20 cents on the dollar to pay this bill off, and they make the rest of the money. So that part of the music industry was horrible, and we got ripped off unbelievably. When they write textbooks about how bands got ripped off in the music industry, quite often we have a chapter. In colleges, we’re the worst case studies because we signed some of the worst deals ever but it was because we just didn’t care. You know, we’re just kids playing punk rock, and we didn’t care. We’re just like ‘<em data-reader-unique-id="196"><i>yeah, let’s do it!’ </i></em>Matter of fact, I remember the lawyer walking up to us with a piece of paper in his hand, and he’s like, <em data-reader-unique-id="197"><i>‘do not sign this</i></em>‘. Literally, we’re like *mimics signing it* and into the mailbox (laughs). It’s not like we weren’t forewarned, we were you know, but that being said, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you right now if we didn’t set in those deals when we were kids. Lucky for us, lightning struck many, many times and we were able to regain that ground that we lost because of the stupid decisions we made when we were kids. Everything happens for a reason, right?</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="198"><strong data-reader-unique-id="199">What’s the biggest change you’ve seen during your time in the industry?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="200">Streaming, absolutely. Absolutely. The fact that you can have your entire…no, not even your entire album, the entire record collection in your pocket is a pretty huge advancement. Considering I used to tour with three books full of CDs, that many CDs, just so I had stuff, something to listen when I was travelling. Now I’ve got it all on my phone. That’s definitely the biggest change I would say. Negatively it’s obviously disrupted the revenue streams to a point where the music industry really doesn’t even know what to do anymore but that is what it is but the other end of it is the immediacy is unbelievable. We can put out a single and two days later, the first ten rows are singing the song back to us because they can get it on their phone. We can release it on the way to the gig, you know, and they would be able to listen to it in their car. It’s amazing and I think the algorithms are great. I don’t think it’s as personal and as awesome as the mentors I used to have when I was a kid when I would hang out in the record stores and they would play me stuff but I think the algorithms do a pretty great job of leading you down roads, to learn about new music and to learn about the origins and the roots of the music that people listen to. I think that’s a great thing. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="201"><strong data-reader-unique-id="202"> So if you had to choose either good or bad for streaming, what would it be?</strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="203">Oh, man, I think ultimately good. I will say the same thing about most technologies, the internet also. Same thing about AI. Ultimately, it’s probably a good thing. But you know man, just gotta watch yourself. There’s always going to be great music, because people don’t make music because they want to make money. People make music because they make music. That will always happen. But I think you know, there are most certainly challenges you know, in the new model but it’ll sort itself out. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="204"><strong data-reader-unique-id="205">Thanks for taking the time out today to chat, I wish you well on the tour and I may catch you guys in London when you’re over. </strong></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="206">Absolutely Neil, thanks for the conversation! </p>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7215728
2023-05-25T21:56:03-04:00
2023-05-25T21:56:04-04:00
89 FM The Radio Rock - Interview with John Rzeznik
<p>John Rzeznik talked to 89 FM The Radio Rock about the Goo Goo Dolls' upcoming show in Brazil at the Best of Blues and Rock Festival. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/YGmaOIwqrvA">https://youtu.be/YGmaOIwqrvA</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7215727
2023-05-25T21:52:58-04:00
2023-05-25T21:52:59-04:00
UK Music Reviews - Interview with Robby Takac
<p><i><strong>By Kevin Cooper</strong></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Robby Takac is an American rock bassist and vocalist and is one of the co-founding members of the Goo Goo Dolls.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>He began his musical career as a member of the rock band Monarch, prior to joining the Beaumonts, which disbanded in 1985. Also in the Beaumonts was guitarist John Rzeznik and along with drummer George Tutuska they started a band which they named the Sex Maggots with Takac as the lead singer and bass player.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>In 1986 they changed their name to Goo Goo Dolls and after the release of three albums; Rzeznik took over the lead vocals.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>In 1995, after Tutuska left the band to be replaced with Mike Malinin, they received their first commercial success with the single Name. The 1998 follow up Iris reached number one in several charts. Goo Goo Dolls have been releasing music and touring continuously since.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>In 2003 he formed the dance music collective Amungus with Brian Schulmeister. Also in 2003 he started his own record label, Good Charamel Records which initially focused on local acts. Today the label primarily releases J-Rock music by female fronted bands.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>In 2004 he founded the Music Is Art Festival. As its President the Festival supports a multitude of programs, concerts, and events, ranging from collecting and donating instruments to local schools, mental health awareness tours, music industry education, amongst others.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Whilst busy preparing for their tour of the UK, he took some time out to have a chat with Kevin Cooper and this is what he had to say.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Hi Robby, how are you?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Hi Kevin, I have to say that I am very well here in the States, and I am just getting my day started here in Buffalo, New York. However, more to the point; how are you today?</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>I’m very well thank you, and before we move on let me say thank you for taking the time to speak to me today.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Of course, it’s no problem at all, it’s my pleasure.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>And we have to speak about the Goo Goo Dolls latest album, Chaos In Bloom.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That’s right; we really should spend a few minutes speaking about the album (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Well, I have to say that I have been playing it now for a couple of weeks and I think that it is fantastic.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Really, well I really do appreciate that, thank you. As you know the album was released last year, and it really does seem like a long time ago now quite honestly. John (Rzeznik) and I started writing the album during the pandemic, when everything was shut down. It was at the time when the vaccines were not out then, so we were kind of sequestered in a small church that had been converted into a recording studio, in Woodstock just outside New York. We went in there and recorded a whole bunch of songs, some of which are on the new album, some of which are still kicking around which may well see the light of the day someday.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>How was it having John produce the album?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That’s right, he did, and I have to say that thankfully it all worked out okay (laughter). We went into the studio and John produced the record for the very first time. We had never done that before. It really was a new experience for both of us, but I have to say that recording a new album during the pandemic was also a new and at times strange experience for the two of us as well.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>I have to ask, where did the title come from?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Well, I have to be totally honest with you and say that it was just one of many that were on the list (laughter). But once we got serious and started thinking about a title for the album, Chaos In Bloom really did seem like an appropriate title. As we have already mentioned, the world was shutdown at the time that we were making the record, so it just sort of seemed like we were fighting against all of this chaos whilst we were trying our very best to make this recording happen. What can I say; it’s the one that stuck (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Are you and John both happy with the final product?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Yes, I think so. Like anything, you finish it and then you go, “we could have done this, we could have done that” but at some point, you have got to let it go. You have got to put it out there to the world. I honestly think that John and I have written some great songs once again.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>How have the fans taken to the new songs?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">We did a bunch of shows here in the USA last summer, and it felt like the fans had warmed to the new songs right from the get-go. We are coming over to the UK shortly to show everyone the new show. We are currently down in Mexico, then we are heading down to Brazil, and then onto Porto Rico, and it will be great for us to be in a position to play some new songs for the people.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>It’s a hard life (laughter).</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">(Hysterical laughter) sometimes (laughter). Sometimes you are on the beach together with room service and sometimes you are in a cheesy roadside Inn in New Jersey, but that’s okay too (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>From writing to recording, how long was it?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">I would say that it actually took us quite a while. I would have to say that it was way over a year. The writing and recording all happened at the same time. We had some ideas when we went into the studio, but the record actually started to take shape once we could all get together in the studio. Because of the world climate I do have to say that things were really tough at that time.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>You know better than me that these things change like the wind but at the moment I have got four go to tracks on the album, they are War, Going Crazy, Past Mistakes, and Loving Life. I think that those four tracks are fantastic.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That’s great that really is great; thank you. I will relay that message to the rest of the band (laughter). Joking aside, we really do appreciate hearing comments like that so thank you. So, you like the rockers more than the ballads, do you?</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>On this album I would have to say yes, I do.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That’s great. In the past we have found ourselves getting more poppy with a lot of the ballads over the last few years, together with a lot of mid-tempo kind of songs, but I do have to say that the soul of this band is a pretty powerful rock band for sure.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Do you have a favourite song on the album?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">We have been playing Going Crazy during the recent shows and I have to say that it was a pleasant surprise whenever we played that track. Also, we have been playing War and a lot of the songs that you have mentioned. We have managed to work them into the shows over the last year. But it feels like we can go into those areas, we can play these harder, rockier songs now and it’s no longer a shock to the people.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">People know what the band is all about, and actually, quite honestly, it’s tough sometimes man because you want to keep the shows up-tempo, but we have got all these popular songs that are kind of down-tempo and mid-tempo, so it really is a struggle sometimes for us to keep the show up-tempo and still play a lot of the popular songs that we have written over the years. Having said all of that, I guess that there are way worst problems to have (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>And I guess that it gets harder the more songs that you write and record?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That’s right; in fact I have to say that the show could get much longer (laughter). So, we have to take a decision and make the older stuff go away, but you have to remember that there is stuff that simply can’t go away. Little by little those spots where you go off and do whatever the heck you want, simply have to go. If you take a look at the average concert goers set list they are going to want to hear those songs. As I said it’s a struggle, but I can think of far worse struggles.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>You will be back here in the UK in June; do you enjoy your time spent here? Do the UK audiences look after you?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Yes, they do, we love it being over there in the UK man. We find that the UK audiences are just kind of one notch up more excited it seems whenever we get to play over there (laughter). We don’t get to come over to the UK as much as we would like because we are constantly touring here in the States. We are constantly on the road, constantly playing shows, which mean that whenever we get over there to the UK, it makes it feel even more special to us.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Whenever we get to play all of those Apollo’s, all those Academy’s, all of the places that we go and play, the feel of them is such like a classic, rock hall. It just feels like we are in the right place to be doing that kind of thing (laughter). To play to a crowd who are singing along and having a total blast man, that is what we are in this for.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>What makes Rock City here in Nottingham a must play venue?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Whenever we play Rock City, and take a look around, no matter where you turn your head you see people smashed into this room. People are sweaty, people are singing, and they have been waiting a long time to come and share this experience with you. So, we like to make sure that it is great.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>How many of the new songs will make it onto the forthcoming tour set list?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">We usually work on having three new songs on the set list but this time we might even play a brand-new song which I’m not sure if it will actually be out by the time that we get over there. We have recently been discussing that so watch this space (laughter). Every once in a while, we figure out ways to kind of reach out to our loyal fans and ask them what kind of music it is that they want to hear.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">So, we are actually in the process right now of polling the fans to see what songs they want to hear and maybe what songs we may have forgotten about along the way; the kind of songs that excite the fans, whenever they hear them in a set. So, we are currently in the process of doing that, so that should yield some pretty cool results I think, during the next few weeks.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>What has the fan’s reaction to the album been like, were they favourable?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Yes, they have, and I think that the fans have once again embraced what it is that we, as a band, are trying to do. It’s funny because things now days are so immediate, for example you put a single out, people will listen to it before they get to the venue and by the time that they get to the venue they will kind of know it (laughter). The world has changed so much. The immediacy is so great so that record, from the very moment that we released the first single you could see people across the audience singing that song, you could see it within days (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">It really is a truly amazing thing that things really are that quick. You really can get things into the fibre of your audience that quickly. It is a little bit of a challenge to the music business, but at the same time I think that the immediacy really is a pretty amazing thing.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>I personally just wish that the audience would keep their mobile phones in their pockets.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">At the shows right (laughter). I would totally agree with you on that point. A little part of me wants them to take a quick picture then put their phone away so they can talk about it but sitting behind it and watching the whole show through their mobile phone screen sort of makes you feel like that is the only way that they know; it’s like their reality translator or something for some folks (laughter). I think that to many, it is a badge of honour, ‘look where I was last night’ (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>You and John have been working together now for thirty-seven years, longer than most marriages last, do the two of you argue?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Yes (laughter). You know man you have just got to figure out a way to get you to the end of the day. If you can work that out then often the following day is better, and then you don’t worry about the day before. We have been doing this an awfully long time, and as you mentioned John and I have been working together for some thirty-seven years now. There have certainly been different phases of our lives, when it was just me and him, and we were both living in the same bedroom. Our relationship was a lot different simply because we didn’t have any money. We were sharing the same one-bedroom apartment; our lives were intertwined that way.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Now, we both have kids, John lives in New Jersey while I live in Buffalo. We both lived in Los Angeles for decades, so as you can see, our lives are so different than what they were. Our relationship is much different to the way that it was too. The magic thing about this is we talk about it all the time. Through whatever crazy shit has happened over the last four decades, we have always managed to sort it out, that’s how you do it. You have just got to figure the shit out.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Oh goodness man. I mean like the first time we played like together on a late-night television show back in Buffalo, or the very first time that we played the Arena where we had seen Kiss when we were kids. To be totally honest with you I can’t even think. There have been so many of them, you know. I think that a moment that kind of hit home the most are the things that happened here in our hometown because you can look at the lineage of the band, from the very beginning in this place, you will know the faces that show up and the interactions that you have with the people. You can see your whole life, not just the history of the band.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">All of those things connect to these really special shows that we have done here in town. John and I once did a show on the front steps of the City Hall in Buffalo, and it rained like crazy man (laughter). There were tens of thousands of people there, and when you see that happen you are like, ‘oh my God, how did we make this happen’ (laughter). Those are the moments when you just sit back and go, ‘oh my God, this has been pretty amazing’ (laughter).</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>On that note Robby let me once again thank you for taking the time to speak to me today, it’s been great.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Absolutely Kevin, and I hope to see you at the show over there in Nottingham at Rock City, I really do appreciate it man. Stay safe and speak soon.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.ukmusicreviews.co.uk/interviews/interview-robby-takac/">https://www.ukmusicreviews.co.uk/interviews/interview-robby-takac/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7212081
2023-05-19T14:00:58-04:00
2023-05-22T22:10:28-04:00
Rolling Stone: Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. Prep for Tour With Tom Petty ‘I Won’t Back Down’ Cover The bands will perform the record together during their upcoming the Big Night Out Tour
<h2 data-reader-unique-id="titleElement"> </h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);display:block;font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.7em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/author/larisha-paul/" data-reader-unique-id="59">By Larisha Paul, </a><time datetime="2023-05-19 11:44:10.000000-0400" data-reader-unique-id="60">May 19, 2023</time>
</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-and-oar-cover-tom-pettys-i-wont-back-down-1234738480/">https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-and-oar-cover-tom-pettys-i-wont-back-down-1234738480/</a></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement">
<br>The bands will perform the record together during their upcoming the Big Night Out Tour</div><p data-reader-unique-id="1"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/tom-petty/" data-tag="tom-petty" data-reader-unique-id="3"><span data-reader-unique-id="2">Tom Petty</span></a><span data-reader-unique-id="2">’s 1989</span> classic “I Won’t Back Down” will become a staple on the setlist of the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/goo-goo-dolls/" data-tag="goo-goo-dolls" data-reader-unique-id="4">Goo Goo Dolls</a>’ forthcoming <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/256585/952533/12730?subId1=RS--1234738480&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-tickets%2Fperformer%2F330&subId3=xid:fr1684518973972cbi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" data-orig-url="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/256585/952533/12730?subId1=RS--1234738480&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-tickets%2Fperformer%2F330" data-ml-id="0" data-ml="true" data-xid="fr1684518973972cbi" data-reader-unique-id="5">Big Night Out tour</a>, with special guests <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/o-a-r/" data-tag="o-a-r" data-reader-unique-id="6">O.A.R.</a> joining for the first leg. In anticipation of the stretch of shows, the Goo Goo Dolls and O.A.R. spent a day at Arcade Studios in New York, recording a cover of the record with plans to perform it each night on the road.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="7">“It has been so great working with Johnny and the band on “I Won’t Back Down,” O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge shared in a statement. “Tom Petty’s music has been such an inspiration for us and a meaningful part of our musical journey. We’re looking forward to playing it out on the road for what will be a very special summer of music.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="12">Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik added: “I’m so excited to finally hit the road this summer with Marc and O.A.R.; it’s going to be an amazing night of music and fun. We decided we wanted to give our audience the best night of their summer, and we are so proud to have teamed up not only for the tour, but to record one of our favorite songs together.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="43">“I Won’t Back Down” functions as a sort of musical middle ground for the two bands, with the tour positioned to support the Goo Goo Dolls’ latest record, <em data-reader-unique-id="44"><i>Chaos in Bloom, </i></em>and O.A.R.’s<em data-reader-unique-id="45"><i> The Arcade</i></em>. The Goo Goo Dolls will be joined on the second leg of the tour by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-big-night-out-tour-fitz-and-the-tantrums-1234677804/" data-reader-unique-id="46">Fitz and the Tantrums</a>, so the Petty cover will likely be retired after O.A.R.’s run concludes in September. The tour is currently scheduled to begin on July 24.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="47">“After working on separate albums in the same studio all last year, John and I realized pretty quickly how much fun we’d have on tour together,” Roberge shared when the shows were first announced. “We’re all band guys, love being musicians, and started planning a special night that all our fans would enjoy.”</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7211689
2023-05-18T22:05:38-04:00
2023-05-19T13:59:28-04:00
Hotel Americana - Interview with Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls
<h2>
<yt-formatted-string force-default-style="">Hotel Americana - Interview with Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls</yt-formatted-string><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(15,15,15);">Will Hawkins sits down with Johnny and discusses his career, songwriting approach, his first time producing an album and the upcoming 2023 summer tour with O.A.R and their collaborative release of the Tom Petty classic "I Won't Back Down" premiering May 18th, 2023.</span>
</h2><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/iT0toAzgfKY"><span class="text-small" style="color:rgb(15,15,15);">https://youtu.be/iT0toAzgfKY</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7211092
2023-05-17T22:06:07-04:00
2023-05-17T22:06:07-04:00
Hi Fi Way - Matchbox Twenty Australian Tour With Goo Goo Dolls Announced
<p>TEG Van Egmond is thrilled to announce <strong>Matchbox Twenty</strong> will make their long-awaited return to Australian and New Zealand stages for an extensive 12-stop tour in 2024. The tour is in support their new album Where The Light Goes, due out on May 26 and the band’s first new music in 11 years and available for pre-order here.</p><p>The multi-Platinum, hit-making, superstars last toured our shores in 2012 – and this time Matchbox Twenty have recruited <strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> to perform on the tour.</p><p>Matchbox Twenty kick off their Australian tour in Perth on Tuesday February 13 before touring to Adelaide, Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane – and then across the pond to Christchurch and New Plymouth.</p><p>On sale information and link to buy tickets here --> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://hifiway.live/2023/05/15/matchbox-twenty-australian-tour-with-goo-goo-dolls-announced/">https://hifiway.live/2023/05/15/matchbox-twenty-australian-tour-with-goo-goo-dolls-announced/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7211091
2023-05-17T22:00:57-04:00
2023-05-17T22:00:58-04:00
Music Grotto - 25 Best Songs About February
<p><strong>By Florence Howard</strong></p><p><span style="color:rgb(25,25,25);">February is the month of love, with Valentine’s Day on the 14th, but it’s also a very cold month for many parts of the country. Musicians have talked about February for decades in their tracks, and we’re going to list the 25 best songs about February below that you might want to listen to during the month. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(25,25,25);">Check out the complete list at the link - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.musicgrotto.com/songs-about-february/"><span style="color:rgb(25,25,25);">https://www.musicgrotto.com/songs-about-february/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7211077
2023-05-17T21:58:53-04:00
2023-05-17T21:58:53-04:00
KOST 103.5 - Goo Goo Dolls John Rzeznik's Heartfelt Encounter With Ellen K
<p><span style="color:rgb(39,41,45);"><strong>By@SocialQueenDarlene</strong></span></p><p>John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls is eagerly looking forward to embarking on their upcoming "Big Night Out" tour. With a deep understanding of the profound connection between artist and audience, Rzeznik strives to deliver exceptional performances that resonate with fans on a personal level. From the emotional depth of the songs to the energetic atmosphere of their live shows, the Goo Goo Dolls' tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for both the band and their devoted fans. Don't forget to check them out when they're in SoCal this September! Listen to his heartfelt encounter with Ellen K below:</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kost1035.iheart.com/featured/ellen-k/content/2023-05-11-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzezniks-heartfelt-encounter-with-ellen-k/">https://kost1035.iheart.com/featured/ellen-k/content/2023-05-11-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzezniks-heartfelt-encounter-with-ellen-k/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7211076
2023-05-17T21:56:19-04:00
2023-05-17T21:56:19-04:00
Hello Music Theory - 31 Of The Best Rock Songs Of All Time
<p><strong>By Dan Farrant</strong></p><p>Rock music has been a cultural force for over a half-century. It has produced countless iconic songs that continue to captivate listeners of all ages.</p><p>From the opera-rock-inspired riffs of Queen to the stadium-shaking anthems of The Rolling Stones, the genre has evolved and adapted to create some of the most memorable and timeless tracks in music history.</p><p>In this article, we will dive into 31 of the best rock songs of all time. We will explore the origins of each track, examine the impact they had on the music world, and celebrate their enduring popularity.</p><p>So turn up the volume, grab your air guitar, and rock to some of the most legendary tracks of all time. Let’s get started! </p><p>Click the link for the complete list - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/best-rock-songs-of-all-time/">https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/best-rock-songs-of-all-time/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7202390
2023-05-03T17:12:27-04:00
2023-05-16T03:33:46-04:00
American Songwriter - The Oft-Misinterpreted Meaning Behind the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Slide” Speaks Volumes Today
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>By </strong></span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/author/allipatton/" title="Posts by Alli Patton" rel="author"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong itemprop="name">Alli Patton</strong></span></a></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">The meaning behind the Goo Goo Doll’s hit “Slide” is misunderstood, too often disguised by the song’s dazzling alt-rock arrangement. Paired with its ambiguous lyrics, the tune regularly gets chalked up to a loved-up lullaby. And it is, sort of. At the core of the song, however, lies something darker, a desperation that speaks just as loud today as it did in the 1990s when the song was released.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">In 1998, the Goo Goo Dolls had a slam dunk with their song, “Iris.” The hit was a tough act to follow for any group at the time, but for the band themselves, a follow up success seemed almost impossible. That is until they released “Slide.” The song quickly became their second No. 1 single after “Iris” and equally well-loved by fans.</span></p><p>Many initially interpreted the jangling tune as a happy little ditty and even earned the band an <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/uGohKgNOXnU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appearance on <i>Sesame Street</i></a> to sing an Elmo-fied version of the hit. But Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik has since explained the song’s deeper meaning.</p><p>“If you really sit and listen to the lyrics,” he revealed in a <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/LS7ctxwwRrw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2002 performance</a> on <i>VH1 Storytellers</i> before launching into the fan favorite, “the song is actually about these two teenage kids and the girlfriend gets pregnant … They’re trying to decide whether she should get an abortion or if they should get married or what should go on. And I don’t think a lot of people got that.”</p><p>The song’s lyrics are poetic, but vague as the band careens through lines like <i>Could you whisper in my ear / The things you wanna feel / I’d give you anythin’ / To feel it comin’</i>, asking again and again, <i>So why don’t you slide</i>? The meat of the story doesn’t come until the chorus when the narrator poses the question: <i>Do you wanna get married / Or run away?</i></p><p>“That song is very much East Side Story kind of thing,” Rzeznik further detailed in a 2018 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.stereogum.com/2001343/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-dizzy-up-the-girl-interview/interviews/tracking-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with <i>Stereogum</i>, alluding to some truth in the song’s narrative. “When I say East Side Story, I just mean I grew up on the east side of Buffalo. That was a not-so-apocryphal tale about some hard choices and dealing with a very rigid culture with a lot of demands put on the people who are part of that community, whether it was religious pressure, family pressure. It was really interesting to me to examine all those things.”</p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">He explained his upbringing was not necessarily politically conservative, but was ruled by the Catholic denomination central to his community. “Everybody was a democrat where we grew up,” he continued. “It was a blue-collar town and the democrats represented the working class and the unions. But very, very super-conservative Catholic, very proud immigrant community, very stoic.”</span></p><p>The Catholic religion condemns the act of abortion and if she did not have the support from family, the teen girl in “Slide” must have felt a great deal of fear and desperation, believing her only options were to either get married or run away.</p><p>Dreamy notions of escape soundtracked by an angsty pop rock composition aside, “Slide” is a song that rings just as true in modern day with abortion still widely scrutinized—and in some cases banned —across the country.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americansongwriter.com/the-oft-misinterpreted-meaning-behind-the-goo-goo-dolls-slide-speaks-volumes-today/">https://americansongwriter.com/the-oft-misinterpreted-meaning-behind-the-goo-goo-dolls-slide-speaks-volumes-today/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7195299
2023-04-22T20:44:54-04:00
2023-04-22T20:46:41-04:00
WTNH - Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik performs for Hartford Hospital patients ahead of Black & Red
<p><strong>By Jenn Brink</strong></p><p>NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Nearly 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, but there is more hope than ever.</p><p>News 8 proudly brought you Hartford HealthCare’s biggest fundraiser, the Black & Red, Saturday night.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/watch-hartford-healthcares-black-red-gala/" data-type="post" data-id="1422901">Click here</a> to watch the half-hour special in its entirety.</p><p>The Goo Goo Dolls will perform at the special event at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Art.</p><p>Earlier in the day, lead singer Johnny Rzeznik surprised Hartford Hospital patients and staff by playing some of their hit songs.</p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The Black & Red fundraiser has raised $2.5 million this year for the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital and its Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center. The funds help support ongoing research and improved access to more prevention and detection programs for patients and their families.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Learn more about cancer screening and how you can help </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://hartfordhealthcare.org/services/cancer-care/screening-diagnosis/get-checked" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://hartfordhealthcare.org/services/cancer-care/screening-diagnosis/get-checked" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik-performs-for-hartford-hospital-patients-ahead-of-black-red/"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik-performs-for-hartford-hospital-patients-ahead-of-black-red/</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7182563
2023-04-01T19:12:30-04:00
2023-04-22T20:46:41-04:00
Louder Sound: The story of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls: "It was like a gift – like: ‘Oh, thanks God!'"
<h2 data-reader-unique-id="titleElement">The story of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls: "It was like a gift – like: ‘Oh, thanks God!'"</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3);-webkit-text-size-adjust:none;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(27, 27, 27);color:rgb(27, 27, 27);font-family:-apple-system-font;font-size:0.9em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.6em;margin-bottom:1.45em;margin-top:-0.65em;max-width:100%;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;"><div class="clear byline" style="clear:both;display:inline !important;font-size:1em !important;margin:0px;max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="571"><div style="display:inline !important;font-size:1em !important;margin:0px;max-width:100%;" data-reader-unique-id="572">
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<div class="clear" style="clear:both;display:inline !important;font-size:1em !important;margin:0px;max-width:100%;" data-reactroot="" data-reader-unique-id="573"><strong>By Henry Yates</strong></div>
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<p data-reader-unique-id="45"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-the-ten-records-that-changed-my-life" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="46">Johnny Rzeznik</a>’s life wasn’t working out the way he’d planned it. The band he fronted – the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/top-10-goo-goo-dolls-songs" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="47">Goo Goo Dolls</a> – looked to have peaked with their 1995 hit <em data-reader-unique-id="48"><i>Name</i></em>. His confidence as a songwriter was in tatters. Worst of all, the collapse of his marriage had left him living out of a suitcase in a hotel in downtown LA. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="58">“It was 1997 and I was feeling kinda schizophrenic,” Rzeznik recalls. “My wife and I had just broken up, and I’d met another girl who I was really into. I’d moved from my home in Buffalo, New York, and was living in this hotel. So it was a really manic time in my life. I was looking for something to hold on to.”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="61">As always, Rzeznik chose music. On the morning of the day he wrote <em data-reader-unique-id="62"><i>Iris</i></em>, the singer had attended an advance screening of <em data-reader-unique-id="63"><i>City Of Angels</i></em> – a film whose premise concerned an angel [played by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/why-nicolas-cage-is-hollywoods-most-metal-actor" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="64">Nicolas Cage</a>] who surrenders his immortality to be with the woman he loves [Meg Ryan]. Rzeznik hadn’t particularly enjoyed the movie, but had his reasons for agreeing to contribute to the soundtrack.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="154">“I didn’t actually think it was very good,” he explains. “I just thought it was a sanitised version of [Wim Wenders’s 1987 film] <em data-reader-unique-id="155"><i>Wings Of Desire.</i></em> But one of the reasons I wanted to do a song was because the soundtrack had U2 and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-top-10-best-genesis-songs-with-peter-gabriel" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="156">Peter Gabriel</a> on it, and I wanted to be on the same piece of plastic as them. It made me feel like I was hob-nobbing with musical royalty. I thought that someday I could show it to my kids – tell them their old man was once on a record with Bono and Peter Gabriel.”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="205">Back in his hotel room, Rzeznik was amazed by how quickly his song took shape: “Most of the time, for me, writing involves procrastination, fear, doubt, criticism… Most songs I write I have to torture myself; be a prima donna for about an hour. But <em data-reader-unique-id="206"><i>Iris</i></em> came so easy. I’d broken two strings on my guitar, so I’d started winding all the strings up and down in these weird configurations, and that song just came out. It was like a gift – like: ‘Oh, thanks God!’”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="214"><span>"When I wrote it, I was thinking about the situation of the Nicholas Cage character in the movie," </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/john-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls" target="_blank" data-url="https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/john-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls" rel="noopener" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="215">Rzeznik told SongFacts in 2013</a><span>. "This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human. And I think, 'Wow! What an amazing thing it must be like to love someone so much that you give up everything to be with them.' That's a pretty heavy thought.</span></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="214"><span>Rzeznik recognised </span><em data-reader-unique-id="225"><i>Iris</i></em><span> as one of his greatest achievements to date, despite the title lack of personal meaning. But it wasn’t until he was recording it that he realised how far the song had taken the band from their punk roots.</span></p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="227">“That was the first time we’d ever been in the studio with strings,” he recalls. “I remember kneeling in front of the control room window, looking out at this 15-piece string ensemble, then looking at Robby [Takac, bassist] and saying: ‘I really think we’re turning a corner here, and I don’t know if I want to’.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="229">“But it’s part of your personal evolution,” he continues. “When I was 18 I played three power chords and wanted to be <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/news/paul-westerberg-unveils-the-i-don-t-cares" data-component-tracked="1" data-reader-unique-id="230">Paul Westerberg</a>. But as you grow up you change, you want different things, and your art has to stay in step with where you are emotionally. So I guess <em data-reader-unique-id="231"><i>Iris</i></em> is partly the sound of me growing up.”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="233">It was undoubtedly Rzeznik’s ballad that pushed the <em data-reader-unique-id="234"><i>City Of Angels</i></em> soundtrack to the top of the US chart in June 1998 and bolstered the band’s own <em data-reader-unique-id="235"><i>Dizzy Up The Girl</i></em> album, while the song itself began a five-week run at No.9 in the US. Commercially, the Goo Goo Dolls had arrived.</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="240">“It didn’t change us,” Rzeznik says, “but people around us changed. We started getting more attention, made a bit of money… and it was actually really, really uncomfortable. It never made me wish I hadn’t written it, because now I’ll be able to send my kids to college, but obviously there are by-products of that kind of success that you have to avoid. The number of choices you have grows exponentially, like, I can have this, I can have that, I can date her, I can snort this – and I can afford it’.”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="246">Ultimately Rzeznik chose to embrace his masterpiece and is meaning. It remains the centrepiece of the Goo Goo Dolls’ set-list, the ultimate alt.rock ballad and the singer’s best chance of immortality. And, as so often happens, social media has given the song a second life, after <em data-reader-unique-id="247"><i>Iris</i></em> became popular on video platform TikTok. In April 2022, the song bothered the Billboard compilers for the first time in decades, entering the digital song sales chart at #15. </p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="249">“I’m proud of it,” Rzeznik admits. “Because it gave me some confidence in myself at a time when that was lacking. Every night when we play it and I put the mic out to the audience and everybody sings it, that’s an amazing feeling. It’s, like, at least one of the songs I’ve written will be remembered.”</p>
<p data-reader-unique-id="249"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-iris-by-goo-goo-dolls">https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-iris-by-goo-goo-dolls</a></p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7180611
2023-03-29T13:03:55-04:00
2023-04-01T19:08:57-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls to Play Brazil!
<p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">The Goo Goo Dolls are headed to Brazil! San Paulo get ready! Sunday June 4, 2023 the band will be at the Best of Blues and Rock! </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bestofbluesandrock.com.br/en?fbclid=IwAR3ti2mGb3K5EMj667JsR_-7rIDeoHywfLd7wJI-U-t0wfC0-k11yxaIaq4"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">https://www.bestofbluesandrock.com.br/en?fbclid=IwAR3ti2mGb3K5EMj667JsR_-7rIDeoHywfLd7wJI-U-t0wfC0-k11yxaIaq4</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7169591
2023-03-11T14:52:12-05:00
2023-03-11T14:52:12-05:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey hey In Rockers and welcome to this months’ installment of Robby’s Lobby, my first actually written in this new year 2023 and it’s been a crazy month for us here in snowy Buffalo, NY! We began with a Christmas Eve blizzard they called the “storm of the century” here in our Western New York community, nearly 7 feet of snow fell on the city over a few days, paralyzing the city, causing power outages and stranding motorists all over the city. I’ve been living here for many, many years, since I was born actually, and I’ve never experienced a storm of this severity. As a result we all unfortunately missed Christmas Day gatherings with our families as there was a driving ban in effect in the city of Buffalo until the 28th of December! But we had a nice time cozy in our home and my wife and daughter and I celebrated Christmas just with our little family unit with some time for the kids in the neighborhood to climb the snow mountains left by the plows outside our homes!</p><p>Despite the storm the city was eventually cleaned up and on New Years Eve Goo Goo Dolls performed 2 shows at a Casino in the historic Niagara Falls, NY right outside Buffalo. It was the 20th Anniversary of the Casinos opening and they celebrated with a ticketed VIP black tie formal dinner in the ballroom where we played a short set, in all honesty it was a little stuffy, but still a lot of fun. Our families and friends got to come to the show and enjoy having a table at the event, it was a nice warmup for the second set which was a free show for the general public in the Casino right on the main gambling floor!</p><p>We played about 20 feet in the air on a tiny little stage overlooking the casino and rang in the new year with about 6000 folks who were all charged up and eagerly looking forward to a great 2023! Everyone had a great time at the show, it was nice to see everyone after a couple of months off! I said my goodbyes and got/gave some New Years wishes and I made my way back to my room to wake my sleeping family at the Casino hotel to pack my bag and catch a car to the airport. I wouldn’t get much sleep, but that is ok with me because my family was headed to a vacation in Kauai, Hawaii for some sunshine and some time in the ocean!</p><p>I had been to Kauai before for a show with the band, but I had never been there for a leisure trip, I have to say having been to many of the Hawaiian Islands over the years, I think it may be my favorite. There’s such a laid back vibe there, it really makes you decompress and allows you to exhale for a minute with all of the chaos of life seemingly behind you (until you return home of course). We went snorkeling, horseback riding and enjoyed a fire show and daily extended visits to the beach! Coupled with our favorite Hawaiian plate lunches, some delicious trips for kaki gori, pineapple and all the treats and goodies that a Hawaiian vacation has to offer!</p><p>We returned home from Hawaii suntanned and a little jet lagged and as predicted real life was here waiting for us, I’m headed to NY in a few days to do some recording at Gregg Wattenberg’s studio with Goo Goo Dolls, we‘ve got a few dates around the US and Mexico over the next couple of months before a full tour of the UK and a North American tour with OAR this summer and more extended US touring to be announced later this month!</p><p>Hope all’s well with you all as 2023 begins to show it‘s path for us all, our Good Charamel Records label is releasing a new album on February 15th by Osaka’s legendary Shonen Knife in February called “Our Best Place” available on Good Caramel in North America and on P-Vine in Japan! Check it out, they are still making music to make you smile no we’re still so proud of being a part of bringing their magic to US audiences and sharing a small piece of Japan’s culture with North America! That’s it for me this month, I’m all out of space! But let’s catch up next time right here in the pages of In Rock! Have a great month and we’ll see you all so9n!</p><p>Peace,<br>Robby</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7156619
2023-02-18T16:44:46-05:00
2023-02-19T19:49:15-05:00
Behind The Setlist Podcast - John Rzeznik
<p><span style="color:rgb(63,68,71);">John Rzeznik is a co-founder of the rock band Goo Goo Dolls. He produced much of the band's 2022 album, </span><i>Chaos in Bloom </i><span style="color:rgb(63,68,71);">(Warner Bros). Rzeznik is best known as the voice behind a few big hits from the '90s: "Name" from 1995's </span><i>A Boy Named Goo</i><span style="color:rgb(63,68,71);"> and "Iris" from 1998's Dizzy </span><i>Up The Girl</i><span style="color:rgb(63,68,71);">. The band is hitting the road in the summer of 2023 with dates in Ireland and Great Britain and will cover the U.S. in the Big Night Out tour with O.A.R. and Fitz & the Tantrums.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://linktr.ee/btsl"><span style="color:rgb(63,68,71);">https://linktr.ee/btsl</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7155594
2023-02-17T00:46:46-05:00
2023-02-17T00:46:47-05:00
"Save Me From Myself" (Remix) - Lyric Video
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls released a brand new remix of “Save Me From Myself”. Check it out at the link below.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/uoxJA-9Q_Ao">https://youtu.be/uoxJA-9Q_Ao</a></p><p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7154621
2023-02-15T18:05:39-05:00
2023-02-15T18:06:11-05:00
How Long Gone Podcast - Ep. 456 feat. Goo Goo Dolls
<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock band with a massive catalog of hits through the years. We spoke with their singer John Rzeznik from his home in New Jersey. We chat about tea drinking, Eric Andre's life partner reveal, Skateboard P is pulling out the pin cushion, Rihanna's halftime recap, neurotic parenting, being an old dad, his workout plan, his sobriety journey, he only keeps one memento of his career up in the house, back in the day when you could bribe a few people, being on tour for the last 35 years, the iPad is a powerful bargaining chip, sync talk, and the power of sucking.</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://howlonggone.com/456-goo-goo-dolls?fbclid=IwAR1hGD8xKdGP5DSO6iSlFHSETOjXNvCLI8-KRucnNUmkEOmDYjIbvmBNVas&mibextid=l066kq"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">https://howlonggone.com/456-goo-goo-dolls?fbclid=IwAR1hGD8xKdGP5DSO6iSlFHSETOjXNvCLI8-KRucnNUmkEOmDYjIbvmBNVas&mibextid=l066kq</span></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7153443
2023-02-13T23:21:40-05:00
2023-02-13T23:21:40-05:00
Rolling Stone - Goo Goo Dolls Expand ‘Big Night Out’ Tour With Fitz and the Tantrums
<div class="article-excerpt larva // lrv-a-font-body-xl lrv-u-padding-b-075 u-letter-spacing-n006@mobile-max u-width-90p@tablet u-width-85p@desktop u-width-80p@desktop-xl" style="--font-family:var( --font-family-body );border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:var(--font-family);font-size:var(--body-xl-font-size-desktop-xl);font-style:var(--body-xl-font-style-desktop-xl);font-weight:var(--body-xl-font-weight-desktop-xl);letter-spacing:var(--body-xl-letter-spacing-desktop-xl);line-height:var(--body-xl-line-height-desktop-xl);padding-bottom:var(--spacing-075, 0.75rem);width:665.594px;"><i>Originally announced in December with 32 scheduled dates, the tour set to begin in July will now accommodate 13 additional dates</i></div><div class="article-excerpt larva // lrv-a-font-body-xl lrv-u-padding-b-075 u-letter-spacing-n006@mobile-max u-width-90p@tablet u-width-85p@desktop u-width-80p@desktop-xl" style="--font-family:var( --font-family-body );border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:var(--font-family);font-size:var(--body-xl-font-size-desktop-xl);font-style:var(--body-xl-font-style-desktop-xl);font-weight:var(--body-xl-font-weight-desktop-xl);letter-spacing:var(--body-xl-letter-spacing-desktop-xl);line-height:var(--body-xl-line-height-desktop-xl);padding-bottom:var(--spacing-075, 0.75rem);width:665.594px;"><strong>By Larisha Paul</strong></div><p>Goo Goo Dolls are keeping the party going all summer long on their expansive <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-plots-big-night-out-summer-tour-1234641635/"><u>Big Night Out tou</u></a>r. Originally announced in December with 32 scheduled dates, the stretch on the road set to begin in July will now accommodate 13 additional dates with special guests <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/fitz-and-the-tantrums/"><u>Fitz and the Tantrums</u></a>.</p><p>The newly added second leg will pick up on Sept. 12 in Eugene, Oregon. Goo Goo Dolls will make stops in Idaho Falls, Casper, Camdenton, Omaha, Decatur, Ashville, Portsmouth, Bangor, and more before wrapping on Sept. 30 in Gilford, New Hampshire.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/256585/952533/12730?subId1=RS--&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fgoo-goo-dolls-tickets%2Fperformer%2F330%3F&subId3=xid:fr1676347915965jge" target="_blank"><u>General sale</u></a> for the new dates begins Friday, Feb. 17, except for the Omaha, Nebraska show, which will receive a separate on-sale. Additional information and complete tour dates for Goo Goo Dolls shows supported by Fitz and the Tantrums, and O.A.R. can be found on the rock band’s <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/tour" target="_blank"><u>official website</u></a>.</p><p>The Big Night Out tour will support Goo Goo Dolls’ 2022 album <i>Chaos In Bloom</i>, which featured “Yeah, I Like You,” “You Are the Answer,” and “Going Crazy.” Fitz and the Tantrums join the tour, having recently released their latest album, <i>Let Yourself Free</i>, in November.</p><div class="a-article-grid__author lrv-u-margin-b-150" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:var(--spacing-150, 1.5rem);orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"><div class="author // lrv-u-font-size-16 lrv-u-font-family-body lrv-u-font-size-13@mobile-max" style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:var(--font-family-body, Arial, sans-serif);font-size:1rem;"><div class="author-single-inner // lrv-u-flex lrv-u-align-items-center " style="align-items:center;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;"><div class="author-content // lrv-u-flex@tablet lrv-u-width-100p lrv-u-justify-content-space-between " style="border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;width:832px;"><div class="author-content-inner // lrv-u-flex lrv-u-align-items-center lrv-a-glue-parent lrv-u-margin-b-025@mobile-max u-line-height-20 u-line-height-16@mobile-max " style="align-items:center;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;line-height:1.25rem;position:relative;">
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-big-night-out-tour-fitz-and-the-tantrums-1234677804/">https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/goo-goo-dolls-big-night-out-tour-fitz-and-the-tantrums-1234677804/</a></p>
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Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7151689
2023-02-10T00:40:46-05:00
2023-02-10T00:40:46-05:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey hey in rockers and welcome to a brand new year here in the lobby ! I've lost count of how many years we've been getting together here in the pages of the mighty InRock, but I'm always so thankful to be able to share a tiny bit of time with all of you bringing you my experiences as a lifelong Goo Goo Doll, a husband and Dad, an urban adventurer of sorts and all the other stuff that comes along with that journey. So, let's make a sprint towards another year on earth for us all and all the new adventures waiting out there ahead of us!</p><p>Goo Goo Dolls will be doing a big free show outside of Buffalo with a New Years Eve performance at a Casino outside the city in Niagara Falls, I'll share some of that with you next month but it’s sure to be a crazy night as we just did a show for over 10,000 people downtown in September! It's been such an amazing year looking back, our bands first real touring season in 3 years due to the pandemics restrictions, it sure was a strange time, I guess a there was a silver lining in a way as I got to spend a lot of time with my family, but it was definitely time to be back out there doing out thing and enjoying sharing songs with all of you.</p><p>I've been home from GGDS Fall US tour since late November and have spent a lot of time just reconnecting here in Buffalo, doing some normal everyday stuff I've been away from during the last 8 months of rehearsals and shows, like bringing my daughter to lessons and play dates, going to her band concerts and parent council meetings, spending some time with her grandma and grandpa, shopping and getting our little world ready for the Xmas holidays.... you know the things that make life awesome! The family is going on a little vacation in January, I'll make sure to share some of our tropical adventures with you all next month as well!</p><p>I was sitting in a restaurant a few months back I was having breakfast and heard a great indie rock sounding song by an artist I didn't recognize, I Shazammed the track and discovered it was an artists named Quinton Brock. While at the my studio one day I was chatting with Jay Zubricki, who is one of our studio engineers, and brought up the song I had heard at breakfast and It turned out Jay knew Quinton from a Hip Hop act he had been involved with a few years back. So we reached out to Quinton in NYC and a few weeks later we were in the studio in Buffalo making music together with Jay and I producing a great new track for him. Quinton's really been on the move lately doing some songs with members of Gym Class Heroes and touring with breakthrough artist Anees. Keep an eye out for him, he's got some great vibes. I've included a pic from the session and I can’t wait to share the track with you!</p><p>OK, that's about all the space I have for this month, I wish a great 2023 to all of my friends at In Rock and all of you out there who have shared time with us here over all these years, we will see you next month with some more updates from the mountains and valleys of RobbyLand, hope all your dreams come true for this year,<br> </p><p>Peace!<br>Robby</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7151625
2023-02-09T21:23:45-05:00
2023-02-09T21:23:46-05:00
Orlando Sentinel - Goo Goo Dolls stay on the go, set for Universal Mardi Gras gig
<p><strong>By </strong><span style="color:rgb(29,34,40);"><strong>Dewayne Bevil</strong></span></p><div class="caas-body" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(29, 34, 40);font-family:"YahooSans VF", "Yahoo Sans", YahooSans, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding-right:69.6875px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls keep on going. And they’re coming to Orlando again, this time as <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-et-theme-park-radar-universal-mardi-gras-seaworld-pipeline-testing-20230208-oxlagdxairb7bmmd2cuddx56fu-story.html" target="_blank">part of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration</a>. The group, which sports hits such as “Iris,” “Slide” and “Name,” will be on stage Saturday night at the theme park.</p>
<p>“We have a bunch of songs that people are attached to and want to hear. So it’s a constant wrestling match between not bringing this same show places and not alienating the folks that came out to hear the hits,” Robby Takac, bass player and vocalist for the group, said from his home in Buffalo, New York.</p>
<p>At Universal, “we’re playing all the songs people expect, or at least most of them, that people would be excited to hear, you know, the general public,” Takac said. “There’s definitely some fan stuff and some newer stuff thrown in there as well. So, it’s a good show.”</p>
<p>After the pandemic canceled a tour twice, the band, which features John Rzeznik as its frontman, got back in front of audiences last year and is set for a tour that hits Ireland and the U.K. plus 30 sites in the U.S. this year.</p>
<p>“John keeps writing great songs, and we keep filling up places, so, it’s awesome,” Takac said.</p>
<p>“After taking a couple years off, which we had never done since we were kids, really, it was super-exciting and refreshing for us get back again,” he said. “People were engaged and really excited to be back out, you know, partaking of music again.”</p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls put out two records during the pandemic, one with holiday music (“It’s Christmas All Over”) and another produced under unusual circumstances, at least by pre-pandemic standards.</p>
<p>“We went up to Woodstock, New York, and to a place called Dreamland Studios and recorded the ‘Chaos in Bloom’ record, which was just us and a couple of engineers because you weren’t allowed to see anyone,” Takac said.</p>
<p>The band, which formed in 1986, has seen many changes in the industry during its run.</p>
<p>“I went to school to be a DJ, you know, that’s what I wanted to do. … I’m kind of glad I didn’t do that, quite honestly, watching what’s kind of happened to that career over the years,” Takac said.</p>
<p>“Our heroes when our band started were selling 100,000 records and calling it a successful career,” he said. “We were pretty much not in the mainstream of what was going on, and somewhere along the way, stuff just sort of lined up and what we were doing at the time — or what we had grown into doing 15 years after the band started — sort of grew into what the mainstream was listening to. It gave us a pretty awesome run.”</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls performance is included with regular admission to Universal Studios theme park. It follows the Mardi Gras parade, which begins at 7:45 p.m. Saturday.</p>
<p><i>Email me at </i><a class="no-pjax" href="mailto:dbevil@orlandosentinel.com"><i>dbevil@orlandosentinel.com</i></a><i>. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at </i><a class="no-pjax" href="http://membership.orlandosentinel.com/newsletters" target="_blank"><i>orlandosentinel.com/newsletters</i></a><i> or the Theme Park Rangers podcast at </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-podcast/" target="_blank"><i>orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-podcast</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://news.yahoo.com/goo-goo-dolls-stay-set-120200399.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADBCHO0twsRmx5jiupRinjeer9XCQeT0XLPHBOd8mhXJyN4lsEDCurDBQ_zZ36d-qq7JMb6gtLcMfkNv10EdNR3VQDnRxlIpNOcHEU8TRNAwTLCQiKiwFdNqAY0aPNQbcw_UmgiShPvM3Iff3WshKH4xEPlss2YoeSCGh2oom8YQ"><i>https://news.yahoo.com/goo-goo-dolls-stay-set-120200399.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADBCHO0twsRmx5jiupRinjeer9XCQeT0XLPHBOd8mhXJyN4lsEDCurDBQ_zZ36d-qq7JMb6gtLcMfkNv10EdNR3VQDnRxlIpNOcHEU8TRNAwTLCQiKiwFdNqAY0aPNQbcw_UmgiShPvM3Iff3WshKH4xEPlss2YoeSCGh2oom8YQ</i></a></p>
</div>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7141219
2023-01-21T18:02:00-05:00
2023-01-21T18:07:50-05:00
Universal: Mardi Gras concerts include Patti LaBelle, Goo Goo Dolls, Sean Paul, JVKE
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/8dfa207796d60ff4056e6f804a032f99e6f08fb3/original/fmrkeamwyaanpo1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />By Dewayne Bevil </p>
<p>Orlando Sentinel </p>
<p>Jan 17, 2023 at 2:21 pm </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Universal's Mardi Gras celebration will run from Feb. 4 through April 16. </p>
<p>Universal Orlando has announced eight concerts in conjunction with its Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios theme park, starting with Patti LaBelle on Feb. 4, opening night. </p>
<p>The event, which runs nightly through April 16, features concerts at Music Plaza Stage on select nights, a parade (with the usual bead tossing) and cuisine. The parade’s theme will be “mythical realms of Mardi Gras,” according to a Universal news release. The park’s Tribute Store theme will be tied to scenes from an international jazz celebration in New Orleans-inspired settings.</p>
<p>The park’s concert lineup, subject to change, includes:</p>
<p>Feb. 4: Patti LaBelle <br>Feb. 10: JVKE <br>Feb. 11: Goo Goo Dolls <br>Feb. 18: Maren Morris <br>Feb. 19: Willow <br>Feb. 25: 3 Doors Down <br>March 4: Sean Paul <br>March 5: Lauren Daigle</p>
<p>Last year, Universal’s Mardi Gras event had 15 concerts. There are no repeat acts from 2022 in the ‘23 lineup.</p>
<p>Universal also announced that Universal CityWalk’s Red Coconut Club will again be adjusted for seasonal purposes, this time morphing into Cursed Coconut Club. The company did not share dates and details for that. The space, which closed down in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, recently has been used as a Halloween and Christmas-themed establishment.</p>
<p>Elsewhere at CityWalk, Pat O’Brien’s will throw a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. that includes live entertainment and food and drink options, as well as a Fat Tuesday celebration from 4 p.m.-12 a.m. on Feb. 21 featuring dueling pianos and more.</p>
<p>Universal Studios’ food menu for the event will center on global Carnaval celebrations, featuring beignets, a mofongo flight, crawfish boil, shrimp ceviche tostada and Indonesian black coconut rice pudding. There also will be limited Mardi Gras dishes available at Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park.</p>
<p>The resort also announced a Florida-resident ticket deal that adds two days onto the usual two-park, two-day ticket. They are valid for use through June 29, and there are a few block-out dates. For prices, which vary with dates, and information, go to universalorlando.com. The offer is available online and not at the front gate of the attractions.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/universal-orlando/os-et-universal-mardi-gras-concerts-2023-orlando-labelle-sean-paul-parade-20230117-wt7mp3v6xbb73a6xvq3rvlujfq-story.html">https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/universal-orlando/os-et-universal-mardi-gras-concerts-2023-orlando-labelle-sean-paul-parade-20230117-wt7mp3v6xbb73a6xvq3rvlujfq-story.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7137265
2023-01-12T20:10:31-05:00
2023-01-12T20:10:31-05:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hey Hey, my fellow In Rockers and thanks for stopping by for our monthly meet up here in the pages of The Mighty In Rock! I’m back here in Buffalo, NY as I’ve just finished up nearly 70 shows across North America with my band supporting the Goo Goo Dolls new album “Chaos in Bloom”. It was a long trip after a very strange time through the covid lockdowns, but as we now ready for another short break for the holidays I’m reminded of how lucky we are to be able to share this experience night after night with people around the world, and what an amazing life it's afforded me! </p>
<p>The last month of the tour was in old theatres mostly built in the early 1900s, many of these building were constructed as movie houses and vaudeville theatres at the turn of the century and have been maintained by organizations put together for the purpose of preserving these beautiful historic buildings such as The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee (built in the late 1800s), WI. A few of the venues were newer performing arts centers built for classical and more “cultured” performances such as The Buddy Holly Performing Arts Center in Lubbock, Texas, and famous venues such as the newly built Austin City Limits Live in Austin Texas. The support band on the tour was a band called Whitehall from Brooklyn, NY, a pretty cool band, super chill guys, and great indie music vibe, if you get a second, they’re definitely worth checking out! </p>
<p>It will be great to be home for a while, after being away since June of 2021 I’ve got plenty to catch up on back here at home, but I will surely miss these shows before we get back on the tour schedule again beginning in the Spring of next year. It was the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the US when I arrived home, so our extended family gathered for the day and enjoyed the holiday together. The Holidays are such a special time and once again, after such a strange social experiment as the last couple of years of social isolation, the holidays were more appreciated than ever around our home. </p>
<p>So, we put up the Christmas Tree in our living room yesterday, put out the light up Santa and decorated the tree and house for the holiday season looking forward to sharing some more winter memories in our home together. This New Year’s Eve Goo Goo Dolls will be doing a free show in Niagara Falls, NY to ring in the 2023, celebrating with some folks from our hometown, I think it’s going to be a crazy fun evening and a very special night for everyone involved as we ring in the new year and all of the endless possibilities that come with it! </p>
<p>I probably won’t speak to you all again here in the pages of In Rock until the New Year, so I hope you all enjoy the holidays, spend some time with friends and family, and have a great New Year! We’ll be announcing all sorts of new things for the band coming up in 2023, so please keep visiting and I appreciate you all spending some time here in The Lobby! I look forward to sharing some more adventures with you all and continuing this journey we’ve been on for all of these years together! </p>
<p>Peace and Happiness …. </p>
<p>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7131557
2023-01-02T14:26:06-05:00
2023-01-02T14:26:06-05:00
iHeart Radio - John Rzeznik Of The Goo Goo Dolls Talks About The Meaning Behind Their New Album 'Chaos in Bloom'
<p>iHeart Radio caught up with John before his acoustic show - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/25cgxv_Zf4E">https://youtu.be/25cgxv_Zf4E</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7126574
2022-12-21T16:27:13-05:00
2022-12-21T16:27:13-05:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to the The Lobby, a monthly chance for us to catch up over the years in the pages of the mighty In Rock since, well, I’ve kind of lost track of how long we’ve been doing this honestly, but rest assured it’s been a super, super long time! My band Goo Goo Dolls have just finished 45 + rock shows across North America concluding in a huge hometown concert in Buffalo, NY, more on that in a bit …. </p>
<p>The last few months have been a jam-packed summer for us after a long break from touring over the Covid / Isolation situation! When we first began doing shows after the “re-opening” of public events there was a noticeable disconnect as the crowds still seemed a little unsure of the gatherings they had been away from for so long. But this summer felt right, after rescheduling the entire summer tour twice, I know everyone was feeling blessed to experience the power and comradery of music and were beyond appreciative to again have the ability to share that experience together. </p>
<p>The tour took us through legendary venues like Red Rocks in Colorado, Jones Beach outside of NYC, The Greek Theater in Los Angeles and so many more as we wound our way around the country playing 5-6 shows a week. The tour began in early July after a month and a half of rehearsals that were plagued with occasional cases of Covid and the challenges of launching a new project during these uncertain times. We were very careful about keeping the amount of potential exposure for the band and crew down during the tour and I am pleased to say we were fortunate enough to make it through the entire 3-month tour without having to isolate or replace any of the touring staff. </p>
<p>The final show was last Saturday night at the largest indoor venue in the city of Buffalo, Key Bank Center, where the Buffalo Sabres NHL hockey team play their home games, and I believe we were the hometown rock band that night as we returned to Buffalo to celebrate the evening with the town that had supported us since we were a scrappy young punk band trying to get anyone we could to pay attention to us. It truly was a magical night, almost 12,000 people packed into the arena, and we got to perform a show we had months to perfect for the largest crowd of the summer! As a special treat, the local County Executive proclaimed the day Goo Goo Dolls Day in Western New York before the show, all of our families and friends were able to experience the proclamation and after taking photos with about 200 people in the “meet and greet” before the show it was time to put on our show clothes and make some noise! </p>
<p>The show was all we had hoped it would be, a huge singalong for 100 minutes as we stormed through the set and absorbed the energy from the crowd! We performed our biggest song Iris with our new friend Ryan from Blue October (who are a Texas based band that opened the entire summer tour) on violin to make the night’s performance even more special. Our thanks to Blue October, the crews, fans, promoters, and everyone who made the summer tour such a great success. We have a couple of weeks off before returning to the road to do 4 weeks of theater shows in the US before a little break over the holidays! </p>
<p>OK that's it for now! Have a great Fall as the temperatures begin to cool and I hope to be back to Japan soon as traveling restrictions and the entry for foreigners to Japan is beginning to ease, I don’t think I’ve been away for this long since meeting my wife Miyoko 25 years ago, I surely believe I’m ready for some Japan time! We’ll see you next month as we take a moment to catch up here in The Lobby …. All the best! </p>
<p>Peace! </p>
<p>Robby</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7124554
2022-12-17T21:20:48-05:00
2022-12-17T21:20:48-05:00
CBS Los Angeles - John Rzeznik interview with Suzanne Marques
<p><strong>John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls sits down with Suzanne Marques.</strong></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/XB_if-sPhoQ"><strong>https://youtu.be/XB_if-sPhoQ</strong></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7123615
2022-12-15T16:58:15-05:00
2022-12-15T16:58:15-05:00
Original Rock.net - Goo Goo Dolls Confirm UK/IE Tour for June 2023
<p>Goo Goo Dolls are delighted to confirm their first visit to the UK/IE since February 2020. The tour kicks off in Dublin on June 13th 2023 and includes a show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on February 28th. Tickets go on General Sale: Friday 16th December HERE. </p>
<p>Singer John Rzeznik said <em>“Hello everyone, we are excited to be heading back to the UK and Ireland for the first time in over 3 years! Robby and I can’t wait to see all your faces again!”</em></p>
<p><strong>Dates are: </strong></p>
<p><br>2023 <br>Tues-Jun-13 Dublin, Vicar St <br>Thur-Jun-15 Birmingham, O2 Institute <br>Fri-Jun-16 Bristol, O2 Academy <br>Sat-Jun-17 Bournemouth O2 Academy <br>Mon-Jun-19 Nottingham, Rock City <br>Tues-Jun-20 Glasgow, O2 Academy <br>Thu-Jun-22 Sheffield, O2 Academy <br>Fri-Jun-23 Manchester, Academy 1 <br>Sat-Jun-24 London, O2 Academy Brixton </p>
<p>With more than 30 years together as a band and over 12 million albums sold, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls released their 13th studio album Chaos In Bloom earlier this year. As the first record of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, Chaos in Bloom found the band continuing to evolve artistically as they have over the last four decades together. It’s an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp song-writing that’s led them to become one of the most influential alternative rock outfits of all time. Listen to the album HERE and check out the videos Yeah, I Like You” and “You Are The Answer”. </p>
<p>This year also saw their indelible smash hit “Iris” officially eclipse 1 billion streams on Spotify as well as being the BBC’s most streamed song from 1998.</p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls recently finished a mammoth 70-date tour of the U.S. and have just announced another outing for next summer. They partnered with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation for the tour, a non-profit founded in 2002 by Ali and Joe Torre to provide healing and education services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence including domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating abuse, and sexual assault to help break the cycle of violence. You can catch a solo acoustic performance from John Rzeznik from the iHeartRadio Theatre stage in Los Angeles on December 13th. The show will stream at 7pm PT/10pmET/3amGMT on YouTube.com/iHeartRadio.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://originalrock.net/2022/12/12/goo-goo-dolls-confirm-uk-ie-tour-for-june-2023/">https://originalrock.net/2022/12/12/goo-goo-dolls-confirm-uk-ie-tour-for-june-2023/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7123015
2022-12-14T18:11:10-05:00
2022-12-14T18:32:48-05:00
Episode 8: Gusto Sessions with Jeff Miers featuring Robby Takac
<p>Episode 8: 'Home for the Holidays' special with Robby Takac</p>
<p>Freshly returned from a successful tour with the Goo Goo Dolls in support of their new album “Chaos in Bloom,” Robby Takac reminisces with Jeff Miers about the holiday music he loved in his youth, waxes rhapsodic about newer additions to the canon of holiday music, and even mentions a seasonal movie near and dear to his heart. </p>
<p>Songs performed: </p>
<p>"Christmas Time is Here," Harry Graser. <br>"River," Cami Clune accompanied by Rod Bonner. <br>"Happy Xmas (War is Over)," Grabbitz accompanied by Rod Bonner. <br>"Christmas Don't be Late," Robby Takac accompanied by Kevin Urso. <br>"O Holy Night," Richie English.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://omny.fm/shows/gusto-sessions-jeff-miers/home-for-the-holidays-edition?in_playlist=podcast">https://omny.fm/shows/gusto-sessions-jeff-miers/home-for-the-holidays-edition?in_playlist=podcast</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/b89853c9ec323a89cf977108714278a694950eb2/original/63938b5ec5842-image.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7120122
2022-12-08T19:44:44-05:00
2022-12-09T04:39:32-05:00
Consequence of Sound - Goo Goo Dolls Announce Summer 2023 Tour with O.A.R.
<p><strong>In support of Goo Goo Dolls' latest album, Chaos in Bloom</strong></p>
<p><em>By Eddie Fu</em></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have mapped out a Summer 2023 tour across North America in support of the band’s latest album, Chaos in Bloom, with fellow alt-rock veterans O.A.R. </p>
<p>“The Big Night Out Tour” begins in Tampa, Florida on July 24th and includes stops in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and more before wrapping in Highland, California on September 7th. See the full schedule below. </p>
<p>A Live Nation pre-sale kicks off on Wednesday, December 7th (use code CHEER) at 10:00 a.m. local time. After that, general on-sale tickets will be available via Ticketmaster starting on Friday, December 9th.</p>
<p>“I’m so proud to finally be able to announce our summer tour with a great band and our friends O.A.R. It’s going to be an amazing night of great music for everyone so BE THERE!!!” said Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik in a statement on Monday (December 5th). </p>
<p>O.A.R. frontman Marc Roberge added, “After working on separate albums in the same studio all last year, John and I realized pretty quickly how much fun we’d have on tour together. We’re all band guys, love being musicians, and started planning a special night that all our fans would enjoy.” </p>
<p>Today, Rzeznik also curated an exclusive playlist for Consequence‘s 15th anniversary; check it out here.</p>
<p>Back in August, Rzeznik sat down with Kyle Meredith to discuss Chaos in Bloom, TikTok culture, and returning to their ’90s sound. The band’s signature hit, “Iris,” passed a whopping one billion streams on Spotify earlier this year. Meanwhile, O.A.R.’s last album was July’s The Arcade. </p>
<p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls 2023 Tour Dates: </strong><br>07/24 – Tampa, FL @ Coachman Park <br>07/26 – Boca Raton, FL @ Mizner Park Amphitheater <br>07/27 – Saint Augustine, FL @ The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre <br>07/29 – Albertville, AL @ Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater <br>07/30 – Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park <br>08/01 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park <br>08/02 – Greensboro, NC @ White Oak Amphitheatre <br>08/04 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion <br>08/05 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater <br>08/06 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts at The Pavilion <br>08/08 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ SPAC <br>08/09 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest <br>08/11 – Atlantic City, NJ @ The Borgata <br>08/12 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center <br>08/13 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater <br>08/15 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion <br>08/16 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater <br>08/18 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion <br>08/19 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill <br>08/20 – Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center <br>08/22 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island <br>08/23 – Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park <br>08/25 – Franklin, TN @ First Bank Amphitheater <br>08/26 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park <br>08/27 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre <br>08/30 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre <br>08/31 – Sandy, UT @ Sandy Amphitheater <br>09/02 – Seattle, WA @ TBD <br>09/03 – Seattle, WA @ TBD <br>09/04 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater <br>09/06 – Irvine, CA @ Five Point Amphitheatre <br>09/07 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Theater * </p>
<p>* = without O.A.R.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://consequence.net/2022/12/goo-goo-dolls-2023-tour-dates/">https://consequence.net/2022/12/goo-goo-dolls-2023-tour-dates/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7114236
2022-11-30T19:37:18-05:00
2022-11-30T19:37:19-05:00
American Top 40 - Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik To Perform Intimate Show For Fans: How To Watch
<p><strong>By Taylor Fields</strong></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik is performing during a special concert for fans on December 13th, and fans from all across the country will be able to tune in and watch iHeartRadio LIVE with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>Chaos In Bloom is Goo Goo Dolls' 13th full-length album following 2020's holiday release It's Christmas All Over and 2019's Miracle Pill. The band's new project features 10 new songs, including singles "Yeah, I Like You," "You Are The Answer" and "Going Crazy." In a statement, Rzeznik explained of the new music, "Chaos in Bloom reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together. Where we've been, and where we're going."</p>
<p>During his iHeartRadio LIVE show, Rzeznik will be performing some of Goo Goo Dolls new music live, in addition to fan favorites, as well as talk about the album and more during a special Q&A hosted by Ellen K. </p>
<p><strong>How to Watch </strong></p>
<p>Fans can listen and tune in free for a stream of the exclusive iHeartRadio LIVE with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls on Tuesday, December 13th at 10pm ET/7pm PT via iHeartRadio's YouTube channel. The show will also be broadcast via iHeartRadio's Today's Mix and Coffee Shop Radio stations. </p>
<p>Get pumped for the exclusive iHeartRadio LIVE with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls by listening to some of Goo Goo Dolls' Chaos In Bloom songs below.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.americantop40.com/alternate/amp/2022-11-22-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-to-perform-intimate-show-for-fans-how-to-watch/">https://www.americantop40.com/alternate/amp/2022-11-22-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-to-perform-intimate-show-for-fans-how-to-watch/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7106716
2022-11-20T12:30:12-05:00
2022-11-30T19:34:25-05:00
KTXT: Concert Recap: Goo Goo Dolls Bring “Chaos in Bloom” to Jam-Packed Buddy Holly Hall
<p><strong>by Andrew Watters </strong></p>
<p>Every time I see a band with a career like the Goo Goo Dolls have had, I walk in worried. </p>
<p>Breaking into the mainstream in the mid to late 90s with hits like Name, Slide, and of course, Iris, Goo Goo Dolls have continued to put out a steady stream of music but continue to be defined by those hits. I’ve seen way too many bands from that era that have done awful jobs of letting you know that yes, they had a big hit, but they also have other music. Those types of shows where you know everyone is just there for one or two songs and it’s painfully obvious, that’s what I was worried about as I walked into Buddy Holly Hall on Wednesday night. Luckily, the band excelled and erased any of my doubts across their career-spanning 90-minute set. </p>
<p>For starters, it helps that most all of their new studio output is actually good. The band opened the show with Yeah, I Like You, the lead single and opening track to the new album Chaos in Bloom. It’s a super fun upbeat pop-rock song and I think it kicked off the show well. Later in the set, the band also played War and Going Crazy from the new album which were also fantastic live and didn’t draw away from the energy like new songs usually do. </p>
<p>However, what really impressed me was how much fun lead singer and co-founder John Rzeznik was on stage. Whether it was his banter, his energy, or how he seemed unable to stay still, he was a super fun frontman to watch. At one point early in the band’s set, Rzeznik walked on stage saying, “What’s going on in the world, let’s check the paper,” revealing a copy of the Avalanche-Journal with Rzeznik on the front page. He thanked the crowd and thanked the paper but not before fans in the front row tried to grab it from him to which Rzeznik asked, “Are you from Lubbock?” The first reaching fan said no so he asked the second who told him yes. “Well then go buy the f*cking paper,” he told her. </p>
<p>Bassist and other co-founder Robby Takac was equally as fun to watch on stage. Banging his head so hard that it sort of hurt me, running back and forth all across the stage, and consistently hitting a pose where he would yell/smile and pump his fist in the air. Takac also sang a few songs across the evening, the biggest highlights being Lucky Star and Bringing on the Light. Bringing on the Light started off slow and piano-led before an explosion of drums, guitar, and lights strobing in different colors in every direction. </p>
<p>And while I know I made it a point to say that Goo Goo Dolls played good new material, the band still has a ton of hits and all of those songs were also great live. Slide was thrown in second and the collective scream that was let out when the acoustic guitar intro started is unlike anything I had ever heard in Buddy Holly Hall before. It was the first of many huge sing-alongs across the night. There were also great ones for So Alive, Better Days, Sympathy, and Broadway, which closed the main set. Broadway actually caught me by surprise with how great it was live, I think it’s mainly because it only benefits from being in the live setting. The drums hit a little harder, the guitars are a little louder and a bit more distorted, just little things that change the song for the better. Sympathy was also incredible live with Rzeznik performing the song solo and acoustic. It’s always been one of my favorite songs in the band’s catalog so getting to hear it live was great. </p>
<p>The band closed their set with a two-song encore playing Name and of course, Iris. I’ve always loved the slow build of Name and it was even better in the live context. Finally, Iris led one of the loudest sing-alongs I’ve ever heard at a show in my life, it’s right up there with Hey Jude and Enter Sandman. When Dyan (our incredible music director) and I got to interview Robby, he said that the song has always been a monolith and a song that they can play anywhere and get a huge response to it. Using it to close out the night at Buddy Holly Hall was just more proof of that and I don’t know if they could’ve ended the show any better. </p>
<p>As someone who went in as a mild fan of the band, I left with a much bigger appreciation for them and recognized way more songs than I thought I would. Songs like So Alive and Black Balloon were songs I knew but just never associated with the band. Whether you’re someone who grew up obsessed with Dizzy Up the Girl or someone who just knows the hits, I don’t think it’ll be hard to have a great time at a Goo Goo Dolls show. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls 14th studio album, Chaos in Bloom, is available wherever you purchase or stream music. Rzeznik also doesn’t care if you pirate it saying on stage, “We don’t care, musicians don’t make money off of music anymore.” The second leg of the band’s Chaos in Bloom Tour wraps up tonight in El Paso. Also, Dyan and I got to interview Robby Takac which was absolutely amazing. Our conversation with him is linked down below:</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ktxtfm.org/raider/2022/11/goo-goo-dolls-recap/">https://www.ktxtfm.org/raider/2022/11/goo-goo-dolls-recap/</a><br> </p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7104800
2022-11-17T19:23:21-05:00
2022-11-20T12:28:52-05:00
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - The Goo Goo Dolls perform in Lubbock, here are the photos
<p>Check out this great photo gallery from the Goo Goo Dolls show in Lubbock, TX. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lubbockonline.com/picture-gallery/news/2022/11/17/goo-goo-dolls-perform-lubbock-here-photos/10717637002/">https://www.lubbockonline.com/picture-gallery/news/2022/11/17/goo-goo-dolls-perform-lubbock-here-photos/10717637002/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7104071
2022-11-16T23:31:22-05:00
2022-11-16T23:31:22-05:00
Albuquerque Journal - After decades, the Goo Goo Dolls remain a premiere act
<p><strong>By Carl Knauf</strong></p>
<p>For decades, the Goo Goo Dolls have remained a premiere rock act. </p>
<p>The band is once again making Albuquerque a tour stop in support of its 14th studio album, “Chaos In Bloom.” The show is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18, at Kiva Auditorium. </p>
<p>Lead singer and guitarist John Rzeznik said about Albuquerque, “It’s such a unique sort of culture compared to other places in the country; it’s got a very strong identity of its own, and it’s nice to absorb that for the time we’re there.” </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls entered the rock scene in 1987 and found mainstream success in 1995 after releasing “A Boy Named Goo,” powered by the single “Name.” </p>
<p>In 1998, “Dizzy Up The Girl” brought even more success. The quadruple-platinum album featured the band’s hits “Iris” and “Slide.” </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls were the only artist to land three tracks on Billboard’s “Top 100 Pop Songs 1992-2012” chart. “Name” was listed at No. 24, “Slide” came in at No. 9 and “Iris” was ranked the top overall song on the chart. The song recently eclipsed over a billion streams on Spotify. </p>
<p>Rzeznik admitted that when he hears the Goo Goo Dolls’ songs now on the radio, he’s inclined to switch the station. </p>
<p>“I’m always kind of like, all right, thank you, I’m grateful for this, and then I turn it off because it makes me really self-conscious,” he said. </p>
<p>The band’s popularity can be attributed to expert songwriting and welcoming lyrics. Not only do fans enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls’ sound, they embrace and find comfort in the words that both Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac sing. “Chaos In Bloom” continues that seamless trend. </p>
<p>For the first time, Rzeznik produced the band’s full album, and the collection reminds listeners of the evolution of the Goo Goo Dolls to remain relevant in the music world. Both Rzeznik and Takac offer songs about relationships, society, status, perspective, mental outlook and hope, wrapped within infectious rhythms.</p>
<p>Rzeznik said the overall theme of “Chaos In Bloom” was anxiety, and that the band pushed the boundaries with certain songs, challenging the modern industry norm with satire and tension. </p>
<p>“The last few years have been pretty chaotic and crazy,” he said. “Everything becoming hyper-politicized and civility being thrown out the window, and a lot of civil unrest in the streets.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik referenced a point where the band walked out of the recording studio during the middle of a protest march, saying “it was very impactful to feel what was going on.” </p>
<p>“These are really interesting times,” he added. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls capture the essence of time within their songs, no matter the era, which makes them, well, timeless. Selling 15 million records worldwide, holding the all-time radio record for most top 10 singles, and constantly building a loyal fanbase proves such to be true. </p>
<p>“I just want to make sure I give it all away, as much as possible,” Rzeznik said about being a songwriter and entertainer. “I enjoy when people enjoy themselves; it makes me happy to move an audience.”</p>
<p><em>Goo Goo Dolls <br>With Whitehall </em></p>
<p>WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 </p>
<p>WHERE: Kiva Auditorium, 401 Second St. NW </p>
<p>HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $39, plus fees, at ticketmaster.com</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.abqjournal.com/2550342/after-decades-the-goo-goo-dolls-remain-a-premiere-act.html">https://www.abqjournal.com/2550342/after-decades-the-goo-goo-dolls-remain-a-premiere-act.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7103858
2022-11-16T17:12:34-05:00
2022-11-16T17:12:34-05:00
Austin American Statesman - We just want you to see these photos of Goo Goo Dolls at Austin's ACL Live
<p>Check out this great photo gallery from the Goo Goo Dolls show in Austin. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2022/11/16/goo-goo-dolls-austin-tx-see-photos-their-acl-live-show-nov-14/10712280002/">https://www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2022/11/16/goo-goo-dolls-austin-tx-see-photos-their-acl-live-show-nov-14/10712280002/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7103857
2022-11-16T17:05:14-05:00
2022-11-16T17:05:14-05:00
San Antonio Current - Photo Gallery: Goo Goo Dolls brought the hits and the memories to San Antonio's Tobin Center
<p>Goo Goo Dolls, the rock act that blossomed into a staple of '90s and '00s radio, brought its most recent tour to San Antonio's Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday. </p>
<p>Here's everything we saw as the band kept the crowd entertained with favorites including "Name," "Slide," "Broadway" and "Iris." Whitehall opened the show.</p>
<p>Click the link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-brought-the-hits-and-the-memories-to-san-antonios-tobin-center/Slideshow/30346956/30346961">https://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-brought-the-hits-and-the-memories-to-san-antonios-tobin-center/Slideshow/30346956/30346961</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7103224
2022-11-15T21:52:33-05:00
2022-11-15T21:52:33-05:00
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - Goo Goo Dolls set to blend new, old hits in 'Chaos in Bloom' tour stop in Lubbock
<p><strong>By Stephen Garcia</strong></p>
<p>John Rzeznik was tired of sitting around the house, wondering if he'd ever get to tour again. </p>
<p>Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began altering the world and shutting down large events, the Goo Goo Dolls frontman still feels grateful to be past those dark times. </p>
<p>Rzeznik will get another opportunity to do what he loves when Goo Goo Dolls take the stage Wednesday at Buddy Holly Hall. </p>
<p>"We had to postpone the tour one year and then the next year," Rzeznik said in a recent interview with the Avalanche-Journal. " So we hadn't done a tour since 2019. It's like there's an energy out there. People are just so excited to be out of their houses and in groups with other people. There's just something about a gathering of people listening to live music. It just transcends any differences that people have." </p>
<p>Rzeznik and Robby Takac formed Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1986 and have since sold 15 million records worldwide. The Grammy-Award-nominated group has played Lubbock before, Rzeznik said, and he added he might stop by to see the Buddy Holly statue. </p>
<p>"My dad was really into (Buddy Holly)," Rzeznik said, "so he would listen to that."</p>
<p>This year's rendition is part of the tour for Goo Goo Dolls' latest album, "Chaos in Bloom." Released in August, the group's 14th studio album "reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together," Rzeznik said in a release. </p>
<p>He said fans seem to be responding well to songs off "Chaos in Bloom," which he added is "gratifying" for a band that's been together for more than 30 years.</p>
<p>"We've been a band for so long," Rzeznik said. "Sometimes people get caught in a nostalgia trip and they don't really want to accept any of the new material that you're doing. But we've been very lucky with that. We have an awesome audience." </p>
<p>That's not to say the all-time hits will be skipped in Lubbock. </p>
<p>"You've got to play all your hits, because that's an amazing thing," Rzeznik said. "That's an amazing problem to have is a bunch of song that people know. So you do those, and then we've been trying to rotate a couple of older songs here and there."</p>
<p>That, of course, includes "Iris," which was No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 18 consecutive weeks, according to the release announcing the band's Lubbock stop. </p>
<p>It's hard to guess how many times Rzeznik has played the '90s classic, but he said it doesn't get old. </p>
<p>"My goodness, a few thousand probably. A couple thousand times maybe," Rzeznik said. "I don't know. I'll have to sit down and do some rough math and figure it out. But I never get sick of it. I truly do not get sick of it."</p>
<p><strong>If you go </strong></p>
<p>Who: Goo Goo Dolls, with special guest Whitehall </p>
<p>What: "Chaos in Bloom" tour </p>
<p>Where: Buddy Holly Hall </p>
<p>When: Show set for 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. </p>
<p>Tickets: For tickets and more information, visit buddyhollyhall.com/event/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-tour.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/11/15/goo-goo-dolls-lubbock-concert-chaos-in-bloom-tour-buddy-holly-hall/69647103007/">https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/11/15/goo-goo-dolls-lubbock-concert-chaos-in-bloom-tour-buddy-holly-hall/69647103007/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7103214
2022-11-15T21:41:46-05:00
2022-11-15T21:41:46-05:00
KLAQ - AUDIO: Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls Chats With Buzz & The Crew
<p>John checked in with KLAQ's Buzz and The Crew. Give a listen here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://klaq.com/audio-johnny-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls-chats-with-buzz-the-crew/">https://klaq.com/audio-johnny-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls-chats-with-buzz-the-crew/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7100729
2022-11-11T22:37:53-05:00
2022-11-11T22:37:53-05:00
El Paso Inc. - Fan favorite Goo Goo Dolls return to El Paso
<p><strong>By Vincent Arrieta</strong></p>
<p>Being from Buffalo, Goo Goo Dolls’ frontman John Rzeznik is naturally passionate about chicken wings. </p>
<p>“Duffs,” Rzeznik said confidently when asked which bar has the mightiest wings in Western New York. </p>
<p>But.</p>
<p>“You can’t just ask ‘Duffs or Anchor Bar’ because if you really want to go deep on the chicken wing issue – there’s a place called the Lenox, which is unbelievable,” he continued. “There’s a place called La Nova that they do ‘char-beque’ wings, which are barbecue wings charbroiled; unbelievable. Then there’s Imperial Pizza, their wings are incredible too.” </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls – singer/guitarist Rzeznik and bassist/singer Robby Takac – are scheduled to perform in El Paso for the first time in six years with an appearance at the Plaza Theatre on Nov. 20. </p>
<p>Rzeznik said his roots in Buffalo were crucial to his early worldviews that influenced his songwriting and Goo Goo Dolls’ early punk rock sound. </p>
<p>“When I was growing up in Buffalo, it was a place you wanted to get out of,” he said. “Now it’s a place to be.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik said his hometown was “decimated” in the early ‘80s after the downsizing of steel mills crippled the economy, only to have a strong revitalization in recent years through tourism and service industries. </p>
<p>“The city has come back and it’s becoming more self-sufficient,” he said. “It’s not relying on a giant corporation to keep the community thriving. It’s the community interacting with each other and supporting each other and that’s what keeps it going. That’s a much more stable place to be.” </p>
<p>In a case of Bob Seger or Jackson Brown-esque road fever, Rzeznik said many cities on the road tend to “blur together” amid the hustle-and-bustle of touring life. </p>
<p>But he has noticed similar positive changes in the smaller towns the band tends to play.</p>
<p>“The smaller cities in this country are starting to thrive, and I love that,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve seen occurring over the last 20, 25 years where these towns have been rehabilitating their downtowns and creating new economies – all based on having a distinctive identity for what you are in these towns. The little restaurants, there’s always somebody brewing beer, the renovation of the old architecture and all that. There’s been a huge release of entrepreneurial activity. It’s really cool.” </p>
<p>One can’t help but compare the revitalization of small-town America Rzeznik is referring to with El Paso’s own nascent revitalization. </p>
<p>Perhaps El Paso’s small-town-spirit-in-big-city-clothes relates to Rzeznik’s musical ideas coming from a similar place, and that’s why Goo Goo Dolls visit more than many of their contemporaries. </p>
<p>The Plaza Theatre appearance will be the Goo Goo Dolls’ third borderland appearance in 12 years. </p>
<p>Many of Rzeznik’s songs contain a distinct sense of aspiration and longing. </p>
<p>Most notable are the band’s signature song “Iris” from the soundtrack to the film “City of Angels,” and Rzeznik’s solo composition “I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme)” from the soundtrack to the Disney film “Treasure Planet.” </p>
<p>While the former song was inspired by the film’s themes of giving up immortality for mortal love, the latter song was more inspired by the feelings Rzeznik might have felt in the shoes of “Treasure Planet’s” main character, Jim Hawkins. </p>
<p>“That was specifically written for that movie,” Rzeznik said. “But even though you have your subject matter in front of you, I’m relating to the character Jim in the film, and then I obviously wrap up myself inside that character. If I were Jim, what would I say? Everything gets run through the set of filters in your brain and it comes out in a certain way.” </p>
<p>“I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme)” remains the only solo release of Rzeznik’s career, and for all intents and purposes, he said it might remain his sole solo venture. </p>
<p>“I got to be honest with you, I think it would just sound like a Goo Goo Dolls record,” he said laughing when asked if a solo LP is on the horizon. “Unless I deliberately pivoted in an opposite direction or something, like if I tried to make like a reggae album or something, I don’t know. But I sound like me. Right now, I don’t feel the need to do that, but I’ve thought about it. If I get pissed off at Robby, I’ll think ‘I’ll go make my own record,’ but I never do. Robby and I have the understanding that ‘we’re going to do this.’ Why? Because it still works.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elpasoinc.com/lifestyle/fan-favorite-goo-goo-dolls-return-to-el-paso/article_2f73bdea-61e6-11ed-a65d-ff5ed639128a.html">https://www.elpasoinc.com/lifestyle/fan-favorite-goo-goo-dolls-return-to-el-paso/article_2f73bdea-61e6-11ed-a65d-ff5ed639128a.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7100399
2022-11-11T13:41:37-05:00
2022-11-11T22:33:33-05:00
Tulsa World: With music forever changing, Goo Goo Dolls appreciate audience that has 'come with us'
<p><strong>By Jimmie Tramel</strong></p>
<p>One billion seems like a lot. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls song “Iris” surpassed a billion streams on Spotify. It’s a monster of a song. Written for the “City of Angels” soundtrack, “Iris” spent 18 consecutive weeks atop Billboard’s hot 100 airplay chart in 1998. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls charted multiple songs before and after “Iris,” including “Name,” “Slide,” a cover of Supertramp’s “Give A Little Bit” and “Long Way Down.” </p>
<p>“Long Way Down” provides the formed-in-Buffalo, New York, band with a teensy Oklahoma connection since the song appeared on the “Twister” soundtrack. Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik has other heartstrings to Oklahoma — he once dated a girl whose uncle owned Goodyear repair shops around Norman, and he loves The Flaming Lips. </p>
<p>You won’t find those nuggets in the latest bio for the band, but you can find this quote: “I just want to keep making music that’s interesting to me,” Rzeznik said. “I’m a different person now than I was when ‘Iris’ came out, but you hope that the music can grow with you and change with you, and you hope your audience grows with you, too.” </p>
<p>Asked to elaborate prior to a Saturday, Nov. 12, tour stop at Hard Rock Live, Rzeznik said, “I just think I have been really lucky and well-blessed or whatever you want to call it that our audience has come with us.” </p>
<p>Of course, the population of that audience fluctuates over time. </p>
<p>“And if you are going to have a career in music, that is going to happen. You are going to have ebbs and flows in your popularity,” Rzeznik said. </p>
<p>“But we have been really, really lucky that our audience actually has responded really, really positively towards the new songs. You reach a certain point in your career, and a lot of times people are like ‘Play the old stuff. We don’t want to hear any new stuff.’ But our audience has been very, very good to us and very supportive of us.” </p>
<p>It could be said the Goo Goo Dolls are touring in support of a 14th studio album (“Chaos in Bloom”) — or is it the other way around? Rzeznik had something to say about that (keep reading), and he tends to say interesting things. </p>
<p>Wondering why music that gets airplay now seems so different from records that got spins back in the day? During a 2020 interview with Atwood Magazine, Rzeznik referenced how much music changed from 1940 to 1975. In 1940, Benny Goodman and his swing band were all the rage. “And, 1975, you got Led Zeppelin and disco,” Rzeznik told the magazine. “Who would’ve thought?” </p>
<p>Rzeznik was born in between the Benny and disco eras. He was a teen when this thing called MTV debuted. Impossible to not be influenced? He said he was influenced by certain things he saw on the music video channel. </p>
<p>“The thing I loved about MTV was that, at the very beginning, they just played whatever they could get their hands on,” he said, indicating that most artists didn’t start making videos until later. </p>
<p>“So you got to see bands like the Talking Heads and the Clash and Elvis Costello and all these others and you are like, ‘wow, this is really interesting.’ I was never into metal at all. The hair metal, I was never into that kind of thing. But it was an interesting way to get a musical education because the way it was presented was in a pretty informative kind of style, at the time. Martha Quinn would talk about a band and a song and they were going on tour and all that kind of stuff. It had this really sort of educational kind of quality to it.” </p>
<p>Rzeznick said hanging out at an indie record store in Buffalo also was part of his education. How so? </p>
<p>“Most of the music that I liked was considered very underground music,” he said. “I lived close enough within proximity of the transmitter of the 100-watt college radio station, and you would never, in the ‘80s, hear that kind of music on a commercial radio station in Buffalo, so college radio was a massive influence on me. </p>
<p>“Then you go into the indie record store and you go ‘You know, I heard this band called the Buzzcocks on WBNY. You got any records by them?’ And then the guys and the girls at the indie record shop would say ‘It’s right over here,’ and then you could hang around and listen to it with them. It would steer you in the direction. ‘This is my favorite album by them’ or whatever, and you would learn, you know? You would learn about music. They would be like ‘If you like these guys, you will dig these guys too.’” </p>
<p>Rzeznik supposes that modern day algorithms work that way too, but there’s something just kind of impersonal about that. </p>
<p>“The thing that I have so much hope in is live music — the live music experience for people — because it’s a raw, visceral, loud interaction between people,” he said. </p>
<p>“Everyone is stuffed in a room — 1,000 people or 5,000 people or 2,000 people or whatever it is — and they are stuffed in one room and, irrespective of anybody’s differences inside that room, they have one thing in common when they enter that room. I love the fact that, in this day and age, we can bring a few thousand people together, and they can set aside their differences and sing along with some songs that they know from us. That’s a good feeling because we don’t have enough common ground. I think that music is one of the last threads that keeps it together.” </p>
<p>Woodstock brought people together, right? The Goo Goo Dolls headed to the Woodstock area to craft their newest album. </p>
<p>“We kind of hung out in this old church in the woods and made a record,” Rzeznik said. “It was really a lot of fun. The band got to get together and sort of play live. It was a really interesting experience.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik produced the album because he had a clear idea of what he wanted, though he wound up needing help at the end and reached out for a lifeline. </p>
<p>“I was just looking to do something that was a little more raw and had a more unique kind of edge and sound to it,” he said. “I collect a lot of old recording equipment. I’m an equipment geek. I love recording equipment, and I love guitars and amps. I wanted to produce the record so I would have time to experiment with getting sounds and trying to find sounds that I really loved, because a lot of producers and engineers, they need to get in and out so quickly. They do what they do, and then your record ends up sounding like everyone else’s.” </p>
<p>The lead single is “Yeah, I Like You,” which Rzeznik called a piece of satire. </p>
<p>“I wanted to make up a story about someone my age who, when I started, there was no social media,” he said. “But then it was thrust upon us along with Napster and iTunes and the decline of record sales and everything else. As soon as the internet hit, the world changed — the pace of the world changed — and the technological revolution just sped out ahead of ahead the capacity for humans to digest technology. </p>
<p>“So I think the world is still tipping back and forth and trying to find its balance between what it means to be human and embracing technology. People become famous for doing nothing now. You really don’t need any talent to become famous anymore, and I thought it was kind of silly. But in the song, the guy — I guess our protagonist in the song — he is so taken by this woman and he has no idea why she is so famous and why she is flying around in private jets. He has no idea. But he likes her, and he gets sucked into her life.” </p>
<p>Continuing, Rzeznik said there was a “pretty clear path” when the Goo Goo Dolls began making music. </p>
<p>“You made your record. The record company worked the record to radio. Then you went out and you toured to support the album. But now it’s the other way around. You make an album. Nobody buys it. Hopefully people stream it and listen to it. There is no money to be made in it. And then you make an album to support your tour and then we go out and tour. Thankfully, we have a pretty strong catalog of songs, and that helps. Like I said, we have an awesome audience.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/music/with-music-forever-changing-goo-goo-dolls-appreciate-audience-that-has-come-with-us/article_89acb848-5ec1-11ed-ac6f-536f1317f3fb.html">https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/music/with-music-forever-changing-goo-goo-dolls-appreciate-audience-that-has-come-with-us/article_89acb848-5ec1-11ed-ac6f-536f1317f3fb.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7100391
2022-11-11T13:29:14-05:00
2022-11-11T22:28:07-05:00
News On 6: WATCH: GOO GOO DOLLS BASSIST ROBBY TAKAC DISCUSSES THE GROUP'S UPCOMING TULSA SHOW
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are coming to Green Country this weekend. </p>
<p>Bassist Robby Takac joined the News On 6 team virtually on Friday morning to talk about the upcoming show at the Hard Rock Hotel And Casino Tulsa.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.newson6.com/story/636e7ae52ca614071127ecbc/watch:-goo-goo-dolls-bassist-robby-takac-discusses-the-groups-upcoming-tulsa-show">https://www.newson6.com/story/636e7ae52ca614071127ecbc/watch:-goo-goo-dolls-bassist-robby-takac-discusses-the-groups-upcoming-tulsa-show</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7099718
2022-11-10T17:29:22-05:00
2022-11-10T17:29:23-05:00
Step Out Buffalo - Goo Goo Dolls Just Announced They’re Doing a FREE New Year’s Eve Concert
<p>New Year’s plans may not be on your radar quite yet, but you don’t want to sleep on this huge opportunity to see Buffalo’s favorite hometown band for FREE! </p>
<p>On December 31, ring in the new year with a free concert by the Goo Goo Dolls at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. </p>
<p>Here’s everything you need to know: </p>
<p>The show will take place at 11pm on the stage at STIR feature bar, located on the gaming floor on the west side of the resort. </p>
<p>While the show is free and will be visible from anywhere in the west casino, there are a limited number of VIP packages available for those who want to elevate their evening.</p>
<p>VIP Packages </p>
<p>The STIR Ticket Package – available for $500, includes two tickets to gain access to STIR, two free drinks per person, champagne toast at midnight, and party favors. </p>
<p>The West Mezzanine Ticket Package – available for $250, includes two tickets to gain access to the West Mezzanine, overlooking the STIR stage, two free drinks per person, champagne toast at midnight, and party favors. </p>
<p>Ticket packages will be available for sale starting Friday, November 11 at Noon. </p>
<p>Note: Because the performance will take place on the gaming floor, all attendees must be 21+ years old to attend. </p>
<p>Purchase Tickets </p>
<p>Tickets can be purchased online at senecaniagaracasino.com, senecaalleganycasino.com or ticketmaster.com.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stepoutbuffalo.com/goo-goo-dolls-will-perform-a-free-new-years-eve-concert/">https://stepoutbuffalo.com/goo-goo-dolls-will-perform-a-free-new-years-eve-concert/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7098200
2022-11-08T17:35:05-05:00
2022-11-08T17:35:05-05:00
San Antonio Magazine - Goo Goo Dolls Bring New Album to Tobin Center
<p><em>Ahead of the band’s Nov. 15 San Antonio show, bassist Robby Takac talks about being back on the road and keeping things fresh after three-plus decades in the business </em></p>
<p><strong>By Paulina Rodriguez</strong></p>
<p><em>For the first time in nearly three years, the Goo Goo Dolls are back on tour. However, while they may not have been performing live during the pandemic, the band has been hard at work on their 14th studio album, Chaos in Bloom, released in August. After more than 30 years as a rock band, the album—which is the first produced by frontman John Rzeznik—seems to mark a new chapter. Ahead of the band’s return to San Antonio on Nov. 15, bassist Robby Takac chatted with us about what longtime fans can expect from this tour.</em> </p>
<p><strong>This album was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did that influence the process of creating it? Did that ultimately influence the sound? </strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I totally think it did. We were recording before the vaccine was even out, so we went to a studio in the middle of the woods in Woodstock, New York. It was basically just the band and a couple of engineers, and we just spent an awful lot of time playing music and recording stuff, with very little outside influence. We hadn’t really been that isolated creatively in many, many years. To us, it really felt like we were able to move forward and get a lot of stuff done that we hadn’t been able to in many years. With Johnny [Rzeznik] producing the record, we were in a position where we could do pretty much what we wanted, and I have to say, it was really freeing, and a lot of fun. </p>
<p><strong>The Goo Goo Dolls have been a band for 36 years now. How do you keep things fresh when you’re recording and on tour? </strong></p>
<p>Like I said, we hadn’t done it this way in a long time. It was a different experience, being in there without someone else leading you around. We were leading ourselves around, which was great. I think you just need to make sure you’re growing a little bit every time. John’s pretty diligent about that, and I just want to feel like the songs have grown up a little bit since the last time. We’ve been making records for a long time now, and the band has changed dramatically since we were kids in the `80s. Without making any Grand Canyon-sized leaps, we’ve really morphed from one kind of a band to another in a pretty organic way over the lifetime of our records. </p>
<p><strong>And this is your first full-length tour since the pandemic. What excites you most about going back on the road? </strong></p>
<p>I think just being out there after not doing it for a couple of years. That was really the first time in decades for us—we’d never sat home that long. Going back out, we started playing shows and half the country was open, and half the country was closed. We were flying through airports with people in full hazmat suits and showing up four hours later to venues with 3,000 people with no masks on. There was no continuity. There was no one comfort level, and it felt really weird. But this summer, people had found a comfortable place, and if they decided to come out, they’d taken the precautions they needed to take to feel like they could share in the experience. So, it all felt very correct this summer. It was amazing to share in that experience again after being away for so long. </p>
<p><strong>Lastly, what can fans expect from this tour? </strong></p>
<p>I think the band is sounding great right now. You can expect a lot of the sing-alongs that you’d expect to hear when you come out, alongside some of the new record, and some deeper cuts, and we’ve got some great new video content. It’s just a great show. We can’t wait. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls </p>
<p>Nov. 15 </p>
<p>Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sanantoniomag.com/goo-goo-dolls-bring-new-album-to-tobin-center/">https://www.sanantoniomag.com/goo-goo-dolls-bring-new-album-to-tobin-center/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7097564
2022-11-07T19:56:42-05:00
2022-11-07T19:56:43-05:00
Sunny 101.5 - Catching Up with Robby Takac
<p>Listen to the interview here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sunny1015.com/goo-goo-dolls-catching-up-with-robby-takac/">https://www.sunny1015.com/goo-goo-dolls-catching-up-with-robby-takac/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7097563
2022-11-07T19:51:23-05:00
2022-11-07T19:51:23-05:00
Atwood Magazine - “JUST KEEP AT IT, MAN”: GOO GOO DOLLS’ ROBBY TAKAC ON DONUTS, NEW YORK, & NEW ALBUM ‘CHAOS IN BLOOM’
<p><strong>By Madeleine Eggen</strong></p>
<p><em>After two years of isolation, the Goo Goo Dolls are back, riding the wave of their recent 1 billion streams on the classic “Iris” while touring their musing, vibrant new album, ‘Chaos in Bloom.’</em></p>
<p>It’s hard to pinpoint where Robby Takac ends and the Goo Goo Dolls begin. </p>
<p>Calling from his hometown of Buffalo, New York, Takac’s soothing drawl crackles through the receiver like the strum of his trusty Yamaha BB-series bass guitar as he discusses the band’s latest album, Chaos in Bloom. From donut metaphors to his love for New York, Takac’s appreciation for the simple things almost helps me forget that he’s been nominated for four Grammys and has won fifteen other major music awards.</p>
<p>After 35 years of playing, Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik and Robby Takac have somehow managed to outdo themselves with one of their most vulnerable and personal albums yet. Chaos in Bloom, Rzeznik’s first self-produced album and the band’s fourteenth studio album, is a result of the band holing up in the middle of nowhere near Woodstock, New York, “just [sitting] in the woods playing music.” The result was 39 minutes and 10 tracks of something authentic, honest, and the results of months of isolation and uncertainty.</p>
<p>The album starts strong with the exhilarating “Yeah, I Like You.” The lead single also comes in music video format, complete with a flabbergasted Rzeznik and Takac flanked by tween girls doing TikTok dances and brawling gym bros with dumbbells. Takac described the video creation process as being like “make-believe or playtime,” which is what this first song feels like: a fun, carefree intro to a lineup of slowly building introspection. </p>
<p>They then transition abruptly but expertly to “War,” where Rzeznik pleads, “I’m up in flames, I can’t live without you” as drumbeats pierce the burning background vocals.</p>
<p>I feel hesitant to highlight my favorite tracks after chatting with Takac about the tragedy that is songs slipping “into the ether,” as he put it, however, I would be remiss to pass over the powerhouse trio that is “Let the Sun,” “Loving Life,” and “Going Crazy.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik starts us off, giving himself and the audience permission to “take a seat, man” and “let the sun come back again.” The chorus culminates in a beautiful, calm beat that leads into the two more intense tracks. In these, Takac takes the lead, and his rough croons strain against the angelic backing vocals, confessing, “I really hope you believe in loving life.” In “Going Crazy,” he slowly but surely transitions into an all-out headbanger. The early verses build to an optimistic, frisky chorus that culminates in a fervent guitar solo lifting his cries, tapping into an earlier Goo Goo Dolls sound. </p>
<p>Television burning my eyes <br>Nobody here to tell me I’m alright, I’m alright <br>Every second is a lifetime <br>Ticking away inside my mind, in my mind <br>I’m just waiting for the ending <br>It’s all hopeless pretending now, let me out </p>
<p>Yeah, I’m going crazy, I’ve been running the streets <br>Yeah, I’m going crazy, I’m a pounding beat <br>Sick inside but you still see the best in me</p>
<p>It’s hard to pinpoint what it is exactly that the Goo Goo Dolls possess to make each new release authentic yet refreshing, but Takac believes the songs have “never been anything but alive.” </p>
<p>Despite their ability to keep putting out high-quality new music, the band never shies away from revisiting their timeless classics such as “Iris,” which Rzeznik most recently performed with Demi Lovato on her tour. Though you may expect they would have grown weary of playing the same chord progressions for decades, Takac has noticed that “as the band’s grown up, a lot of these songs have grown” with them, even if it’s hard to determine exactly how. </p>
<p>Throughout their years of touring, Goo Goo Dolls have mastered a setlist with a careful balance of new songs, old hits, and a few oldies for die-hard fans. The band is just now setting out on the second leg of their Chaos in Bloom tour which runs through the month of November. After almost two years of working on the album, Takac assured me they’re eager to get back on stage and stay there. When reflecting on the pandemic, he put it best by comparing touring to donuts. “Donuts are awesome, but when you’re having donuts every night, night after night, you sort of start to forget about how special donuts are. After thirty years, we had our donuts taken away for a couple [of] years.” </p>
<p>After learning about Takac’s opinions on what it is that makes Buffalonians good musicians and his not-for-profit “Music is Art,” it’s clear what has made the band so successful. Despite what is going on in the world or what the music industry is looking for, their ability to take a step back and let their creation process be enough has kept them going all these years. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have managed to take one of the most collectively traumatic experiences and transform it into something magnificent. You could say they have a real knack for putting chaos in bloom.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT WAS THE RECORDING PROCESS LIKE? I’D LOVE TO HEAR A LITTLE MORE ABOUT IT! </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac:</strong> It was during the pandemic, actually. We were on tour, we had a summer tour set up, and we had just come home from Europe and done some great stuff in South America, and then the pandemic happened, so we were kind of stuck at home for a while. John started a Christmas record which we kind of did through the pandemic but the pandemic never lifted, and we were sort of in a place where we were like, “well, we don’t know if we can tour on the Miracle Pill record anymore.” We had already been out for a while doing songs from that record and doing our thing, so I think we decided that it was time to sort of just write some new songs. </p>
<p>For the past ten years, we’d been working with numerous producers on records because we were burning them out a little bit. We would start a record with a producer but usually finish it with another one, and so we were kind of doing a song or two at a time for the past ten years. This time, we didn’t have those constraints. John was producing the record, and we were just sitting in the woods playing music, so this record is a portion of what we recorded when we were out in the woods. We were able to kind of do what we do without a lot of outside influence making its way in. I think it was a good time for that to happen, and a silver lining during that really horrible time that we all lived through.</p>
<p><strong>SPEAKING OF TRYING NEW THINGS AND BEING SO ISOLATED FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD, I WAS LOOKING AROUND AT SOME OTHER INTERVIEWS AND I SAW JOHNNY HAD COMMENTED ON CHAOS IN BLOOM BEING MORE EXPERIMENTAL AND LESS LEANING INTO WHAT THE CHARTS WANT. AS A BAND KNOWN FOR DOMINATING THE STREAMING CHARTS, HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO PRIORITIZE YOUR ARTISTIC VISION INSTEAD OF LEANING INTO WHAT’S POPULAR AND COMFORTABLE? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: There’s not an awful lot of rock bands on the charts right now, so I think to go into this thinking to ourselves, “we’ve got to dominate these pop charts,” that would be kind of a futile goal. I think something we talked a lot about when we were going in was to just make a record that sounds like it’s important enough that people will want to listen to it in ten years. Let’s not worry so much about anything other than the fact that we made some great songs and then let the chips fall where they may, and that’s pretty much what happened. </p>
<p>It was just us for most of it, and then John sort of took off with the tracks for a while. He spent some time with them in New York City, and I had mine here in Buffalo, and then we did some singing in New York City with a friend of ours, Greg Wattenberg, who has produced a bunch of songs with us over the years. That was pretty much the whole process, and I gotta say it’s kind of refreshing to do it that way after all this time.</p>
<p><strong>I KNOW IT’S JOHNNY WHO PRODUCED THE ALBUM BUT DID OVERALL HAVING THE FINAL SAY AND CONTROL CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS ALBUM SPECIFICALLY COMPARED TO THE OTHER ONES YOU’VE DONE? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: I’m sure it has. I just think the songs in general feel a little more personal than some of the stuff on the last couple of records, and once again I think it’s largely because the ideas were born from all of us sitting out in the woods as opposed to bringing it in to a producer and them going “Hey, I got this idea” and kind of smashing their ideas in with John’s. It was up to us as to what it was going to be, and I think that’s pretty special. </p>
<p><strong>YOU’RE A BAND THAT IS KNOWN FOR CONNECTING WITH FANS AND PERFORMING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT THIS, AND HOW DID THIS ISOLATION ALTER YOUR APPROACH TO CHAOS IN BLOOM? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: I think it made us realize how special this whole relationship is. When you’re out there doing it every night, it’s like having donuts. Donuts are awesome, but when you’re having donuts every night, night after night, you sort of start to forget about how special donuts are. After thirty years, we had our donuts taken away for a couple years. That relationship and that energy you get from being in that interaction between the crowd and what’s going on up on stage, and just sharing the songs… and you know what? It’s even more than that. It’s just being onstage and being in the process and traveling and being with all the guys, it’s just a whole thing. The whole process has become such an integral part of our lives and I think that we just sort of didn’t realize the degree that it was until it was gone for a little while. I mean, it’s crazy.</p>
<p><strong>THIS IS YOUR FIRST BIG TOUR SINCE 2019. WHAT EXPECTATIONS ARE YOU BRINGING INTO THIS TOUR, AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT WILL DIFFER FROM PAST TOURS? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: Well we’ve done like 53, 54 shows already on this tour, so this is another leg of it that starts off in about a week and a half. We didn’t know what to expect, quite honestly. We had already gone out and done some shows. The first few shows after everything was shut down were a little weird. We were leaving states where you weren’t allowed to walk down the street without a mask on, and then we were flying into other states where there were 3,000 people without masks smashed into a venue right in front of us, but backstage we weren’t allowed without a mask on. It was just crazy, there was no consistency at all to what we were seeing out there, so everything felt very tentative. This summer, we got out and I think people had found a comfort level that they can exist within and everything seems to be going fairly well, so everybody was out there having a great time. It was great to see. </p>
<p><strong>ON A SIMILAR NOTE, DEMI LOVATO HAS BEEN PERFORMING “IRIS” THROUGHOUT HER TOUR, AND MASHING IT UP WITH THEIR SONG, “4 EVER 4 ME.” DO YOU ENJOY BRINGING THESE CLASSICS BACK WITH OTHER ARTISTS, AND HOW HAS THE WAY THAT YOU GUYS PERFORM THESE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: Well I guess for us they’ve never been anything but alive. I don’t know how else to say it. We’ve been lucky enough to be able to bring these around with us for many many years now, but we do see the crowds getting younger again, which is a trip. We managed to get a pretty huge presence on platforms like TikTok and stuff without really doing too much other than having the songs that we have, so that’s been pretty amazing. Every little bit helps these days. I don’t even know how else to say it. There’s no one thing that’s gonna help a band these days, you’ve just gotta have it all going on and try to be in as many places as you can, so stuff like that is pretty amazing. To make some people take a look again and then go “Oh, yeah those guys, I remember that song. Oh my god, that song, too, oh and that one, and that one, I forgot about that one,” and then all of a sudden you’re on tour, and it’s great. Or at least that’s what you hope happens.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF HEARING OTHER ARTISTS’ SPIN ON YOUR SONGS, AND HAS THERE BEEN A PARTICULAR COVER OF A PERFORMANCE THAT’S STUCK WITH YOU?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: I’ve seen some great chamber orchestra versions of “Iris,” string quartets, and stuff like that doing versions of “Iris” that are pretty special. I’ve seen Phoebe Bridgers did a cover of “Iris” with Maggie Rogers, that was another big kind of resurgence for that song. Every couple of years some kid does it on American Idol, or America’s Got Talent, or Britain’s Got Talent, or whatever, and so that pops up every once in a while, that’s always exciting. Like I said, every little thing helps to keep things going and get people in the seats when we come through to play our songs for them. </p>
<p><strong>IN RECENT YEARS, IT SEEMS LIKE THE STATE OF OUR COUNTRY HAS GOTTEN WORSE, A SENTIMENT YOU SEEM TO SHARE IN “LET THE SUN.” THIS SONG IS PRETTY DIFFERENT FROM YOUR USUAL STUFF AND IS A CLEAR REFLECTION OF THE TIME PERIOD THIS ALBUM WAS WRITTEN IN. WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THIS TRACK, AND WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE IT HAS? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: John wrote the lyrics for that song, so I guess you’d have to talk to him for the direct meaning, but I guess what I will say is we all lived through that crazy time for a couple of years, a lot of isolation, a lot of fear, a lot of uncertainty, and I think those are themes that really resonate with people. I think there are a lot of themes that are pretty relatable on this record considering we all lived through this time, and I think what we try to do with every record is take a look at what has happened in our lives since the last time we tried to make a record. This was an event that we all sort of experienced in our own ways, so I think it’s very relatable. Most of the subject matter on this record is very relatable. </p>
<p><em>Cruel man, don’t look down <br>Down on me, ’cause you don’t see </em></p>
<p><em>Caught out in the blackout rain <br>How much longer will it be? <br>Build your tower in the sky <br>While they’re living in the streets </em></p>
<p><em>Don’t you know we don’t live here anymore <br>And there’s nowhere left for us to go </em></p>
<p><em>Break our backs and break our balls <br>On our knees against the wall <br>Tell me what you’re gonna do <br>When there’s no one there to take your fall</em></p>
<p><strong>I HEAR THAT YOU WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME, SO CONGRATULATIONS!</strong> </p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: Goo Goo Dolls actually were inducted probably 25 years ago or something like that at this. I do a festival and have a not-for-profit here called “Music is Art Foundation,” so they were tipping their hats to our 20 years of involvement here in the local music community. That was really nice! </p>
<p><strong>I ALSO SAW SOMETHING FROM SEPTEMBER SAYING THAT ERIE COUNTY DECLARED A GOO GOO DOLLS DAY! </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: That was nice! Mark Poloncarz is the county executive here, and they’ve done that a couple [of] times for us actually when we come and play the arena here in town. There aren’t a lot of bands from this town that have been able to fill that arena, so I think they thought it was a pretty special day for everybody. </p>
<p><strong>YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR SO LONG, BUT YOU GOT YOUR START IN THE NEW YORK MUSIC SCENE. WHAT SORT OF CHARACTERISTICS OR ASPECTS OF THAT MUSIC SCENE, ESPECIALLY AT THAT TIME, DO YOU THINK YOU’VE STILL KEPT TO THIS DAY, EVEN WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT RECORDS YOU’VE PUT OUT AND SHOWS YOU’VE PLAYED? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: I think the music scene is kind of a reflection of the way the area is, and being New Yorkers, people always think we’re pretty intense about stuff most of the time. I just think it’s the nature of a New Yorker, man, we’re moving, we’re trying to make it happen. I think that that carries through. We work pretty hard to try to get to the next step all the time, so I think it’s that work ethic. I live in Buffalo, and before I even start work, I’ve got to shovel my car for two hours, you know, that kind of ethos. I think that’s something that’s bred into you when you’re from this area, and that really helps when you’re trying to get your band out of the ground and you’re trying to make a little headway in this craziness.</p>
<p><strong>I SAW A RECORDING FROM ONE OF YOUR SHOWS IN BUFFALO AND IT JUST LOOKED LIKE SO MUCH FUN. I ALSO SAW YOU GUYS PLAYED A SUPERSTAR CAR WASH SONG WHICH WAS VERY EXCITING. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: Yeah, yeah, we’ve been doing that all summer, “Lucky Star,” that’s a fun one.</p>
<p><strong>I LOVE HOW YOU GUYS ARE ABLE TO PICK OUT THE BEST TRACKS FROM OVER TIME, IT’S A VERY GOOD FEELING OF EVOLUTION THROUGHOUT THE SHOW. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: It’s hard sometimes, melding those older songs into the sets, but we tend to make it work. Sometimes we slow stuff down a little bit just so it’s not quite so jarring, but we were making it work. A lot of these songs, they’ve never gone away, so as the band’s grown up, a lot of these songs have kind of grown with the band, and we don’t really play the same way as when we were kids. I can’t tell you how we play them differently, I can just tell you it’s not the same. A song like “Naked,” we certainly don’t play it the same way now as we did when we were younger, but it still works really well. And once again, I can’t tell you what we’re doing differently, but I just know it’s not the same.</p>
<p><strong>DEFINITELY. AS I SAID, YOU GUYS ARE KNOWN FOR HAVING SUCH A GREAT STAGE PRESENCE, AND I KNOW THERE’S BEEN SOME TALK ABOUT TRYING TO CONVEY THAT NITTY-GRITTY, LIVE MUSIC FEEL IN THIS ALBUM. DO YOU THINK YOU WERE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THAT, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY STRATEGIES FOR HOW YOU GUYS WERE TRYING TO DO THAT? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: We spent a lot of time just playing together. Having it be just us out there recording, we sort of knew what we were dealing with. When you’re making records with producers, you kind of don’t know, there’s wild cards being tossed in all the time. We sort of knew what we were dealing with, and if we wanted to toss a wild card in, we had to go reach for it, we had to find it ourselves, and we had the time to do that. John had time to experiment with stuff and try different things, and that isn’t a luxury that you have when you’re paying a producer that’s got a different band to work with in another two weeks – in two weeks, they’re gone, that’s it, you’re done. For some of these songs, John had been changing keyboards out on for eight months. A producer won’t have time to do that, he just doesn’t have the time. With John in that seat, he was able to take the time he wanted to make this record sound the way he wanted it to sound and we were able to work on the songs and make them what we wanted to be. It’s pretty cool. </p>
<p><strong>YOU CAN DEFINITELY HEAR HOW MUCH TIME WAS PUT INTO THIS ALBUM. WAS THERE ANY PARTICULAR THOUGHT PUT INTO THE RUNTIME OR SONG NUMBER?</strong> </p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: No, I don’t think so, I think we just thought that we were going to have ten songs and that was the number we came in at. I think it’s around forty minutes. It’s funny because I still think of a record as two sides of an album. That’s just who I am, that’s why I still call them records. The best-sounding records are twenty minutes on each side. That leaves you enough room to put a nice deep groove in the record. We’ve always thought of a record as being 40 minutes, but we have had records that are longer. Some records have had 12, sometimes 13 songs on them. We certainly don’t live by that rule, but I think we do see a record as being 40 minutes. </p>
<p>Then again, these days people question whether or not you should put an album out at all. Some people just think releasing a few songs at a time is a better idea because you’ve got more time to talk about stuff. Sometimes it feels like when you put an album out, you put out ten songs and people talk about three of them, and seven of them are off into the ether. So if you release three, people will talk about those three songs, you release three more, they’ll talk about those three songs, that’s another way of thinking about it. But I think our fans like the albums, the journey of a bunch of songs that sort of puts you in a place for a minute.</p>
<p><strong>SPEAKING OF SONGS SLIPPING INTO THE ETHER AS YOU SAID, ESPECIALLY WITH THE ALBUM AND THE WAY MUSIC IS CONSUMED THESE DAYS, IS THERE A PARTICULAR SONG OFF OF CHAOS IN BLOOM THAT YOU WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE PEOPLE TAKING EXTRA TIME TO LISTEN TO? </strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: There’s a song called “Going Crazy” on the record, it’s one of John’s songs. I’m not sure it’ll ever make it to be a single, but it’s super up, super fast, super happy, and reminds me of a song we did a long time ago. I don’t know if that’ll ever come to the public eye, but I think that song’s pretty great.</p>
<p><strong>I ALSO REALLY LIKED THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “YEAH, I LIKE YOU.” IT WAS VERY FUN BUT THERE WAS ALSO A MESSAGE, AND I’D LOVE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT IT</strong>. </p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: That could’ve not worked, but it seemed to. The producer is a really cool guy, and he really understood where we were going with the whole thing. The director of the video is in the video itself, the dude in the cowboy hat. It was cool to be around the whole scene, with actors, the whole thing. It’s fun to do for a little while, like make-believe or playtime or something. </p>
<p><em>I met the queen of generation fame <br>I said I’m sorry, I don’t know your name <br>And she stared at me, and she said <br>“Hey, man, could you tell me your name?” <br>I said, “You wouldn’t know it anyway <br>But I like you” </em></p>
<p><em>You’re so conceited but you’re insecure <br>You’re always busy but you look so bored <br>So tell me, what do you do? <br>Well, the world won’t easily forget you <br>And she smiled and said, “yes, I think that’s true” </em></p>
<p><em>Turn my life into a hurricane <br>Kill the paranoia in my brain <br>‘Cause I want what you got and you got what I want <br>And I like you <br>I don’t need another lonely weekend <br>Just give me thrills so the truth don’t creep in <br>It’s wrong, yeah, it’s wrong <br>But I like you </em></p>
<p><strong>COMING BACK TO THE FACT THAT YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR SUCH A LONG TIME AND ARE STILL PUTTING OUT ALBUMS, TOURING, AND MAKING MUSIC VIDEOS: DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE OR OTHER MUSICIANS FOR KEEPING THE FIRE AND PASSION, EVEN THROUGHOUT EVERYTHING ELSE?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac</strong>: Do it because you love it. Be able to sit in your house and set down your guitar after singing a song you just wrote, and have that feeling of accomplishment be enough, and then work on a career from there. You have to have a relationship with your songs and your music in order to be passionate enough about it to go out and really make a difference with it. I think that a lot of people worry a little too much about the career and not enough about just being in the song and being in the moment. With any luck, you’re going to have to go out and play those songs for 30 years, so they better be good. I just think you gotta believe in what you do, man, and that’s my advice. Don’t stop doing it because you’re not selling it or because you’re not making money at it. Just keep at it, man<b>.</b></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://atwoodmagazine.com/ggcb-goo-goo-dolls-interview-chaos-in-bloom-music/"><b>https://atwoodmagazine.com/ggcb-goo-goo-dolls-interview-chaos-in-bloom-music/</b></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7097545
2022-11-07T19:20:38-05:00
2022-11-07T19:20:38-05:00
WDRB - The Goo Goo Dolls to perform in Louisville on Wednesday for new album
<p><strong>The band will hit the Louisville Palace Theatre on Wednesday in support of their new album "Chaos in Bloom."</strong></p>
<p>Check out a brief interview with Robby Takac here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wdrb.com/news/wdrb-video/the-goo-goo-dolls-to-perform-in-louisville-on-wednesday-for-new-album/video_f1bb1796-0b7d-53f3-bff5-0df5f1b97081.html">https://www.wdrb.com/news/wdrb-video/the-goo-goo-dolls-to-perform-in-louisville-on-wednesday-for-new-album/video_f1bb1796-0b7d-53f3-bff5-0df5f1b97081.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7095837
2022-11-04T17:33:44-04:00
2022-11-07T15:30:59-05:00
Leo Weekly - Q&A: Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik Talks New Music, Red Carpets And More
<p><strong>By Carolyn Brown</strong></p>
<p><em>Goo Goo Dolls, an alt-rock band best known for their hit single “Iris,” will play the Louisville Palace next Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.. The band released their newest album, Chaos In Bloom, earlier this year, which marked frontman John Rzeznik’s first time producing a full album. </em></p>
<p><em>LEO spoke with Rzeznik about how the album came together, the red carpet experience, growing up around strong women and more. </em></p>
<p>This interview has been edited for length and clarity. </p>
<p><em><strong>LEO</strong></em>: <strong>Chaos in Bloom — obviously, it’s an apt title. For the last two years, there’s been plenty of chaos in bloom pretty much everywhere. Tell me about how you all navigated the pandemic. </strong></p>
<p><strong><em>John Rzeznik</em>: </strong>Poorly. [laughs] It was really kind of scary. If you remember back to the beginning of it, we all had that first person in our life that got COVID early, and nobody knew what the hell was going on, and it was really scary, and people were dying. That was kind of anxiety-provoking. Then the politicization of the whole situation was crazy, and then, in the midst of all of this, there’s this enormous social justice movement that had to thrust itself into action. The style of discourse in this country has changed dramatically, and it just looks like a food fight all the time. I just pray that our society can move forward.</p>
<p>I’m not being political; I’m never being political. But I do observe what’s going on in my home, in my country. The whole system just seems broken. I just feel like our society is fractured into these tiny little groups, and we all go off to our own corner and sit there and agree with each other and don’t try to understand anyone else. </p>
<p>That sets up the stage for the album. I’m sitting around the house and I’m doing what I can, and I started to get very, very anxious, like, ‘Am I ever going to work again? Am I ever going to be able to get out there?’ </p>
<p>When everybody was trying all these things — ‘Oh, we’re gonna do these online Zoom concerts, that’ll do it!’ — all these stupid ideas, we were really grasping for straws. </p>
<p>So I was like, ‘Well, how am I gonna get through this? Oh, I know exactly what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna sit down, and then start working my ass off.’</p>
<p>I can’t tour — okay, well, somebody asked me to write a Christmas song, so I decided to make a Christmas record. We made a whole album, we created our own bubble, tested everybody, stayed within that bubble. We put out “It’s Christmas All Over,” and then we did an EP, and then I went up to Buffalo and I started writing the songs for “Chaos in Bloom.” Buffalo is where I grew up, and I draw inspiration from my home. That’s where the songs started to take shape. </p>
<p>Then I decided, I don’t want to deal with a producer, because I hear one thing in my head, and then it comes out completely different — which is not always a bad thing. But I decided I wanted to do it myself, because I wanted a straight line from my brain to the tape, and it was fun. I also wanted to record the album semi-live, at least get the drums and the bass, get the rhythm section down. There’s a human feel in our live performance that wasn’t captured, really, on previous albums, because the general way people make records now with computers is, they’re very regimented. Everything is sort of locked to a grid and a tempo, and it’s just like, ‘Nah, man, no. We need to play.’</p>
<p>The material on the album is very, very much — not all of it, but some of it — reflective of that time. “Going Crazy,” “Let the Sun” — that song is about inequality in this country, everywhere, in the whole world. “You Are the Answer” — that was a song that came out of trying to find some hope.</p>
<p><strong>This was your first time producing a full album. Can you tell me more about the difference between just writing and producing — how you approach the creative process differently, and the mentality that’s required to do production versus just writing? </strong></p>
<p>Hopefully, most of your writing is done by the time you get to producing it. But, to me, producing, it’s like, how can I use all this machinery to capture a moment? Using the studio as an instrument, the same way you use a guitar or layering textures of sound, and experimenting with different combinations of things — that’s what the production, to me, is about. Also, a lot of arrangement goes into the production and instrumentation, finding the right mix of sounds, and I wanted to stretch it out. </p>
<p>There’s a song on the album called “Yeah, I Like You,” which came from sitting around the house and dipping into social media a little too much or looking at celebrity culture. I’m just poking celebrity culture because it’s so annoying.</p>
<p>To me, that particular song is a satirical sort of take on fame at this point in time, but I wanted to go back to something a little bit more raw. We recorded a lot of it analog, and then dumped it in the computer to do whatever work needed to be done on it then. </p>
<p><strong>You mentioned “Yeah, I Like You.” My first red carpet experience [as a photographer] was this year. When I was watching that video, I kept thinking, ‘Man, that would have actually made the experience a lot better if a fight had broken out and it had gone very viral.’ It definitely would have been a lot more fun than just standing there for three hours. I mean, I had fun doing it. But I can’t imagine it’s any easier on your side of things, having 100 cameras all flashing at you and people yelling at you. I can understand why that would be something you would want to spoof. </strong></p>
<p>Those situations always make me uncomfortable, and they’re terrifying. It’s a no-win situation for someone like me, because half the photographers know who you are, and they’re yelling and screaming at you, and then the other half are like, ‘Get out of the way! Who are you?!” [laughs] It’s like, ‘Whatever. I think I should have stayed home.’ But I always shied away from that stuff.</p>
<p><strong>It is funny, though — in the video, the fight breaks out on the red carpet. But there were some times in the photo section when I thought a fight was gonna break out, because there was actually a photographer next to me who kept stealing all my shots, and, quite frankly, he was being a gigantic asshole about it. </strong></p>
<p>I’ve seen the photographers; I’ve seen a couple of elbows get thrown. That’s a rough job. I don’t envy you doing that. </p>
<p><strong>Well, another aspect of it is, I am a 5’2 woman and most of the other press photographers were six-foot-tall dudes. When you’re in an environment like that, you literally have to call your own shots, and you have to do what you have to do. It’s survival of the fittest. </strong></p>
<p>It kind of is, and I applaud you for that, for keeping up with them. That’s awesome. Does it ever strike you that, because you’re a woman, you have to work twice as hard — do you ever get that feeling?</p>
<p><strong>Oh, yeah. </strong></p>
<p>That always amazes me. I mean, I grew up in a house full of women — a house full of very strong-willed women with endless opinions about everything! [laughs] And I was the only boy. So my perspective on women is like, ‘Well, yeah, it should all be equal.’ But I just find it odd that that’s even a question now. </p>
<p>I was talking to my sister the other day, and we were talking about, when we were kids, the Equal Rights Amendment was a thing. It’s still sitting out there somewhere, and it never got ratified. It just blows my mind that in 2022, something like that is even considered, and we’re living in a time now where it looks like there’s an effort to back up progress for women. </p>
<p>It’s kind of weird to grow up in a house where I just assumed it was always equal, and to learn, when you’re out of that environment, that it’s still a tough situation. </p>
<p>It’s just reminded me of my lawyer, who I was really fond of, who, if she was five feet tall, she was having a good day. The way she used to deal with these men was unbelievable — she was smarter and quicker and funnier and meaner than any of them. [laughs] I always really admired her for that. </p>
<p><strong>Let’s talk about “Iris.” This year, “Iris” hit 1 billion streams on Spotify. How did you find out about that, and how did that feel? </strong></p>
<p>How did I find out about it? I got a check for three bucks. [laughs] </p>
<p>I’m kidding, I’m kidding… sort of. But that is a pretty crazy milestone. And it’s something that I just kind of looked at and went, “Oh!” And then you see the list of people who have that, and it’s like, “Wow!” </p>
<p>It was a good feeling, and I’m grateful for it. I wish I had another one. [laughs] But hey, one’s good enough. </p>
<p><strong>Speaking of getting a lot of public traction: your songs have had a lot of appearances in TV and movies. If there were a song from this album that you would want on a show or movie, what song would it be, and what show or movie, and why? </strong></p>
<p>Oh, geez. I don’t really watch TV, I gotta be honest with you. I don’t know what the hell is on TV, y’know? I don’t even know what’s out there, so I couldn’t even say. </p>
<p><strong>Fair. What about a TV show [episode] or movie that has already come out? </strong></p>
<p>I’m just so disconnected from all of it. I mean, I watch a lot of old movies, try to read. That’s where I’m at right now in my head, in my life. But I know that there’s a lot of great TV. “Better Call Saul” — great show. But I don’t really, like, make an appointment to watch anything. I’m kind of a news junkie, for whatever that’s worth, and I try to stay off social media because it just makes me angry, y’know? [laughs] </p>
<p><strong>Speaking of anger: the timing of your Louisville show is interesting because, obviously, it comes after a very significant day around the country, but also certainly in Louisville. We have a mayoral race; we have a very contentious Senate race; we have a million other, smaller elections going on. Obviously, people on both sides are gonna be a bit tense. Can you talk about what it’s like to navigate a popular cultural landscape when there is a lot of polarization, especially, given the timing of this in particular? </strong></p>
<p>Well, I gotta be honest with you: I think twice before I open my mouth. I just believe that there’s certain portions of society who have been radicalized — on both sides. I’m this guy who’s sitting in the middle, going, ‘Well, I have friends who are Republicans and I have friends who are Democrats. I have friends who are Buddhists and friends who are atheists.’ Everybody gets along. </p>
<p>This is something that I’ve truly noticed at our shows: people come into the theater, and they leave their differences at the door, because we all have something in common. We’re all there for a common purpose: we all dig the music, and we’re all having a good time with each other. And for a little while, we’re just immersed in this experience. </p>
<p>And then you can take your shit outside the theater and go fight with each other again. But when everybody comes into the theater, everybody’s having a good time singing along with each other. </p>
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<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.leoweekly.com/2022/11/qa-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-talks-new-music-red-carpets-and-more/">https://www.leoweekly.com/2022/11/qa-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-talks-new-music-red-carpets-and-more/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7095763
2022-11-04T16:39:41-04:00
2022-11-04T17:10:56-04:00
South Bend Tribune: ‘Chaos In Bloom’ flourishes for Goo Goo Dolls during Pandemic
<p><strong>By Tom Conway</strong></p>
<p>For the first time in 35 years, Goo Goo Dolls was not able to play live shows, so they did what many bands did during the pandemic: They made an album. </p>
<p>In fact, they released three albums in the last two years. In October 2020, Goo Goo Dolls gifted fans a holiday album called “It’s Christmas All Over.” In May 2021, the multi-platinum alternative rock band released “Rarities,” a double compilation of rare and unreleased songs. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls members, singer/guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist/singer Robby Takac assembled a group of musicians in a very remote area near Woodstock, N.Y., and recorded the band’s 14th studio album, “Chaos in Bloom,” with Rzeznik producing the band for the first time. </p>
<p>“We were looking for opportunities to do things,” Rzeznik says of making the album. “We managed to work around the pandemic. All of us got COVID a couple of times. We just created our own bubble and worked. It was really fun. We got to experiment. I don't know if any of this is going to be a hit, but I like it.” </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have had numerous Top 10 singles, including their biggest hit, “Iris,” which just passed a billion streams on Spotify. </p>
<p>In a recent phone interview from his home in New Jersey, Rzeznik talked about the new album and his decades-long friendship with Takac in advance of the band's concert Nov. 7 at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend. </p>
<p><strong>Let's talk about the new album, “Chaos in Bloom.” What's the title mean to you? </strong></p>
<p>It's just some observations on the world going insane in a million different directions. That was just a reflection of those anxieties, I suppose, with the pandemic. Politics, society, faith, everything. There's a lot of things to be anxious about. It just feels we're living in a pretty precarious time. I guess I was just naturally inclined to reflect on that. I was trying to be a bit oblique, not so obvious. I don't know. Sometimes I think I'm being clever and I'm not. </p>
<p><strong>Would you consider this your pandemic album? </strong></p>
<p>More than the pandemic record, it was more like where I decided to take more control over the production and the sound of everything. Listen, I'm a guy of certain age and my band has had a huge string of hits. We've done really well, but times change, tastes change. </p>
<p>This album was about that kind of freedom, about having to not really worry so much about getting a single on the radio. That is a concern, and anybody who says they don't think about those things is lying. I don't care how cool they are or how indie or hip they are, we all want to be successful. We all want people to love our music. We all want to make a dent in the culture. </p>
<p>This album was very much like I didn't feel any constraints. All I know is I had a good time making it and I felt like I allowed myself to be as gritty and as idiosyncratic as I wanted to be. I could do something wrong on purpose on this record because that's what I wanted to do. I'm not bagging on anybody that I've worked with, but I have just enough education in music and record production, and I've been making records for 35 years. I know just enough to get myself into trouble. </p>
<p><strong>You used vintage equipment and pre-digital stuff, is that right? </strong></p>
<p>I have a really cool collection. I have this enormous collection of old microphones and old guitars, old amps, old pedals and old, old recording equipment. Compressors, mixing consoles, things like that. All that dorky stuff that no one cares about. </p>
<p>But I love it. I really love that it influences the sound and the vibe and the tone of the songs. It's like, “Wow, this really sounds cool through that microphone, this guitar going through that old amp going through that microphone going on to that tape machine. It sounds unbelievably cool.” </p>
<p>It influenced the songwriting. I would change things in the middle of recording. We got in the room and played together because I was trying to capture performances. I wanted it to be a little tougher. It's definitely like live. It's like everything is a little bit more in your face, a little more aggressive, a little quicker. </p>
<p><strong>Why, after 35 years, did you want to produce the album? You've had some great producers in the past: Butch Vig, Rob Cavallo, Glenn Ballard, Gregg Wattenberg. </strong></p>
<p>I love all of those guys. Those guys are all pretty amazing producers. I felt like I knew I had a clearer idea of what I wanted. After a lot of conversations with Chris (Syczech), the engineer, we just felt like we could do it, we felt like we could pull it off. We said to Robby, “Look, if it doesn't work, let's go get a producer and we'll have them redo the album.” You got to take chances. I love the record. I think it turned out really great. I don't know if I'm in love with it because I made it. That tends to happen. Part of being a “artist” is having a touch of narcissism, so you are susceptible to falling in love with your own reflection. But I'm also hypercritical of myself. Nine years of Catholic school will do that to you. </p>
<p><b>How is yours and Robby’s relationship? It's very rare to have musicians in a band last over 35 years. You still doing good? Other than a song here and there, you have never released anything solo. </b></p>
<p>It's just not my thing. I just haven't felt the need to go out on my own. I’m a band guy. I mean, I’ve got a bunch of songs. Maybe someday I'll release them, maybe I won't. I like my band. Except for that horrible name. … It’s like any marriage. Good days and bad days, you know. Just count the good days and, hopefully, there's more of those than bad days. We get along. I think there's always a bit of distance that forms to keep the relationship together. I can't see myself playing without him and he can't see himself playing without me. </p>
<p>In concert </p>
<p>• Who: Goo Goo Dolls </p>
<p>• When: 7 p.m. Nov. 7 </p>
<p>• Where: Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend </p>
<p>• Cost: $119.50-$49.50; VIP packages also available </p>
<p>• For more information: Call <a href="tel:574-235-9190">574-235-9190</a> or visit morriscenter.org.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/11/04/goo-goo-dolls-south-bend-indiana/69609138007/">https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/entertainment/2022/11/04/goo-goo-dolls-south-bend-indiana/69609138007/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7094352
2022-11-03T01:04:53-04:00
2022-11-04T16:34:46-04:00
KFOX14 - Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik discusses 'Chaos in Bloom' tour coming to El Paso
<p><strong>By Fallon Fischer</strong></p>
<p>EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls is making a return to El Paso for their first tour since 2019.</p>
<p>The American band known for their biggest hit, "Iris," will perform at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso on Nov. 20.</p>
<p>KFOX14 Anchor Robert Holguin spoke with John Rzeznik, frontman and guitarist of Goo Goo Dolls, about the tour which is a celebration of their new album "Chaos in Bloom."</p>
<p>“It's great to be back on the road. I think the time we were forced off the road, and to basically shut our business down, gave me a much greater appreciation of how lucky I am because my band has been around forever and I can still go out and people still want to hear the songs," said Rzeznik.</p>
<p>Rzeznik said one struggle the band faces is figuring out what songs to play at concerts.</p>
<p>“When you have been a band as long as we have, and you have a string of hits, which is a very luxurious problem to have, Robby and I fight with each other all the time because we're like what are we going to put in the setlist? Oh okay well, theres like 14 songs we have to play and I’m like that’s insane. It’s a luxury problem to have that and I’m grateful for that," Rzeznik added.</p>
<p>The band's new album "Chaos in Bloom" is their first-ever record to be produced by Rzeznik.</p>
<p>He told KFOX14 that he initially had a vision for what the album would sound like so he decided to produce it.</p>
<p>“This album came out, it’s a little more raw, there’s some satire in it there’s some pretty heavy material, and it’s like, between the writing and the production of it, I was just like I know what I want to hear so that was good," Rzeznik said.</p>
<p>Rzeznik said he wanted to put his own vocals on the album so he contacted another producer to help with that and put the finishing touches on the album.</p>
<p>“I had a pretty clear idea in my mind of what I wanted, what I wanted to hear, what I wanted the album to sound like and I knew if I went through another producer or two or three it wouldn’t be what it is," he added.</p>
<p>Doors for the Goo Goo Dolls concert will open at 6 p.m. with the show expected to start at 7 p.m.</p>
<p>Special guest Whitehall is expected to perform as well.</p>
<p>Tickets are on sale and can be <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C005D0BBE9D28FF" target="_blank" title="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C005D0BBE9D28FF">purchased here.</a></p>
<p>The four-time GRAMMY Award-nominated band previously visited El Paso in 2016 when they headlined the El Paso Downtown Street Festival.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-chaos-in-bloom-album-tour-el-paso-texas-plaza-theater-november-20-tickets-entertainment-things-to-do-alternative-rock-iris-90s-band-music">https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-chaos-in-bloom-album-tour-el-paso-texas-plaza-theater-november-20-tickets-entertainment-things-to-do-alternative-rock-iris-90s-band-music</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7094316
2022-11-03T00:47:47-04:00
2022-11-03T00:52:54-04:00
TMJ4 - The Goo Goo Dolls prepare for concert at Pabst Theater
<p>Check out this video interview with the Goo Goo Dolls before their show at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/bqUG5H0p-v0">https://youtu.be/bqUG5H0p-v0</a></p>
<p>Part 2 - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/CTFe98j75oc">https://youtu.be/CTFe98j75oc</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7094009
2022-11-02T16:03:11-04:00
2022-11-02T16:03:11-04:00
The Music Universe - Goo Goo Dolls announces QVC, HSN concert experience
<p><strong>By Buddy Iahn</strong></p>
<h4>Stream total experience online</h4>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls are teaming with QVC+ and HSN+ for a concert special entitled The Total Experience: Goo Goo Dolls – Chaos in Bloom. The special features exclusive intimate interviews with the band and live concert footage from their recent tour stop in Toledo, OH featuring an epic five-song performance of “Yeah I Like You” and “Going Crazy” from their most recent Warner Records album, <em>Chaos in Bloom</em>, as well as the band’s iconic hit singles “Name,” “Better Days,” and “Iris.”</p>
<p>Audiences can stream the show in the comfort of their own homes or on the go from their favorite device and pop over to the virtual merch table to snag physical copies of <a href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announce-13th-studio-album/"><em>Chaos in Bloom</em></a> as well as the band’s recent holiday album <a href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announce-deluxe-christmas-album/"><em>It’s Christmas All Over</em></a>, which features several originals and fresh interpretations on a handful of iconic holiday songs. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase one of 50 CDs signed by the band. Vans can download the QVC+ and HSN+ apps or visit <a href="https://plus.qvc.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">qvc.com</a> to view the experience.</p>
<p>On the heels of the release of <em>Chaos in Bloom</em>, Goo Goo Dolls will kick off the second leg of their first headlining tour since 2019 tonight (Fri, Oct 28th) in Eau Claire, WI. A limited allotment of tickets are still available via the band’s <a href="https://www.googoodolls.com/tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">website</a>. Making stops in cities spanning coast to coast, the tour is seeing the band perform a career-encompassing set that features multiple songs from <em>Chaos in Bloom</em> along with other hits from their complete discography including the indelible hit “Iris,” which recently <a href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-iris-eclipses-one-billion-spotify-streams/">eclipsed one billion streams on Spotify</a>. The song, which also recently achieved 7x Platinum status and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers, Demi Lovato, Maggie Rogers, Snail Mail and more in recent years, has been an unwavering staple not only in alt rock music, but pop culture as a whole since its release in 1998.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announces-qvc-hsn-concert-experience/">https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announces-qvc-hsn-concert-experience/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7093960
2022-11-02T15:54:20-04:00
2022-11-02T15:54:21-04:00
Leader - Telegram: Review: Goo Goo Dolls entertain the generations
<p><strong><a href="https://www.leadertelegram.com/users/profile/Afanetti">By Ashlie Fanetti Leader-Telegram staff</a></strong></p>
<p>EAU CLAIRE — As people filed into Pablo Center at the Confluence on Friday for the much anticipated Goo Goo Dolls concert as part of the venue’s Season 5 Legends Series, one thing became abundantly clear; the Goo Goo Dolls draw crowds of all ages, spanning the generations.</p>
<p>While there were plenty of Millennials in the audience excited to relive the nostalgia of their teenage years with Goo Goo Dolls classics of the 90s, there were also plenty of younger people and older people who were just as excited to belt out Goo Goo Doll’s iconic lyrics as well. This serves as proof that the band’s music has truly withstood the test of time.</p>
<p>When the lights of the RCU Theatre went down at about 8 p.m., the opening act Whitehall, a four-piece indie rock band from Charleston, took the stage to warm the crowd up for the main act. While their sound is far different from that of the Goo Goo Dolls, Whitehall brought the energy to the stage with their original songs that meld the musical genres of indie and rock together in a unique way.</p>
<p>It was clear to the audience that the band enjoys performing as a couple of the band members never stopped moving, headbanging throughout the show even if the song didn’t quite warrant it. Their job was to prime the crowd for the main event, and that’s exactly what they did.</p>
<p>The lights went black again about 30 minutes later. And, as the lights went down, the audience stood up — eagerly awaiting the arrival of John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, also known as Goo Goo Dolls.</p>
<p>Once the entire audience members stood up, the vast majority never sat back down as the band performed a set list perfectly balanced with the songs that made Goo Goo Dolls a household name over 20 years ago such as: “Slide,” “Black Balloon” and “So Alive,” and brand new tracks off of their latest album “Chaos in Bloom” including “Yeah, I Like You,” “You are the Answer” and “Going Crazy.”</p>
<p>One can’t forget their 1998 number one hit “Iris.” While it wasn’t the closing number as one might expect, it was certainly the song the crowd sang the loudest back to them. At one point, Rzeznick even stopped singing in the middle of the performance, allowing the crowd to pick up where he left off. While there’s no guarantee, it’s safe to say pretty much everybody in the theater sang the chorus word for word in almost perfect tune.</p>
<p>The show marked the kickoff of Goo Goo Doll’s fall tour dates for their 2022 tour, named after their new album and based on their electric, high energy performance complete with eye-catching and creative video content, Rzeznick and Takac seemed elated to be back out performing together and happy to be in Eau Claire.</p>
<p>The band stayed in, or “haunted” as Rzeznick called it, the city for a few days leading up to the tour and they had nothing but good things to say about it.</p>
<p>“This is a beautiful city,” Takac said of what he called “Aw Claire” during the show, specifically mentioning the “good ice cream” across the street and the range of things to do and see in the downtown area.</p>
<p>“These are the gems we get to find when we’re on tour,” Rzeznick said, speaking of smaller towns like Eau Claire.</p>
<p>Judging by the crowd’s positive reaction song after song, regardless if they knew if or not, the fans in Eau Claire love the Goo Goo Dolls just as much as the Goo Goo Dolls said they loved them throughout their performance.</p>
<p>Takac told the Leader-Telegram prior to the performance that the show would “just be a great night out,” and that’s certainly what it was.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.leadertelegram.com/entertainment/review-goo-goo-dolls-entertain-the-generations/article_e756b724-5333-5361-b122-92593f9f4207.html">https://www.leadertelegram.com/entertainment/review-goo-goo-dolls-entertain-the-generations/article_e756b724-5333-5361-b122-92593f9f4207.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7093959
2022-11-02T15:50:06-04:00
2022-11-02T15:50:06-04:00
On Milwaukee - John Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls talks Buffalo beginnings and Milwaukee love
<p><strong>By Larry Widen</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"And I'd give up forever to touch you<br>'Cause I know that you feel me somehow<br>You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be<br>And I don't want to go home right now"</p>
<p>- John Rzeznik, “Iris”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls released a new album, "Chaos in Bloom," earlier this summer. Shortly after that, the hit song “Iris” topped one billion streams on Spotify. Not bad for a group once labeled "the best band no one’s heard of."</p>
<p>Led by singer-songwriter John Rzeznik, the Goo Goo Dolls currently have 19 hit singles and sales of 15 million albums worldwide to their credit. The band came together in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, and forged a sound that combined punk, hard rock and alt rock. The following year they were picked up by a small record label who released their self-titled first album.</p>
<p>In 1995, the band broke into the mainstream with “Name," a hit single that Rzeznik calls "a very personal, very confessional kind of song." In a recent interview with OnMilwaukee, Rzeznik talked about the band’s early days, his process for writing songs and what the audience can expect when Goo Goo Dolls performs at The Pabst Theater on Nov. 2.</p>
<p><strong>OnMilwaukee: What was it like forming a band in Buffalo?</strong></p>
<p>John Rzeznik: It was difficult because we couldn’t find places to play. All the clubs at that time wanted cover bands, and we just didn’t want to do that. We included a few covers in our set, like Prince’s “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” or “Down on the Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, stuff that we liked. But those were ways to fill out our set, you know? The music scene in Buffalo wasn’t right for us in the early '80s. There were no alt-rock clubs then, so we created our own. We rented a hall, put up the posters ourselves, anything to create some awareness for the music we wanted to play. That’s risky because you never know if anyone’s going to listen. But we were lucky. People began coming to the shows and the band caught fire.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you want to be a musician?</strong></p>
<p>I was 13 or 14 when I heard my first punk rock records. Stuff like The Ramones, The Replacements, Husker Du, The Clash. I loved those bands because it wasn’t the typical grandiose junk that was being played then. Punk appealed to me because it sounded like real people playing music. I latched onto it because of that. Honestly, I was kind of a square peg, you know? </p>
<p><strong>By the time “Name” was released, you had already moved into a distinctive style that allowed you to express yourself differently.</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, definitely. Thank God the music business wasn’t like it is now. Executives in the music business saw our potential and aligned us with people who could help us grow. I don’t think that exists anymore, someone saying, "I’ll take a chance on two or three records and see where it goes."</p>
<p><strong>It seems like musicians have to be great right away now. There’s no opportunity to fail.</strong></p>
<p>You said that very succinctly. That’s why there are 19 writers working on every song. If you’re not given a chance to fail, you’ll never learn anything. Success is built on a series of failures. There’re so many talented artists out there right now. Young people with vision and tenacity will always shine and come out on top. They may not be able to live in a mansion on a hill anymore, but at least they’re doing something they love.</p>
<p><strong>Where does your inspiration to write come from?</strong></p>
<p>It just comes. Sometimes you have to chase it, but it comes. I try to be sensitive to the moment when the opportunity presents itself. That’s the moment when there’s a spark and I’ll say, "OK, John, now get to work." Sometimes an idea comes from a line in a movie, or something in a conversation. I like to get in the car and drive. I keep a little tape recorder with me, and I’ll just start singing whatever comes to mind. Inspiration is everywhere. </p>
<p><strong>Why does "Iris" continue to be such a mainstay in your live shows?</strong></p>
<p>I think it’s a song everyone can relate to in some way. This guy is willing to give up immortality so he can be human and feel pain. Life can be very painful and heartbreakingly beautiful at the same time. “Iris” catches that moment.</p>
<p><strong>As a rock song, the lyrics are very poignant. A romantic poet could have written them 200 years ago.</strong></p>
<p>Wow! Thank you very much!</p>
<p><strong>How does a band hang together over four decades?</strong></p>
<p>We view the band as a partnership, and you live up to your agreements. There’s a need to compromise, and we all know that. You’re never going to get everything you want, so don’t even try. It all comes down to respecting each other.</p>
<p><strong>Does that extend to the creative output?</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I think so. Robby (Takac) and I are like sovereign nations. (Laughs) We don’t write a lot together because art isn’t something to be done by a committee. He has his vision, and I have mine. But it works. This band is not going to be divided into factions. I’m not going to play that game. Robby’s a good partner, and we can be honest with each other. I’ve got a drawer full of songs that weren’t good enough to go on an album.</p>
<p><strong>You’re touring in support of “Chaos in Bloom," the band’s 13th album. </strong></p>
<p>I did the bulk of the production on this album, so it has my sound. I learned how to produce an album along the way, but this is the first time I did it myself. When I got in over my head, I reached out to friends and other producers for help. It’s like, I hear the part in my head, but I’m not a good enough musician to play it. I’m an uneducated musician who stepped out of the garage a long time ago and began singing and writing songs of my own.</p>
<p><strong>Does the current setlist draw from all phases of the band, or does it primarily focus on just current and recent songs?</strong></p>
<p>We’ll go back as far as the early '90s, but nothing from the first couple albums. We were babies when we made those. (Laughs) We’ll do stuff the fans want to hear. We could say we’re playing the entire “Chaos in Bloom” album, but that would be self-indulgent. We’re entertainers and people pay a lot of money to see the show. The last thing we want to do is disappoint them.</p>
<p>I’m so glad to be back in Milwaukee. It reminds me of my hometown of Buffalo. We’ve played at Summerfest, which is such fun. I’m not blowing smoke. I love Milwaukee, the people, the food and the SafeHouse. I know the SafeHouse is for tourists – but hey, I’m a tourist!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/goo-goo-dolls-interview-2022">https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/goo-goo-dolls-interview-2022</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7093951
2022-11-02T15:42:44-04:00
2022-11-02T15:42:44-04:00
Iowa Public Radio - John Rzeznik on the Goo Goo Dolls' latest album 'Chaos in Bloom'
<p><strong>By Ayesha Rascoe</strong></p>
<p>Listen here or read the transcript below - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2022-10-30/john-rzeznik-on-the-goo-goo-dolls-latest-album-chaos-in-bloom">https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2022-10-30/john-rzeznik-on-the-goo-goo-dolls-latest-album-chaos-in-bloom</a></p>
<p><strong>AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:</strong></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls are back and ready to rock.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YEAH, I LIKE YOU")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS: </strong>(Singing) I met the queen of generation fame. I said, I'm sorry, I don't know your name. And she stared at me...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE:</strong> Since 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have released 13 albums, sold 15 million records, and earned four Grammy nominations. John Rzeznik is the frontman and guitarist of Goo Goo Dolls and joins us now to talk about the band's newest album, called "Chaos In Bloom." Welcome.</p>
<p><strong>JOHN RZEZNIK</strong>: Hi. Nice to be here.</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE</strong>: So "Chaos In Bloom" - I mean, obviously, that's a very fitting title for everything going on in the world right now - pandemic, war, economic turmoil. Were these the things that were kind of on your mind when you made this album?</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK</strong>: We were all sort of living in this kind of fever dream, it seemed, of the pandemic and, you know, the political and social unrest that was going on in the country at the time. And yeah, it was weighing heavily on me and a lot of other musicians and artists. I kind of chose to sort of look straight at what was going on out there and kind of try to encapsulate my interpretation of it. It just felt so insane, and it was anxious. We didn't know if we were ever going to get to play live again. Nobody had any idea what the future held. So it was kind of unsettling, but it was inspiring at the same time.</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE</strong>: Well, a lot of the songs on the album - they seem to deal with relationships, people, connections. And also, it seems like some of it's about, like, loneliness. Like, I want to play a bit of the song "Save Me From Myself."</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SAVE ME FROM MYSELF")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) Feeling like the world has turned to stone, standing in a crowd, but I'm on my own. Wake up on the floor with a dizzy head again...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE:</strong> What's the story behind this song? I mean, I'm sure a lot of people during the pandemic might have felt, like, I want to be saved from myself. They got tired of themselves.</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK:</strong> That song was sort of about doing what I call a geographical where it's like - you decide, I have an enormous amount of problems and I've burnt every bridge that I can in this town, so I'm out.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SAVE ME FROM MYSELF")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) Memories will chase you down, catch you in another town...</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK:</strong> Nothing ever gets solved because your problems travel with you wherever you go. That song kind of had its roots in the time that I was getting divorced from my first wife and just sort of feeling like, I have to leave to get this relationship out of my system. What I learned from that song and that experience is that it's best to just hold your ground. Work it out. Everything is between your ears - goes with you.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SAVE ME FROM MYSELF")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) Save me from myself.</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE</strong>: You know, you have this song "Let The Sun." It's a bit sorrowful, you know?</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "LET THE SUN")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS: </strong>(Singing) Cruel man, don't look down, down on me 'cause you don't see...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE</strong>: You talk about the mean man, the cruel man. Is that, you know, capitalism? Is that the government? Who is the mean man talked about in this song?</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK:</strong> It's pretty obvious who and what I'm singing about. It's about the inequality that exists in this country and just how over the past few years, I just feel like we've become so cruel to our own people. We were working in Los Angeles in a recording studio on Sunset Boulevard and opened up the front door, and boom, there was a massive protest going on right outside, right there. We, like, walked into it. It was really powerful to feel the conviction of these thousands of people. And it really felt like something was going to change. Like, it really felt like something was going to change. And I think this inequality - it's un-American.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "LET THE SUN")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) 'Cause you'll never let this go, and it's time to let you know, please go away...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE:</strong> One of the last songs on your album, it is a song that is hopeful and uplifting because it's focusing on the individual.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOU ARE THE ANSWER")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) Close your eyes, realize some hearts can't be sewn. Your only crime is being alive. You know you're not alone. You are the answer you've been looking for...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE:</strong> Are you saying that we are the answer to, you know, go out and make change?</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK</strong>: I mean, every change starts from inside. Looking outside for change is never going to work. You can't look outside of yourself for change. It has to come from within. You know, the politics in this country are - I mean, we're driving the division deeper and deeper and deeper. Jeez. And I think we have to really start believing in each other and respecting each other again.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOU ARE THE ANSWER")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS: </strong>(Singing) You're gold. You're gold...</p>
<p><strong>RASCOE:</strong> Jon Rzeznik, frontman and guitarist of Goo Goo Dolls. Thank you so much for joining us.</p>
<p><strong>RZEZNIK</strong>: Thanks for having me.</p>
<p><em>(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOU ARE THE ANSWER")</em></p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS:</strong> (Singing) She said it's never been sane. Here we are, you and me, tryna make the changes. And I believe I can see a better time... Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.</p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7093949
2022-11-02T15:30:39-04:00
2022-11-02T15:30:39-04:00
Shepard Express - Goo Goo Dolls Bring ‘Chaos In Bloom’ to Pabst Theater
<p><strong>By Allen Halas</strong></p>
<p>When you put on The Goo Goo Dolls’ 1987 self-titled debut album, it becomes hard to believe that the same band would have put out mega hit singles like “Slide” and “Iris” with a very different sound just a little over a decade later. When you put on their latest release, this year’s <em>Chaos In Bloom</em>, you hear almost an entirely different iteration of the band’s sound, a few decades removed. While that is a testament to longevity in the music business, it also requires a tremendous amount of resilience and willingness to grow and evolve as a band. Ahead of Wednesday night’s show at the Pabst Theater, we spoke to John Resznik about the making of the new album, as well as their now storied career.</p>
<p><strong><em>It feels unbelievable that we’re talking about four decades of The Goo Goo Dolls. How do you feel about it? Do you look back on the past?</em></strong></p>
<p>I like living in the moment. I’m grateful for the success that my band has had, and I’m grateful for the songs that we’ve written that have become humongous hits, and the songs that didn’t as well. I’m still writing, and the world is changing so quickly. I’m always trying to look forward to the future, and see what else is out there that I can try. Sometimes that entails going back to your past, and digging around to see if there’s anything you missed. But I still feel like I have something to say.</p>
<p><strong><em>Speaking of trying new things, Chaos In Bloom is the first Goo Goo Dolls record that you’ve produced. Why this one?</em></strong></p>
<p>Sometimes in the past, the process of going from my brain to a phone or a laptop or recorder, and then getting it into a studio, and through a producer and engineer affected things. I have one thing in my mind, and it turns out completely different. I really wanted to see this one through. I had great engineers, and I did have help with the production from Gregg Wattenberg and Chris Szczech, the engineer. When I was out of my element, I could go to them and say “how do we do this?” I’m notorious for burning producers out. I want to experiment with every possible thing. I’m such a gear geek. I have a collection of vintage guitars and pedals and amps. On this album I wanted to get the tones in a very organic way, and then add the modern stuff later.</p>
<p><strong><em>Any vintage stuff that you brought into the recording?</em></strong></p>
<p>I’ve got this old Fender Jazzmaster that I brought in. You should own a guitar from the year that you were born. When I bought one from the year I was born, it was too expensive because it was so friggin’ old. But it sounded so cold, and I ended up using that for most of the album. It’s too nice to take on tour with me though. I have like 200 or 300 effect pedals, and we just created this mad scientist sort of thing. Fortunately I had people that were like minded. The album is conceptually about the angst that we’ve been going through for the past few years.</p>
<p><strong><em>I wanted to ask about that actually. There’s a lot of heavier things going on with these songs, about relationships falling apart. Does it feel like you can be more open about that sort of thing when it’s you producing it?</em></strong></p>
<p>It can work for you or it can work against you. There were definitely moments where I thought it might be working against me, but for the most part I think it worked in my favor. There just wasn't another filter being put on there. It was more of a direct line from my brain to the recording.</p>
<p><strong><em>This is your first tour in a while for a band that has pretty much lived on the road. What did you miss, or not miss about being on the road?</em></strong></p>
<p>Long bus rides. I do not like those. I can fly sometimes, which is more fun. What I look forward to, though, is just being able to play with my band. During the lockdown, we didn’t get to play much together. But being on a stage with these four awesome musicians and knowing that we can play off of each other is just really fun. We had a conversation about this. Being away from what we do made us appreciate it a lot more, because there were times where you’re just grinding from show to show after show. I’m a worker, brought up in Buffalo with a blue collar family, and it’s what you did. You get up and go to work. But we appreciate it more now.</p>
<p><strong><em>I think you don’t realize the little things until you’re out of it, as well.</em></strong></p>
<p>Oh God, yeah. The conversations on the bus after the show, where you just laugh so hard. You miss that. Like most bands, we text each other and we talk, but when you live with these guys for months at a time, they become like a surrogate family. We’re very aware of that. Robby (Takac) and I try to have coffee every morning. We try to still have time to connect as human beings, even though we’ve known each other for almost 40 years.</p>
<p><strong><em>Anything in particular come to mind when you think of Milwaukee?</em></strong></p>
<p>Milwaukee is actually close to my heart for a couple of reasons. Summerfest, which we’ve done a few times, is amazing. But it reminds me so much of my hometown in Buffalo. I also love the Safe House. I haven’t had a drink in eight years, so I haven’t been back in a while, but every single tour we did, we had to go there. It’s just so crazy and unique. I love history, and I love spy movies and all that, and the people are like, salt of the earth as well.</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls play the Pabst Theater on Wednesday night. Find out more information about the show and <a href="https://www.pabsttheatergroup.com/events/detail/the-goo-goo-dolls-2022" target="_blank"><strong>get tickets here</strong></a>.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://shepherdexpress.com/music/music-feature/goo-goo-dolls-bring-chaos-in-bloom-to-pabst-theater/">https://shepherdexpress.com/music/music-feature/goo-goo-dolls-bring-chaos-in-bloom-to-pabst-theater/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7090016
2022-10-27T15:33:32-04:00
2022-10-27T15:33:32-04:00
The Spectator - Goo Goo Dolls at the Pablo Center
<p><strong>Story by <a href="https://www.spectatornews.com/staff_name/sam-johnson/">Sam Johnson</a>, Editor-in-Chief</strong></p>
<p>The Pablo Center opened in September <a href="https://volumeone.org/articles/2019/09/19/208892-pablo-center-finishes-year-one-with-operating#:~:text=Sept.,dreamed%2Dof%20downtown%20arts%20center.">2018</a>. Less than two years later, it shut down for <a href="https://www.pablocenter.org/health/archive/#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20POLICY%20EFFECTIVE%20THROUGH,whatever%20safety%20tools%20we%20have.">18 months</a> alongside much of the <a href="https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/backstage-pass/vol4/iss1/10/">live music industry</a>.</p>
<p>The three-time <a href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/goo-goo-dolls/16322">Grammy-nominated</a> Goo Goo Dolls are coming to the Pablo Center on Friday, Oct. 28 as a part of their fall tour, according to Robby Takac, bassist and founding member of the band. The tour is paired with a new album release and amidst a return to live touring. </p>
<p>The band’s new album, “Chaos in Bloom,” is indicative of the times the world was living in during the pandemic, Takac said.</p>
<p>“I think it really looks into some of the pressures folks were feeling,” Takac said. “Everybody lived it in their own way.”</p>
<p>According to Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls went to a remote studio in Woodstock, New York, where they enjoyed freedom and time to record the album they wanted to make.</p>
<p>“I don’t think we would’ve made a record like this if we weren’t in that situation, quite honestly,” Takac said. “Just in the middle of the woods, we spent a couple of months out there by ourselves, with a couple of engineers. We hadn’t done that (before).”</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in 1986 in <a href="https://buffalonews.com/news/the-goo-goo-dolls-finally-get-a-break-by-dale-anderson-news-critic/article_c07369b7-799b-56a7-8dbb-5e00b5abbe4a.html">Buffalo, New York</a>. Since then, the band has seen, <a href="https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/the-goo-goo-dolls">toured</a> for decades, sold over 15 million <a href="https://mohavedailynews.com/news/133190/goo-goo-dolls-collective-soul-ready-to-rock-lec/">records</a>, and had “Iris,” one of their biggest hits, top 1 billion streams on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qyc6fS4DsZjB2mRW9DsQs">Spotify</a>.</p>
<p>According to Takac, over the band’s nearly four decades in music, finding its sound was a process.</p>
<p>“The first couple of records, we barely knew how to play,” Takac said. “We were just trying to be as loud and melodic as we knew how to be. Record by record, we learned to play a little better and find power in places other than speed and volume and screaming.”</p>
<p>The Pablo Center is on its own journey back from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Jason Anderson, executive director of the Pablo.</p>
<p>“Back then (pre-pandemic), the Pablo Center really wasn’t on the map yet. It was a brand new building, a brand new organization,” Anderson said. “Rescheduling throughout the pandemic and then booking this season, we’re becoming more known out in the industry.</p>
<p>This season, Anderson said, the Pablo is gaining notoriety within the music industry. Successful visits from artists like the Goo Goo Dolls lead to more acts coming.</p>
<p>Big acts — like the Goo Goo Dolls on Friday, Lindsey Buckingham on Monday and <a href="https://www.pablocenter.org/all-events/live-music/">more</a> — aren’t just beneficial to the Pablo. Downtown businesses, like <a href="https://www.thedistrictpubandgrill.com/">The District</a> across the street, reap the spoils of packing the Pablo, according to Drew Johnson, a server at the District for the last year and a half.</p>
<p>“Anytime there’s a big show going on across the street we’re almost guaranteed to be fully booked,” Johnson said. “This is great for us because we get a lot of people coming from out of town to spend money in our city.”</p>
<p>Takac said one of the best parts of touring is coming to cities like Eau Claire.</p>
<p>“It’s a new experience every night,” Takac said. “I think it’s good to be able to step back and, and appreciate. I think some people forget to do that sometimes. This life can get really crazy.”</p>
<p><i>Johnson can be reached at johnsosg4574@uwec.edu.</i></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.spectatornews.com/currents/2022/10/goo-goo-dolls-at-the-pablo-center/"><i>https://www.spectatornews.com/currents/2022/10/goo-goo-dolls-at-the-pablo-center/</i></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7086862
2022-10-22T18:40:18-04:00
2022-10-27T15:30:39-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik: Being back on the road is like reconnecting with old friends
<p><strong>By Rona Faaberg</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ames Tribune</strong></p>
<p>October 22, 2022</p>
<p>Alt-rock superstars the Goo Goo Dolls will take the stage at Stephens Auditorium on Oct. 30 as they tour with their newest album, “Chaos in Bloom.” </p>
<p>Many of the songs on the new album reflect things in daily life that were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, John Rzeznik, the band’s lead singer, told the Ames Tribune. </p>
<p>“The pandemic caused a shift in the way I was thinking,” Rzeznik said. “It caused a lot of anxiety. Not just the part about getting sick — and I wound up getting COVID twice — I just never thought anything was going to get back to normal.”</p>
<p>During the pandemic, Rzeznik isolated at his New Jersey home with his wife, their young daughter, his mother-in-law and two of his wife’s nieces. Songwriting helped him find some normal in the chaos, though. </p>
<p>“I think that a lot of everything that was going on in the world influenced this album,” Rzeznik said.</p>
<p>Music is common ground for people from different walks of life </p>
<p>This summer, Goo Goo Dolls started touring for the band’s 14th album, “Chaos in Bloom,” which was released Aug. 12. </p>
<p>It was the band’s first live, in-person shows since the pandemic began, and being back on stage was a meaningful experience for Rzeznik. It was the longest hiatus from the road for the Goo Goo Dolls since the band formed in 1986.</p>
<p>“It was like reconnecting with an old friend. It was like reconnecting with thousands of old friends,” he said. “It was so much fun. And it was just so good to see some old faces that we knew — and some new faces — and strive to make it as fun as possible.”</p>
<p>Touring again reminded Rzeznik that no matter what’s going on outside the venue, everybody in the room has something in common. It makes it easier to find common ground, he said. </p>
<p>“When you’re at a show, music has the ability to take people from different walks of life, different ideologies, and put them together in a zone that they can all agree on,” he said. “Politically, socially, whatever, our audience is very diverse and that makes me feel good.”</p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is 'a blend of the old, the new, the weird' </p>
<p>“Chaos in Bloom” is the first full album Rzeznik produced. He also enlisted longtime collaborator Gregg Wattenberg to help with vocal production and finishing touches. </p>
<p>Being the producer gave Rzeznik more artistic license on the project, as he tends to fuss over the little details, he said. “There was no one to stop me,” he said with a laugh.</p>
<p>Rzeznik also worked with sound engineer Chris Szczech. "He’s a young guy but he’s very into old-school recording techniques and styles. We tried to blend the old, the new, the weird and put it all together on the album,” Rzeznik said.</p>
<p>Rzeznik has an enormous collection of vintage recording equipment — stuff from as far back as the 1940s. </p>
<p>“Ultimately it sounds better than a lot of the new stuff,” he said. “I read about weird tricks people did to capture certain sounds. It gets really nerdy and kinda wonky. </p>
<p>“I like to play around with amplifiers, pedals, different kinds of guitars. Kind of using the recording studio and all the equipment as another instrument. And quite honestly, abusing and using a lot of the equipment in the wrong way to get a certain sound. It was fun but it got a little expensive.”</p>
<p>“Chaos in Bloom” was recorded at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock, New York. It was kind of like summer camp as the band worked on songs Rzeznik and bassist and songwriter Robby Takac wrote during the pandemic. </p>
<p>“It was really cool. You get off the highway and then you go down a local road and then take this little branch road and drive through this heavily wooded area. You turn into this gravel driveway, and there’s a house and an old church. The studio was up in the church and the house was down the hill,” Rzeznik said.</p>
<p>They stayed there together, isolated in a way, he said. After listening to many live recordings of the Goo Goo Dolls, Rzeznik wanted that kind of sound for this album. </p>
<p>“A lot of the recordings on this album went down like a live performance,” he said. “You actually get the push and pull of the performers. I wanted to try an older, old-school process.”</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are excited to perform in Ames, Rzeznik said. </p>
<p>“The Midwest is really, really good to us. It’s one of those parts of the country where people still really love rock and roll,” he said. “I’m from Buffalo, New York, which is on the eastern edge of the Midwest, and people are very down to earth and I always have fun in that part of the world.”</p>
<p>The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $79 and are available at Ticketmaster.com. </p>
<p>Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amestrib.com/story/entertainment/2022/10/22/goo-goo-dolls-concert-ames-iowa-state-university-stephens-auditorium-stop-in-chaos-in-bloom-tour/69572041007/">https://www.amestrib.com/story/entertainment/2022/10/22/goo-goo-dolls-concert-ames-iowa-state-university-stephens-auditorium-stop-in-chaos-in-bloom-tour/69572041007/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7086775
2022-10-22T14:55:04-04:00
2022-11-07T15:30:59-05:00
Meet and Greet Lotteries Open Now for Shows Through 11/3!!
<p>Meet and greet lotteries are now open for the first 5 fall Goo Goo Dolls Chaos in Bloom shows - Eau Claire, Ames, Sioux Falls, Milwaukee, & Appleton!! Send us an email with your name as it appears on your ID to contact@absolutegoo.com with the show and date in the subject line. </p>
<p>You must have a ticket to the show to attend the meet and greet. The meet and greet is for one person only and is not transferable. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, October 26th at 12 pm ET. Good luck!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/e66c711deeb60b66bd7adbca06d902263ee79231/original/2954779916503381850-0.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7084795
2022-10-19T19:52:22-04:00
2022-10-19T19:52:22-04:00
Music Connection - ALBUM REVIEWS: "GOO GOO DOLLS" BY CHAOS IN BLOOM (8/10)
<p><strong>Chaos in Bloom </strong></p>
<p>Warner Records </p>
<p>Producer: John Rzeznik </p>
<p>This iconic band is back for their 13th studio release. It is the first full-length album to be produced by frontman Rzeznik. Recorded in a converted church in Woodstock, NY, the band took their time in crafting a well balanced mix of ballads, rockers and thought provoking material. They also went for a more organic and somewhat experimental approach in terms of sound design. But the hits are still there, like the uplifting “Superstar,” the melodic “Loving Life” and the self-reflective “You Are the Answer.” </p>
<p>–<strong> Eric Harabadian</strong></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.musicconnection.com/album-reviews-goo-goo-dolls-by-chaos-in-bloom-8-10/"><strong>https://www.musicconnection.com/album-reviews-goo-goo-dolls-by-chaos-in-bloom-8-10/</strong></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7084794
2022-10-19T19:49:55-04:00
2022-10-19T19:49:55-04:00
Louder - Goo Goo Dolls: Johnny Rzeznik on vintage gear, inequality, and why America is moving backwards
<p><strong>By Philip Wilding</strong></p>
<p><em>The Goo Goo Dolls have returned with a new album partly inspired by the state of the USA, and it’s not a smiley record</em></p>
<p>Ensconcing themselves in splendid isolation in the remote Dreamland Studios outside of Woodstock in New York State paid off for the Goo Goo Dolls and their thirteenth album, Chaos In Bloom. Born partly from lockdown blues and not a little frustration with the state of their nation, the Johnny Rzeznik-produced album is the band’s best in some time. </p>
<p>Classic Rock caught up with Rzeznik – the band’s guitarist/vocalist – pre-show in Seattle.</p>
<p><strong>You finally self-produced a Goo Goo Dolls album. Is your ego now completely out of control?</strong></p>
<p>Ha! You know, I just wanted the time to experiment and to create in a way that we have not had the opportunity to do over the past few records. I love those records, but I wanted something different. I was watching videos of us playing live on YouTube, and I’m like, well, you know, the songs sound a lot tougher live, and I thought, well, we need to capture this stuff.</p>
<p><strong>You drove your own vintage equipment coast to coast to get the album sound you wanted.</strong> </p>
<p>I have this massive collection of vintage recording equipment, and I didn’t trust anybody to ship it for me. So my friend John and I put it in a truck and we drove from California to New York in the middle of winter on this four-day adventure. </p>
<p><strong>The Chaos album has a darker edge lyrically than some fans might expect. Was at least some of the record’s mood impacted by lockdown? </strong></p>
<p>On one hand, I got to spend a lot of time with my little girl, and working on the record helped me keep sane, so there was that. But part of the record is a reflection of the time, and a lot of the songs are not just about the pandemic, but what’s going on socially.</p>
<p><strong>So after driving coast to coast across the USA, how’s the state of the nation looking to you? </strong></p>
<p>It’s difficult to speak about politics as a musician. Theoretically, you can alienate half your audience. But we’re so divided as a nation, awash in a sea of disinformation. And even if I was a Republican, I would disavow Trump and Trumpism. Those things are not the core beliefs of that party. I believe that our country is moving backwards, and that’s frightening to me. Then there’s climate change, huge inequality, all of it. </p>
<p><strong>Hence a song like Let The Sun? I mean, initially it sounds like classic Goo Goo Dolls…</strong> </p>
<p>And it’s about the economic inequality in America, I know. But I can’t ignore that. More and more money in the US keeps getting funnelled into fewer and fewer hands. Why does one guy get to have two hundred billion dollars? To put that in perspective, we all want to be a millionaire, but that guy became a millionaire two hundred thousand times over. It’s fucking absurd, isn’t it? It’s grotesque. The pigs at the top keep the cash. </p>
<p><strong>What would the young Johnny Rzeznik who wrote Superstar Carwash have made of all this? </strong></p>
<p>I just feel like I’m at a point in my life in my career where it’s like, well, I have a little more freedom to do exactly what I want, and that’s where I am and who I am. But I think that kid would have written about this stuff too, it’s just that these times now, they’re so unprecedented. </p>
<p><em>Chaos In Bloom is out now via Warner Bros Records. The next leg of Goo Goo Dolls' US tour kicks off on October 28 in Eau Claire, WI. Full dates available on the Goo Goo Dolls website.</em></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik-on-vintage-gear-inequality-and-why-america-is-moving-backwards"><em>https://www.loudersound.com/features/goo-goo-dolls-johnny-rzeznik-on-vintage-gear-inequality-and-why-america-is-moving-backwards</em></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7084783
2022-10-19T19:43:37-04:00
2022-10-19T19:43:38-04:00
Stereogum - Watch Demi Lovato Cover Goo Goo Dolls‘ “Iris” With John Rzeznik
<p><strong>By James Rettig</strong></p>
<p>Demi Lovato has been covering Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” at most of her recent shows, usually mashing it up with her own similar-sounding track “4 EVER 4 ME.” Last night, Lovato performed at the Beacon Theater in New York, and the pop star brought out Goo Goo Dolls’ very own John Rzeznik to sing it alongside her.</p>
<p>“Iris” has become, understandably, the Goo Goo Dolls song for people to cover. In the past few years, we’ve gotten “Iris” covers from Billy Joel, Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, Snail Mail and Soccer Mommy, and RMR.</p>
<p>Watch the video at the link - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.stereogum.com/2203367/demi-lovato-goo-goo-dolls-iris-john-rzeznik/music/">https://www.stereogum.com/2203367/demi-lovato-goo-goo-dolls-iris-john-rzeznik/music/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7081612
2022-10-14T16:01:21-04:00
2022-10-15T13:28:56-04:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby here in the pages of the mighty In Rock, Goo Goo Dolls are about half done with a 50 city North American Summer Tour which wraps up on September 24th in our hometown of Buffalo, NY (more on that later). We’ve been preparing and dodging a covid outbreak early in the tour which made its way around the camp, and we’ve been lucky enough to have steered clear of any infections up to this point and with any luck we will remain successful in our attempts to keep the camp healthy. We’re doing this by limiting the amount of people backstage, keeping a little distance and ventilation during our meet and greets as we usually meet between 50 to 75 people every evening before the show. Basically, we are living in as much of a bubble as we can to keep things functioning as we make our way around the country. </p>
<p>When we were doing occasional shows as the lockdowns were eased state by state here in the US the first few shows were a little strange for us, some states were entirely shut down, some states were pretty much business as usual which was tough to get used to. The backstage areas were entirely secure, but the audiences were totally free to mingle, the inconsistencies were jarring, but as we learned to live with covid, and the severity of the illness seems to be diminishing I think it’s given us all enough confidence to go out and live life with some enthusiasm again. I see this nowhere more significantly than at our latest run of shows, people are out singing, laughing, and sharing music together and it feels so good to be back in that relationship with our friends at the shows. I’ve missed it so much! </p>
<p>A great band called Blue October has been opening the shows, they have a pretty rich history and make some great music, if you get a chance check them out, they’ve got a new release out now. The Goo Goo Dolls fans are embracing them fully and they’ve been warming up the crowds very well for us. But in all honesty, I think everyone is revved up and were ready for a rock show from the moment they bought those tickets, and for some people that was over 3 years ago before the 2 cancellations when the tour was first announced! </p>
<p>Our new album Chaos in Bloom was officially released worldwide with 10 new songs for you all to chew on! If you follow the action here in The Lobby we have been hard at work on it for the last couple of years and it’s great to see it finally out for people to enjoy. We’ve been playing 3 songs off the new record on the tour, and they’ve been going over really well at the shows. It’s always a little nerve racking playing new music, especially before the album is released, but it’s gone really well, and people seem to love the songs! We’ve been through the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, made our way through the Northeast, through the South and now we are in Florida as I sit speaking with you, waiting to do a show in Jacksonville tonight. </p>
<p>We’re doing 5-6 shows a week with a crazy busy travel schedule, but as I said, I am so happy to be out here right now sharing this experience with people all over the US. All of our families came out to visit for a week, Johnny’s little girl and 2 other daughters from the tour were able to have a week together in their extended goo goo dolls family. I don’t think we ever thought as we were playing punk rock at CBGBs in the 80s we would be out here with our families in tour busses as we continue the journey with this band over 35 years later. We have added some shows in the US in the Fall and are busily booking 2023 to continue supporting the Chaos in Bloom album around the world! More information on international touring coming soon! </p>
<p>The 20th Annual Music is Art Festival in Buffalo is on September 10th this year, I'll be back home for the event and I'll be taking you through all of the chaos and creativity that comes with the annual event with me here in the pages of the Mighty In Rock next month. Thanks so much for stopping in to check up on me, and I can’t wait to catch up next month here in The Lobby …. </p>
<p>Peace </p>
<p>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7080793
2022-10-13T15:55:27-04:00
2022-10-13T15:55:27-04:00
KISS 98.5 - Robby Takac On His Hall Of Fame Induction
<p>Give a listen to Janet and Nick in the Morning talking to Robby about his Buffalo Music Hall of Fame induction, his long lost first guitar, and more! <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.audacy.com/kiss985/latest/robby-takac-on-his-hall-of-fame-induction10-13">https://www.audacy.com/kiss985/latest/robby-takac-on-his-hall-of-fame-induction10-13</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7077566
2022-10-08T15:57:53-04:00
2022-10-08T15:57:54-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls Added to Hootiefest: The Big Splash Lineup
<p><strong>By Buddy Iahn</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>All-inclusive concert vacation features a variety of performers</em> </strong></p>
<p>Following an incredible and equally memorable inaugural event last January, Hootie & the Blowfish have announced rescheduled dates for the return of their destination concert vacation – HootieFest: The Big Splash. Hosted April 26-29, 2023 on a picturesque stretch of white sand beach at Moon Palace Cancún, the four day celebration of all things rock will feature three complete sets by the GRAMMY Award-winning band, including two headlining performances and one special sunset set. </p>
<p>The event will also feature newly added headlining performances by the Goo Goo Dolls and Barenaked Ladies, plus appearances by Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit, and Cowboy Mouth, the latter with performances, as well as Occasional Milkshake and Voice of Harold, both featuring Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish. Additional details, including pool party performances and off-site adventures are still to be announced.</p>
<p>Current 2023 HootieFest package holders should check their email for options regarding the rescheduled dates. <strong>Revamped ticket packages for the April 2023 event will go on sale to the public next week, October 13th at 1 pm ET via hootiefest.com. Packages feature all-inclusive resort accommodations, concert access, roundtrip airport transportation and more. </strong></p>
<p>In addition to daytime entertainment, curated activities and nightly concerts, guests are encouraged to explore Mexico’s natural beauty and rich ancient culture during their HootieFest trip via various off-site adventures including diving in underground cenotes, visiting the lost capital of Chichen Itza, discovering the hidden gems of nearby Isla Mujeres, sailing on luxury catamarans and more. </p>
<p>HootieFest: The Big Splash’s ongoing commitment to a comprehensive greening program continues in partnership with Moon Palace, which has been designated as a low carbon tourism provider. In addition to a single-use plastic-free concert area, all waste discarded throughout the resort will be sorted during the event and diverted from landfill. These efforts result in more responsible and sustainable event production while directly contributing to the fight against climate change. </p>
<p>HootieFest: The Big Splash will continue to closely monitor relevant recommendations and guidelines from the CDC, the WHO and local authorities in order to prioritize the health and safety of all guests, artists and staff.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themusicuniverse.com/hootiefest-big-splash-2023-reveals-new-dates-lineup/">https://themusicuniverse.com/hootiefest-big-splash-2023-reveals-new-dates-lineup/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7075715
2022-10-06T12:41:53-04:00
2022-10-06T22:35:55-04:00
Read Range - Why Goo Goo Dolls Don’t Care About Hits Anymore
<p><strong>Why Goo Goo Dolls Don’t Care About Hits Anymore</strong> </p>
<p><em>We ‘slide’ into a conversation with iconic 90s hitmaker John Rzeznik about faking it until you make it and his band's dynamic new album, Chaos in Bloom. </em> </p>
<p><strong>by Yasmine Shemesh</strong> </p>
<p><strong>Photo by Claire Marie Vogel </strong></p>
<p>Published on October 5, 2022 </p>
<p>John Rzeznik just woke up in a hotel room in New York, his home state, where Goo Goo Dolls are currently touring. Finally being on the road again feels really good, the frontman exhales, speaking to RANGE over Zoom. The alternative rock band had to postpone this outing twice due to the pandemic. Now, they’re supporting the release of their 13th studio album, Chaos in Bloom. It’s a milestone for Goo Goo Dolls in many ways and an important entry in their catalog. It’s not only an album that showcases the band’s mastery at capturing the emotional gravitas of the human condition while holding a mirror up to the complicated world we live in. It’s also the most ambitious work they’ve released in their recent history. Memorable melodies and layered instrumentation form a dynamic and compelling musical landscape in which Rzeznik’s distinctive voice — powerful, throaty, and as emotive as ever — belts to big choruses. More than anything, though, it maintains an uncompromising spirit that recalls Goo Goo Dolls’ roots. </p>
<p>Before breaking through in the late 90s with their landmark album, Dizzy Up the Girl (1998), which gave era-defining hits like “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and, of course, “Iris,” Rzeznik and co-founder, bassist, and vocalist Robby Takac were just a band in Buffalo determined to make it. They hung posters on telephone poles, rented out halls because local clubs wouldn’t book them, and got the college radio station to play their band’s songs. There wasn’t a music scene in Buffalo that accepted them, so they created their own. “If we were going to follow the rules that were laid down in front of us and the limitations of that, we were never going to get anywhere,” Rzeznik says. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls formed in 1986. The band had a punk-leaning sound in those days, as heard on early albums like 1989’s Jed and 1993’s Superstar Car Wash. But their influences always ranged widely. Rzeznik loved The Descendents and Buzzcocks as much as he loved Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel, and Bruce Springsteen. “There’s a pretty wide scope of music that I was listening to, from metal to dance music,” Rzeznik remembers. “I just liked whatever song had a good hook, you know? A lot of it had a huge influence on me. I was more a fan of songs than bands.” </p>
<p>“Eleanor Rigby” was probably the first to really blow him away. Rzeznik was in grade three the first time he heard the Beatles song. There was something about those classical strings, those arrangements of violin, viola, and cello, that was so compelling, even to a kid. Songs like that—which Rzeznik heard courtesy of his four older sisters “who bought the records in the house,” he laughs—would shape the music he liked and the way he’d write. </p>
<p>That varied foundation holds a significant presence on Chaos in Bloom, which, musically, has an experimental palette that feels refreshing and playful despite the album’s more serious lyrical themes (more on those in a minute). It’s a credit to Rzeznik, who produced the record himself—the first time he’s done so in full for Goo Goo Dolls—in a deliberate effort to retain creative autonomy. </p>
<p>“I had a lot of ideas of my own and I wanted to get my ideas across as much as I could,” he says. “I was able to actually play in the studio—play in the sense of, I’m going to experiment with this piece of equipment or I’m going to hang a microphone off the ceiling and try to get a cool sound out of it. Just things that most producers don’t want to do anymore because it’s cost prohibitive, because there’s no record budgets anymore. So we decided to go for it. And I was very cognizant of that, well, you may not get a song on the radio or you may not have a hit on this record. But it’s like, who cares? I want to enjoy this. I’m at a point in my life where I need to enjoy whatever time there is left in doing this. And we had a lot of fun.” </p>
<p>It begs the question, of course: after all this time, why is this only the first Goo Goo Dolls record Rzeznik has produced? He pauses for a second. “Because I started to doubt my own ability to get my message across,” Rzeznik answers. “I had a rough time with a record executive and it got very discouraging. And I actually really started to doubt myself as a writer, because no matter what I did, it was not good enough for this person. So, I started to rely on other people a lot more and I think a bit of the message got lost in that. It’s embarrassing to say, but I had to shake this off. And doing it this way, I think, was the best way because it was a big risk. And you gotta take a big risk.” </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom was recorded at Dreamland Studios, a historic space set in an old church built in 1896 and located on the edge of the Onteora Lake Trail, just outside Woodstock. Rzeznik, Takac, and their bandmates stayed at the house on the property, sharing meals and spending their days writing and recording. “There was a free-flow of energy there,” Rzeznik describes of the studio atmosphere, which lent itself to the band’s creative process and encouraged them to approach things in ways they normally wouldn’t. Rzeznik remembers walking into the live room one day and finding drummer Craig Macintyre at the piano. He had no idea Macintyre could play so well. “That’s really good,” Rzeznik said. “Let’s make that into a song.” </p>
<p>It became “You Are the Answer,” a melodic rock ballad about love during times of difficulty that starts out minimally, just keys and Rzeznik’s voice, then builds with roaring guitar and spontaneous tambourine. It’s an album standout and captures a live-off-the-floor energy that flows through the record, another intentional choice. Rzeznik listened to live recordings of the band before going into the studio, comparing those versions with their album counterparts. He found himself preferring the live renditions. “There’s a little more aggression, a little more energy on them,” he says. “That’s what needed to be captured in the studio.” </p>
<p>It fuels Chaos in Bloom’s charged subject matter, which grapples with the state of our modern world. “My faith in everything has definitely been challenged, especially over the past five or six years, where there has been a sea change in political discourse and society,” Rzeznik says. It’s hard to make sense of it, all at once. Rzeznik is impassioned as he talks about pandemic uncertainty, how it was weaponized and politicized; the civil unrest; the obscenely unequal concentrations of wealth; now, the attack on women’s rights, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. He expresses his disbelief at the ways in which, more and more, our society feels like a dystopia—a world his five-year-old daughter is growing up in. </p>
<p>“The political system is just such bullshit and it’s all broken,” he says, exasperated. </p>
<p>“I think we are, in this country, involved in a huge power struggle for the soul of who we are. That’s where a lot of the songs [on Chaos in Bloom] came from, without being blatant in certain ways.” </p>
<p>Take “Yeah, I Like You,” for example. With revved-up guitar and a sing-along chorus, it’s a piece of satire poking fun at internet celebrity. But, at the core, it is concerned with how inextricable we’re becoming with social media and technology. </p>
<p>“I don’t want [my daughter] getting her value from how many people ‘like’ her video,” Rzeznik says. “That is so unhealthy. Self-esteem has ‘self’ attached to the front of it because it’s what you believe about yourself. It’s an inside job. Something that you need to have strength when the world is trying to beat you down. You have to be able to stand up on your own. You’re born with this completely authentic person. And I just want my kid to be herself before anything else.” </p>
<p>Still, there’s hope. It’s an anchor in songs like “Let the Sun,” a slow-burning acoustic ballad about power corruption (Mean man / Take a seat, man / Why don’t you let somebody else / Try to speak, man?) that explodes into a shimmering concluding reprise: Let the sun come back again (come back again, come back again). “I think I’m cautiously optimistic about things,” Rzeznik considers. “You gotta have a little bit of hope. I mean, when you look around at the world, people who have no hope, that’s when crazy, desperate things start to happen. Everyone deserves to have hope.” </p>
<p>And to maintain human connection—it’s imperative to a meaningful life, he adds. “I believe that people need to get out and get together and interface with each other real-time,” Rzeznik laughs. “You know, analog!” </p>
<p>Speaking of which: Rzeznik collects vintage recording equipment, some that date back to the ‘30s, and vintage guitars. For Chaos in Bloom, he wanted to capture that feeling, the kind you can only get with those instruments recorded to tape. So that’s what Goo Goo Dolls did. There are modern elements to the album, too—“At some point in time, you have to dump a lot of what you’ve done into a computer to sort of wrangle it all together”—but Rzeznik wanted to ensure that feeling was there. “I don’t want to make something that’s pristine. I like adding dirt to everything. I’m very much into distortion and harmonic content that you can only get—a noise, just, noise—from a guitar amplifier hissing in the background before the music comes in.” Rzeznik had also been listening to Oasis and The Rolling Stones as he began thinking about the record. “I’m just like, oh my god, they sound incredible, but, man, it’s chaos! Especially the old Stones records, when you hear how out of time and out of key they are. But it works. It’s greasy and it has soul. And that’s what modern music production is doing its best to just completely strip out in sterilized quantities.” </p>
<p>You can hear those big, electric, Oasis-like guitars on “Superstar,” wrapping around lines like, I think the world spins ’round you / You make me feel so weightless, oh / Teach me to fly so high like you, which is representative of Rzeznik’s gift for writing timeless, poetic songs that reach right into your soul. “You try to read a lot,” he says of nurturing his craft. “And you listen to a lot of other musicians. And read poetry, which sometimes is very difficult. It’s like sitting there reading poetry. Ugh!” Rzeznik laughs. “But just making observations. Keeping your ears open to what brilliant things come out of people’s mouths every day.” </p>
<p>Of course, some of Rzeznik’s most beautiful lines appear on “Iris,” the magnificent, mandolin-driven, Grammy-nominated hit that launched the band to international acclaim: “Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive / And I don’t want to the world to see me, ‘cause I don’t think that they’d understand.” The ballad, initially written for the City of Angels soundtrack, has endured as one of the most iconic alternative rock songs of the 90s—and one of the greatest pop songs of all time—and is Goo Goo Dolls’ signature. It’s one of those rare songs that remains profoundly relatable for how it depicts universal feelings of loneliness, of feeling like you don’t belong, of yearning for love. “Iris” has been covered by everyone from New Found Glory to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, and recently reached one billion streams on Spotify. </p>
<p>“That song came from a very intense time in my life,” Rzeznik says. “I was living in a hotel in Los Angeles after I got divorced from my first wife. It was fun and sad all at the same time: the excitement of having a career that was finally starting to take off, but then the sadness of this 10 year relationship ending simultaneously, and they were just butting against each other. The circumstances, I think, had a lot to do with creating that piece of music.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik is proud of how widely “Iris” resonates. It’s part of an enduring legacy Goo Goo Dolls has built around a pure and true love for their craft—of chasing the possibilities of where music can go emotionally and creatively. “I still get excited when I’m sitting there, just noodling on a guitar and something, boom!, pops out of it that I think sounds cool or feels cool and the hair on my arms stands up,” Rzeznik says. As the world changes, and as the music business changes, sometimes you have to reframe your definitions of success, he adds pragmatically. ”To me, at this point in my life, failure is quitting. That’s it. That’s the only way I can fail; if I stop, if I give up. [Music] is kind of a selfish process and that has to be fulfilled. And you hope that you stay in touch with the world enough so that people can relate to what you’re creating.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://readrange.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview/">https://readrange.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7075693
2022-10-06T12:10:59-04:00
2022-10-06T22:35:55-04:00
Men's Journal - Everyday Warrior Podcast with John Rzeznik
<p>Men’s Journal’s Everyday Warrior With Mike Sarraille is a podcast that inspires individuals to live more fulfilling lives by having conversations with disrupters and high performers in all walks of life. In Season 2, Episode 2, we spoke to John Rzeznik, guitarist and frontman of the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>Listen to the full episode above (scroll down for the transcript) and see more from this series below.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mensjournal.com/podcasts/everyday-warrior/mens-journal-everyday-warrior-podcast-season-2-episode-2-john-rzeznik/">https://www.mensjournal.com/podcasts/everyday-warrior/mens-journal-everyday-warrior-podcast-season-2-episode-2-john-rzeznik/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7073142
2022-10-02T20:29:42-04:00
2022-10-02T20:29:43-04:00
Long Island Weekly - Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznik’s Fave Vocalists
<p><strong>By Dave Gil de Rubio </strong></p>
<p>What a difference a pandemic makes. Even though the world is two years-plus removed from COVID-19 throwing the world into a lockdown, music lovers are still enjoying the fruits of forced solitude. For Goo Goo Dolls fans, it’s in the shape of Chaos in Bloom, the band’s recently released 13th studio album. Recorded in Dreamland Studios, a remote space in Woodstock, NY, this collection of songs also marks the production debut of vocalist/guitarist John Rzeznick, who founded the band along with Robby Takac and George Tutuska in Buffalo back in 1986.</p>
<p>For Rzeznick, it was a chance to play live in the studio, an approach the band had last taken on its 1995 breakthrough album A Boy Named Goo.</p>
<p> <br>“It was like sort of going to camp,” Rzeznick responded when asked about recording in this manner. “I wanted to get everyone away from the distractions. I love making albums in Los Angeles and New York because it’s exciting, fun and they have everything that you need. And the greatest studios in the country are all in Los Angeles. That’s normally what we do. And we did some of the overdubs and the final stuff out in L.A., New York and all over the place. But the main body of the album was recorded out in the woods in an old church. I wanted to do a lot of it live, because I just think there’s a different feel to it. It’s not all chopped up to the grid and put together in that fashion. That was an observation that I had made from watching live YouTube videos of us. The live show is a lot greasier and tougher. I thought that we should try and bring this into the studio. So it was fun in that way, because you’re actually getting to feel how Robby [Takac] and the drummer were playing together or how the three of us were playing together. It’s tight, but it still has a looser vibe to it.”</p>
<p>While the band’s downtime yielded Chaos in Bloom, along with 2020’s It’s Christmas All Over and last year’s EP 21, Rzeznick felt it was the logical response to psychologically responding to the world grinding to a stop in the early days of the pandemic. </p>
<p><br>“It was really difficult because I really felt like I had lost my purpose,” Rzeznick shared. “I’ve been doing this since I was 20. It’s the only real adult job that I had. Until the band had a hit, I was working in a bar, doing those kinds of things. But this is what I was really, really good at. And this is what gave my life meaning and purpose. It was difficult not getting paid for a couple of years. But, it’s pretty amazing to me how much purpose work gives your life. It made me slip back and think a little bit about me needing to maybe find something else that might give my life purpose. My family does—my daughter does. But there are other things in life.”</p>
<p>Having started out in the mid-’80s, the Goo Goo Dolls operated in the college radio world at a time when bands from that scene hopped in the van, played clubs around the country and regularly dropped into regional radio stations to promote their latest release. At the time, the trio was calling distinctly non-alt-rock label Metal Blade home at the time and barely scraping by. That all changed when the Goos blew up via the 1995 smash single “Name,” which was a Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 hit. It was a seismic career shift for the band which Rzeznick remembers having mixed feelings about at the time. </p>
<p><br>“[We blew up when] KROQ out in Los Angeles started playing the song,” he recalled. “At the time, they were sort of the taste-makers for the rest of the country. They started spinning the song and then it just caught on. In a way, there was this strange guilt that came with it. I guess they call it impostor syndrome because we’d grown up in this very underground, do-it-yourself scene and we never expected to do anything more than open for Soul Asylum and for The Replacements. And then boom—this thing just happened and it was crazy. But our manager said to just keep our heads down and keep working. To be honest with you, I think we worked harder than any other band or our ilk at that time. We just kept going for it and going for it and going for it.” </p>
<p>Currently on the road with a new batch of songs and plenty of hits to play, Rzeznick and company are happy to be out of the house playing to fans. He was also happy to share some of his favorite singers with Long Island Weekly.</p>
<p><strong>Bruce Springsteen </strong><br>(September 23,1949 to present) <br>“I think it’s the unaffected nature of his vocals. I think Mr. Springsteen sings like Mr. Springsteen. You can hear him imitating Bob Dylan in the old stuff, but we all started to imitate somebody.”</p>
<p><strong>Rod Stewart </strong><br>(January 10, 1945 to present) <br>“Unbelievable. Who the hell sings like that?”</p>
<p><strong>Adele </strong><br>(May 5, 1988 to present) <br>“I think her voice is not an affectation. I believe that when she sings, it resonates so deeply inside of me that I’m just like, ‘Wow.’”</p>
<p><strong>Aretha Franklin</strong> <br>(March 25, 1942 to August 16, 2018) <br>“My God. Once again—it’s just when somebody opens their mouth and you know it’s something they’re born with and it’s some force that’s moving through them. That’s coming from somewhere else, it’s moving through you and it’s not yours. You’re channeling something and it’s when I feel the honesty in someone’s voice.”</p>
<p><strong>Robert Smith </strong><br>(April 21, 1959-present) <br>“Do you know who I love because I can’t sing any way like this? I’ve been smoking for 25 years so I can sound like Robert Smith. His phrasing is so interesting and his voice is so odd to me, but it’s so unique. It’s just beautiful and it just works.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://longislandweekly.com/goo-goo-doll-john-rzeznicks-fave-vocalists/">https://longislandweekly.com/goo-goo-doll-john-rzeznicks-fave-vocalists/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7069496
2022-09-27T10:13:35-04:00
2022-09-28T16:09:35-04:00
People: Goo Goo Dolls' 'You Are the Answer' Music Video Champions Domestic Abuse Survivors
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://people.com/music/goo-goo-dolls-you-are-the-answer-music-video/">https://people.com/music/goo-goo-dolls-you-are-the-answer-music-video/</a></p>
<p><strong>By Rachel DeSantis</strong></p>
<p>Frontman John Rzeznik tells PEOPLE the song is about "being true to yourself and trying to have faith in yourself" as the band partners with the organization Joe Torre Safe at Home </p>
<p>Many of the Goo Goo Dolls' songs come with a message — but for frontman John Rzeznik, some of those messages are more personal than others. </p>
<p>In the band's new music video for "You Are the Answer," which PEOPLE is exclusively premiering, a woman goes on a healing journey into her past, which includes an abusive father, in order to embrace her present. </p>
<p>"The song is just about being true to yourself and trying to have faith in yourself and go where the love is," Rzeznik, 56, tells PEOPLE. "I've been trying to do that for a while because somebody a long time ago said to me, 'Just don't deal with people that are bad for you. Just go where the love is.' That's one of the themes that seems to crop up in a lot of the music that I write." </p>
<p>The powerful track comes off the Goo Goo Dolls' 13th studio album Chaos in Bloom, which was released in August. Its moving video was the brainchild of filmmaker Keenan O'Reilly, who wrote a treatment based on his interpretation of the song's lyrics, and presented it to the band. </p>
<p>"I saw it and was just like, 'Ugh.' It just destroyed me inside," Rzeznik says. "It just moved me so much." </p>
<p>To further show their support for victims of domestic violence, the Goo Goo Dolls concluded the video with a shout out to the organization Joe Torre Safe at Home, which helps children exposed to violence heal from trauma with programs in schools. The band also partnered with the organization on their most recent tour, selling signed guitars and donating the proceeds, and amplifying its mission. </p>
<p>"I grew up in a house where there was some domestic violence and alcoholism and when I found out about the Joe Torre Safe at Home organization, I just was instantly moved," says Rzeznik. "I called my manager, I'm like, 'We need to get involved with these people,' because … you cannot live without hope, and there are so many kids out there who feel scared and alone." </p>
<p>The organization was founded in 2002 by former MLB star and manager Joe Torre and his wife Ali. Like Rzeznik, Torre also witnessed domestic violence at home as a child. </p>
<p>"It's like there's still a shame involved there. I love my mom and dad. I've been without them a lot longer than I was with them, and you don't want to embarrass your family," says Rzeznik, who was mostly raised by his older sisters after his parents died when he was a teenager. "But the point is, the shame keeps the cycle of violence going. That's the most insidious, most horrible part of it, is that what you carry around inside yourself, and how you start to perceive the world, is no fault of your own." </p>
<p>Having learned to thrive in spite of their circumstances, both Torre and the "Iris" singer are now dedicated to providing resources that can allow other children to do the same. For Rzeznik, that includes Liliana, the 5-year-old daughter he shares with wife Melina Gallo. </p>
<p>"After my mother died, I went to see a therapist, and just hearing someone say, 'You're OK, you're going to be fine and I'm going to be here for you'....That is so important to tell my kid that, every day," he says. " 'Even though I'm not here, even though I'm not in the room with you and I have to travel to make money to take care of our family, I'm with you.' I tell her I love her, and I tell her, 'You've got greatness inside you, but you've got to do the work.' She's 5, she has no idea. But you know what, one day it's going to click." </p>
<p>Rzeznik's songs have long championed the underdog, and hits like "Black Balloon," "Slide" and "Acoustic #3" told women's stories in ways rarely seen in mainstream music. Now the father of a young daughter, the musician says his perspective on songwriting has only become more inspired. </p>
<p>"Having a little daughter, it's like, 'I just want her to be strong and independent and be a whole person,'" he says. "'Don't worry, you don't need anybody else to complete your picture. You are everything you need.'" </p>
<p>The rockers have had the chance to spread their message with a summer stadium tour, and recently extended the dates through the end of October. After being forced to lay low for a bit due to the pandemic, Rzeznik says playing new music for crowds is like "walking up from some kind of fever dream." </p>
<p>While new tracks off Chaos in Bloom of course make the setlist, the star also makes a point to note that the band's biggest hit, "Iris," (which recently hit 1 billion streams on Spotify) will remain a staple of their shows. </p>
<p>"I'm just happy I wrote that song, that's all," he says. "I'm happy that people can still relate to it, and that it still means something to the next generation." </p>
<p>He continues: "It's like, how can you not be? I don't know, that's always kind of bugged me when I would hear an artist say, 'Oh, I'm so sick of that song.' That song is the reason why this person's talking to you right now… It's a privilege to get out there and do this. You have to be grateful for the songs that brought you success." </p>
<p>If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7069226
2022-09-26T21:11:00-04:00
2022-09-26T21:11:01-04:00
Back Stage Axxcess - Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October @ KeyBank Center Buffalo, NY 9-24-22
<p><strong>By Gus</strong></p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls wrapped up their first leg of their tour in support of their latest effort ‘Chaos in Bloom’ that was released last month. I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this part of the tour than to play in front of their hometown fans in Buffalo, NY. The band has played numerous venues over the past decade in the Buffalo area but haven’t played the KeyBank center in 19 years. The band wanted to ensure they didn’t play Darien Lake (outdoor venue) and wanted to play the arena. Opening up the show were Blue October. </p>
<p>First up were Blue October. The band originates from Houston, Texas and have been around since the mid 1990’s. They are getting ready to release their 11th studio effort called ‘Spinning the Truth Around: Part 1’ in a few weeks. So, the 5 piece band led by charismatic front man Justin Furstenfeld, went through their back catalog of tunes. Their 50 minute set included songs like “Coal Makes Diamonds", "Into the Ocean”, and “Hate Me.” The band held the interest of the crowd and were able to get them ready for the headliners in the Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>Before the Goo Goo Dolls took to the stage, County executive Mark Poloncarz made an appearance and declared it Goo Goo Dolls day. Taking the stage at about 9:05pm, their long awaited return to the KeyBank Center was about to go down. Finally both Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac appeared as the band went into the opening track off of their latest effort called “Yeah, I Like You.” Aside for both Rzeznik and Takac, the touring band also includes longtime guitarist Brad Fernquist, drummer Craig Macintyre and bassist Jim McGorman. </p>
<p>After the opening track, the momentum kept going as it went into one of the bands hit tracks in “Slide.” Rzeznik let out a “Hey Buffalo,” and that was the first of one of many references of Buffalo made throughout the show. Of course, even before the band played “Black Balloon” there were plenty of them floating around the arena before and during the song was played. “Over and Over” was one of the highlights as its seems the band really started to take off and brought the crowd with them. When it was Takac’s turn to take over leading vocals on ‘Lucky Star,” Takac let out a “Oh Buffalo, how I love you” right before going in to the song. For “Come to Me,” Rzeznik found a couple holding up a sign saying they were celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary. He dedicated the song to them. Even the well oiled machine of the Goo Goo Dolls can have an issue. Rzeznik called a mulligan on “Sympathy” and asked the crowd for a do over as he forgot the lyrics. He tried to start it again and started it off wrong. He laughed and said, this isn’t planned. Can we come back to this? Then he proceeded to remember the words and decided to carry on and do the song. What’s a concert nowadays without some sort of confetti raining down during it? This took place during “Going Crazy.” A little something different was added to the tune “Broadway" as Rzeznik added a harmonica to the solo part of the track. I loved the different flavor added to this classic song. For possibly the band's biggest hit in “Iris,” Fernquist played a mandolin and they had one of the techs come out to play violin. I was glad that the band tried to stay as true to the track as much as possible without adding pumped in parts to it. For the entire show, Rzeznik switched out guitars for every song as he went back and forth between the electric and acoustic. The band returned for an encore and added the Tom Petty classic “Runnin’ Down a Dream” that wasn’t even on the original setlist. What a nice bonus for their hometown crowd! </p>
<p>Rzeznik’s voice still sounds as sharp and clear as ever. As I stated below, the band was firing on all cylinders. There were plenty of emotions going through both Rzeznik and Takac throughout the show. You can tell this wasn’t an ordinary show for the band. Every time they come back to the area it's a special show. Not only for the fans but the band themselves. What a terrific night for all who attended! </p>
<p><strong>Setlist: </strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>Slide <br>Big Machine <br>Here Is Gone <br>Black Balloon <br>Naked <br>Miracle Pill <br>Over and Over <br>Lucky Star <br>Free of Me <br>Come to Me <br>Sympathy <br>Name <br>So Alive <br>War <br>Going Crazy <br>Life’s a Message <br>Bringing On the Light <br>Broadway <br>Better Days <br>Iris </p>
<p>Encore: </p>
<p>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy <br>Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty Cover)</p>
<p>Click the link for a photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://backstageaxxess.com/2022/09/goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-keybank-center-buffalo-ny-9-24-22/">https://backstageaxxess.com/2022/09/goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-keybank-center-buffalo-ny-9-24-22/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7068579
2022-09-25T22:29:54-04:00
2022-09-25T22:29:54-04:00
Rock Music Star - The champions of rock music- the Goo Goo Dolls return home for an emotional and passionate, packed arena concert
<p><strong>Review by THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Photos by Jenipher Nyari </strong></p>
<p>Buffalo, NY- When the muti-platinum selling, chart topping band the Goo Goo Dolls return to their hometown of Buffalo, NY to perform, it’s not just a concert, but a major news headlining event. As a result, this day was officially proclaimed Goo Goo Dolls day in Erie County, NY by Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz. As expected, this turned out to an epic event for band founders Robby Takac (bass/vocals/songwriter) and John Rzeznik (vocals/guitar/songwriter) plus the 10,000 fans in attendance at Key Bank Center (home of the Buffalo Sabres).</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls have been the icons of Western New York music scene since the band’s inception in 1986. Their rise from playing in bars to headlining hockey rinks has been interesting to watch and richly deserved. Since then, the band has sold over 15 million records and have had an incredible 19 top ten singles on various charts. They currently have over 11.5 million listeners on Spotify and their massive Grammy nominated hit “Iris” has amassed over 1 billion streams. </p>
<p>This performance was the last date on the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Chaos in Bloom” summer tour, which commenced on July 26th, 2022, in Salt Lake City. “Chaos in Bloom” is the band’s 14th studio release and many feel one of their best releases since 1998’s “Dizzy Up The Girl.” </p>
<p>The show kicked off with “Yeah, I Like You,” the first single released from “Chaos in Bloom.” From this point the crowd rose to their feet and remained standing for the next 90-plus minutes. </p>
<p>For the first eight songs, Rzeznik & Takac, plus touring musicians Brad Fernquist (guitar), Craig Macintyre (drums) and Jim McGorman (keyboards), just pounded one hit after another with no stopping in between for stage banter. Takac and Rzeznik were laser-focused, and razor-sharp on this evening. Rzeznik sang and sounded as good as ever, with his powerful vocals resonating throughout the arena. The audience was equally enthralled and sung along to every word.</p>
<p>When Takac stepped up the mic to sing lead vocals, he told the audience, “You guys have been on this journey with us for a super long time, I’m so happy that you are here with us tonight.” He then kicked in to sing fan favorite songs “Lucky Star” and “Free of Me.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik, who is usually a bit more verbose during shows, really didn’t address the audience until midway through the set. Before performing “Come to Me” he explained. “This is a very sticky ooey gooey love song. And I make no apologies for writing love songs.” He performed this song and the next song “Sympathy” alone on stage with his acoustic guitar. </p>
<p>Before “Sympathy,” Rzeznik declared, “Man, it’s been one hell of a summer, and this (show tonight) is a hell of a way to finish it. Tonight is amazing!” He then explained, “This song is about feeling sorry for yourself….and that’s a quick way to lose all of your friends”</p>
<p>During “Sympathy” Rzeznik forgot the words halfway through the song and stopped. He laughed it off and mentioned “A lot of people think that that I do this on purpose, but I don’t.” He added, “My brain just farted in front of all of you.” After a few attempts he figured out where he left off and finished the song.</p>
<p>Next up was the groundbreaking, hit “Name.” This was the song responsible for propelling the Goo Goo Dolls into superstardom back in 1995. Rzeznik and Takac haven’t looked back since. Rzeznik told the audience, “You guys were all with us before this song came out and it amazes me that I still get to come back and play for you.” He then added, “This song really changed our lives.” This turned into one of those magical concert moments that gives you goosebumps as the crowd cheered and sang back passionately. </p>
<p>Soon after the band performed a few new songs off their critically acclaimed recent released “Chaos in Bloom” record. Rzeznik joked, “I can’t believe that they still let us make records,” The song “War” and “Going Crazy” followed. During “Going Crazy” the confetti cannons filled the air with confetti and streamers. </p>
<p>Takac returned to lead vocals for “Life’s a Message” and “Bringing On the Light,” Although all the Goo Goo Dolls hits are sung by Rzeznik, Takac has some real gems that should not be overlooked in the Goo Goo Dolls catalog. </p>
<p>For the epic hit “Iris” everyone grabbed their cellphones to record this moment. It was another one of those magic concert moments where the audience and musicians connect as one. The stage was lit up as shower of sparks fell from the top of the stage. The performance of this hit was worth the price of admission alone. </p>
<p>The band came back to play a two-song encore of “Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy” and a rocking version of the Tom Petty classic “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” The band left the stage to a standing ovation. The house lights went on and the Buffalo Bills cheer song “Shout” was played on the house PA as the audience left the arena. </p>
<p>This show definitely lived up to the hype of being the concert event of the year in Western New York. It was great to have the Goo Goo Dolls perform again in the KeyBank Center. The last time they played in this arena was in 2003, when they opened for Bon Jovi. They played as a headliner here in 1996, for the arena grand opening and also headlined in 2002 on the ‘Gutterflower’ tour.</p>
<p>In summarizing this evening, Rzeznik said it best when he stated, “I am proud to call Buffalo my hometown!” If this all ends tonight, I’ll die happy.” For many fans in attendance who have followed the band since 1986, the feeling was mutual. </p>
<p>For more on the Goo Goo Dolls, please visit www.googoodolls.com </p>
<p><strong>Setlist 09/24/2022 </strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>Slide <br>Big Machine <br>Here Is Gone <br>Black Balloon <br>Naked <br>Miracle Pill <br>Over and Over <br>Lucky Star <br>Free of Me <br>Come to Me (Acoustic) <br>Sympathy (Acoustic) <br>Name <br>So Alive <br>War <br>Going Crazy – confetti <br>Life’s a Message <br>Bringing On the Light <br>Broadway <br>Better Days <br>Iris <br>Encore: <br>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy <br>Runnin’ Down a Dream</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockmusicstar.com/2022/09/25/goo-goo-dolls-keybank-center-buffalo-ny-09-24-2022/">https://rockmusicstar.com/2022/09/25/goo-goo-dolls-keybank-center-buffalo-ny-09-24-2022/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7068578
2022-09-25T22:15:01-04:00
2022-09-25T22:15:01-04:00
Buffalo News - Photo Gallery 9/24/22
<p><strong>Photo gallery of the Goo Goo Dolls show at Key Bank Center on 9/24/22</strong> - </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/photos-goo-goo-dolls-perform-at-keybank-center/collection_d937907c-3c75-11ed-9d02-7bd9fc7825ec.html">https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/photos-goo-goo-dolls-perform-at-keybank-center/collection_d937907c-3c75-11ed-9d02-7bd9fc7825ec.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7068576
2022-09-25T22:05:09-04:00
2022-09-25T22:05:10-04:00
Buffalo News - At KeyBank Center, a love fest between the Goo Goo Dolls and Buffalo
<p><strong>By Amy Yakawiak</strong></p>
<p>The duo was never shy proclaiming their love for the Buffalo audience and thanked everyone for “keeping the band alive.” They even mused that if it all ended that night, they would be happy.</p>
<p>Read the entire review at the link - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/review-at-keybank-center-a-love-fest-between-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-buffalo/article_72e4c40a-3ccc-11ed-ae78-c32a8a32ab09.html">https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/review-at-keybank-center-a-love-fest-between-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-buffalo/article_72e4c40a-3ccc-11ed-ae78-c32a8a32ab09.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7068144
2022-09-24T20:39:59-04:00
2022-09-25T22:00:44-04:00
Buffalo News: County executive declares Saturday ‘Goo Goo Dolls Day’ in Erie County
<p><strong>By Jeff Miers</strong></p>
<p>“It is with a heartfelt thank you to John and Robby for all they do for our community and for inspiring so many with their music in their over 30 year career,” the proclamation concludes. </p>
<p>Read the article here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/county-executive-declares-saturday-goo-goo-dolls-day-in-erie-county/article_f89a6f0c-3b80-11ed-874e-fbe41c462db4.html">https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/county-executive-declares-saturday-goo-goo-dolls-day-in-erie-county/article_f89a6f0c-3b80-11ed-874e-fbe41c462db4.html</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7067077
2022-09-23T09:46:31-04:00
2022-09-25T21:57:34-04:00
Pittsburgh Tribune - Review: Goo Goo Dolls at top of their game in stunning Stage AE show
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://triblive.com/aande/music/goo-goo-dolls-at-top-of-their-game-in-stunning-stage-ae-show/">https://triblive.com/aande/music/goo-goo-dolls-at-top-of-their-game-in-stunning-stage-ae-show/</a></p>
<p><strong>By Paul Guggenheimer </strong></p>
<p>John Rzeznik of the rock band Goo Goo Dolls performs during Rock in Rio festival at the Olympic Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sept. 29, 2019. </p>
<p>When one thinks of great bands from the 1990s, the Goo Goo Dolls may not be among the first ones that come to mind. But Thursday evening at Stage AE on the North Shore, the band with one of rock and roll’s strangest names emptied its large sack of hit songs from that decade and rolled out a couple of new ones that proved they’ve still got game. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls probably haven’t received enough credit for their songwriting, featuring exquisite lyrics and brilliantly arranged compositions. The group has never won a Grammy, though it has received four nominations. </p>
<p>Their best known song “Iris,” released in 1998, and included in the sound track of the classic movie “City of Angels,” spent nearly the entire year on the Billboard charts and was number one for 18 weeks. Billboard proclaimed it No. 1 on its list of Top 100 Pop Songs from 1992-2012. </p>
<p>The evening began with “Yeah, I Like You” after which lead singer John Rzeznik said “I like you Pittsburgh, it’s good to be back.” Rzeznik and fellow founding member Robby Takac spent a good part of the evening talking about the Steel City. </p>
<p>“I gotta tell you guys, I f_____ love Pittsburgh,” said Rzeznik. “We used to come here all the time when we were kids and play these s_____ clubs. It was so much fun just sucking down cases of Iron City. The first place we ever played here was the Electric Banana. I don’t think half of you are old enough to remember this (club). It’s just awesome to keep coming back.” </p>
<p>An enthusiastic near capacity crowd of about 5,000 jammed onto the outdoor lawn and didn’t have to wait long for one of their favorites. The second song of the night, 1998’s “Slide,” with its jangly sound and catchy acoustic guitar opening, had the crowd, ranging from Gen Xers to Millennials, dancing in the aisles. </p>
<p>A few songs later, the bittersweet “Black Balloon,” with its quirky opening metallic chimes and paradoxical melancholy mood inside an upbeat vibe washed over everyone. As Rzeznik belted out the vocals, black balloons were released and floated into the audience. </p>
<p>On the subject of Rzeznik’s voice, last March the 56-year-old had a vocal chord injury that required him to stay silent for two weeks. The daily singing lessons he’s been taking to strengthen his voice while on tour seem to be paying off. Rzeznik’s voice had enough power last night to make it hard to believe he was experiencing any sort of problem just six months ago. </p>
<p>Although the first day of fall brought chilly, blustery conditions to the outdoor venue, the cold didn’t bother the boys from Buffalo. Rzeznik even remarked that it was “a beautiful night, the first night it’s been nice” since the Goo Goo Dolls started their tour. </p>
<p>Rzeznik proved his strength as an introspective songwriter on “Sympathy,” a song in which he confronts personal demons. </p>
<p>“My hobby used to be self pity,” he told the audience. “That’s an awesome way to lose every friend you ever had. This song is about something that we all need but we should never have to ask for.” </p>
<p>While Rzeznik is the front man for the Goo Goo Dolls, the band owes much of its success to being a tight and talented five man combo. In addition to Rzeznik, it features Takac on bass and occasional lead vocals, Brad Femquist on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals, Jim McGorman on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals and Craig Macintyre on drums and percussion. </p>
<p>After the Goo Goo Dolls formed in 1986, the group established itself as punk band and developed a following. But by 1995 the band found itself going in a more mainstream direction with the release of its breakthrough single “Name” which as Rzeznik put it was their first song on the radio and first to make money. </p>
<p>“It was nice to finally have money until they came after me for my student loans,” he told the audience. “Thanks for remembering the song and helping me pay back my student loans.” </p>
<p>“Name” is certainly a hard song to forget, especially after the crisp, clear rendition Rzeznik floated on the autumn air Thursday night. The words stay with you with lines like “Don’t it make you sad to know that life is more than who we are.” </p>
<p>The evening, however, was about more than the hits. It included a couple of songs from a new Goo Goo Dolls album “Chaos in Bloom” released last month. The best was a song called “War” about a difficult relationship which featured a galloping beat and catchy lyrics like “I’m not the enemy But darling I do believe You’ll be the end of me.” </p>
<p>Throughout the evening, fans yelled out requests. </p>
<p>“Did someone just yell ‘Free Bird’?,” said Rzeznik feigning incredulity. “C’mon man, that’s so ‘90s.” </p>
<p>The fans would end up being satisfied with more Goo Goo Dolls hits like “Broadway” which featured a fine harmonica solo by Rzeznik who ended up having to break it off because he claimed he got his hair stuck in his harmonica. </p>
<p>Not long after that came “Iris” the lucious ballad everyone was waiting for. It had people swaying and singing from the start and included a cameo violin performance by Ryan Delahoussaye from opening act “Blue October.” What better way to celebrate “Iris” reaching a billion-streams on Spotify. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls appropriately ended the set there because there was no way they could top it. But they came back for an anticlimactic encore featuring “Tattered Edge/You Should Be Happy.” </p>
<p>Between the group’s brilliant songwriting and excellent musicianship and performance, Goo Goo Dolls fans got what they came for. </p>
<p>It may be time to rethink that “best bands of the 90s” list. </p>
<p>Setlist </p>
<p>1. Yeah, I Like You </p>
<p>2. Slide </p>
<p>3. Big Machine </p>
<p>4. Here is Gone </p>
<p>5. Black Balloon </p>
<p>6. Naked </p>
<p>7. Miracle Pill </p>
<p>8. Over and Over </p>
<p>9. Lucky Star </p>
<p>10. Free of Me </p>
<p>11. Come to Me </p>
<p>12. Sympathy </p>
<p>13. Name </p>
<p>14. So Alive </p>
<p>15. War </p>
<p>16. Going Crazy </p>
<p>17. Life’s a Message </p>
<p>18. Bringing On the Light </p>
<p>19. Broadway </p>
<p>20. Better Days </p>
<p>21. Iris </p>
<p>—-Encore—- </p>
<p>22. Tattered Edge/You Should Be Happy</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7066727
2022-09-22T20:35:29-04:00
2022-09-22T20:35:29-04:00
Jam Broadcasting - Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik is “shocked” but “grateful” for continued popularity of “Iris”
<p><strong>Written by ABC News</strong></p>
<p>On this day in 1998, Goo Goo Dolls released what would become their biggest album, Dizzy Up the Girl, which includes their biggest hit,“Iris". Twenty four years later, “Iris” is still winning new fans: Demi Lovato is performing a snippet of it on their current tour, and it recently hit a billion streams on Spotify. Goo Goo Dolls singer John Rzeznik says he’s surprised at the song’s continued popularity, considering not everyone loved it back in the day. </p>
<p>Demi wrote one of their new songs after being inspired by “Iris” and has been singing a bit of it during their show. John tells ABC Audio, “I’m grateful that they’re doing it. And I’m really sort of shocked, y’know? Because even though the song became a massive, massive hit, at the time, it got a lot of criticism for being sappy.” </p>
<p>He laughs, “But, I mean…20 years later, it’s like, ‘Whoa! Okay!'” </p>
<p>John’s equally surprised at the Spotify milestone for “Iris,” which was written for "City of Angels" about an angel who falls in love with a human. </p>
<p>“That’s an amazing thing…I guess that’s a real big accomplishment in that world,” he says. “Not that I had anything to do with it, but it’s pretty exciting to think about that!” </p>
<p>“Iris” and Dizzy’s other hits, “Slide,” “Black Balloon” and “Broadway,” will likely be on the band’s set list on Saturday when they wrap up the current leg of their tour in their hometown of Buffalo, NY. </p>
<p>“I get more nervous playing there than I do anywhere else,” John admits, adding, “It’s just a question of just, like, doing a really good show. That’s the biggest pressure. Like, ‘Make sure we all know what the hell we’re doing tonight!'” </p>
<p>Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/09/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-is-shocked-but-grateful-for-continued-popularity-of-iris/">https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/09/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-is-shocked-but-grateful-for-continued-popularity-of-iris/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7062571
2022-09-17T13:15:08-04:00
2022-09-17T13:15:08-04:00
The Buffalo News - For the Goo Goo Dolls, the road goes on forever
<p><strong>By Jeff Miers</strong></p>
<p>When the Goo Goo Dolls come home to perform on Sept. 24 at KeyBank Center – the band's first Buffalo show since prior to the pandemic – it will be riding a wave that commenced with the early August release of “Chaos in Bloom,” and carried the band through the first part of a highly successful tour that will continue with more dates to come in 2023.</p>
<p>Click the link to read the article - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/for-the-goo-goo-dolls-the-road-goes-on-forever/article_a1a240e4-3522-11ed-8764-034a491b2fc4.html">https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/for-the-goo-goo-dolls-the-road-goes-on-forever/article_a1a240e4-3522-11ed-8764-034a491b2fc4.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7062561
2022-09-17T13:12:10-04:00
2022-09-17T13:12:10-04:00
Top Shelf Music - Goo Goo Dolls live at The Greek, Los Angeles
<p>Goo Goo Dolls has embarked on a huge summer tour with support with Blue October that began on July 15th in Napma, Idaho and will continue until September 24th in Buffalo, New York. With their most recent album entitled Chaos in Bloom having just released on August 12th, the band has a total of 14 studio albums, giving them a plethora of songs to choose from to add to a setlist. And, the one they chose for LA’s Greek Theatre did not disappoint fans!</p>
<p>The rest of the night was filled with new and hit classics, like some of my favorites “Black Balloon”, “Name”, “Better Days” and of course “Iris”. I loved to hear how Johnny Rezeznik’s voice has been kept strong these years, as all the songs that feature high notes he was able to hit. One of my favorite moments was right before they played “Iris”, in which Johnny said, “This is a Demi Lovato song” to which currently Demi Lovato is on tour, preforming a cover of “Iris”; it was a beautiful acknowledgment to one of their hit songs. The best part is that if you think they’re ending their tour on September 24th, think again! They’ve just announced a Choas of Bloom Tour with Whitehall that will begin on October 28th in Wisconsin and end November 20th in El Paso, Texas! </p>
<p>Photography by Omar Solis</p>
<p>Click link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://topshelfmusicmag.com/gallery/goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-greek-los-angeles/">https://topshelfmusicmag.com/gallery/goo-goo-dolls-live-at-the-greek-los-angeles/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7062214
2022-09-16T19:59:06-04:00
2022-09-17T13:02:26-04:00
Localspins.com: Goo Goo Dolls prove at Meijer Gardens that Michigan ‘really loves rock ‘n’ roll’
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://localspins.com/goo-goo-dolls-prove-michigan-really-loves-rock-n-roll-local-spins/">https://localspins.com/goo-goo-dolls-prove-michigan-really-loves-rock-n-roll-local-spins/</a></p>
<p><strong>Holly Holtzclaw </strong></p>
<p>September 16, 2022 </p>
<p>Rolling out big hits such as “Iris,” “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” the New York rockers fired up a capacity crowd Thursday in the next-to-last Meijer Gardens concert of 2022. </p>
<p>Rock Spectacle: The Goo Goo Dolls on stage at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Jamie Geybeek) </p>
<p>Support our coverage of <br>West Michigan's music scene </p>
<p>At one point during Thursday night’s sold-out concert at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Amphitheater, Goo Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik declared that Michigan is one of the few places in America that “still really loves rock ‘n’ roll.” </p>
<p>Fans on board for the next-to-last Meijer Gardens concert of the season seemed to emphatically prove his point. </p>
<p>Even before the music even began, those streaming into the venue scrambled to find spots where they could squeeze in their chairs and blankets, creating a virtual sea of enthusiastic Goo Goo Dolls fans packing every corner of the amphitheater. </p>
<p>Opening Texas rock band Blue October quickly gained the crowd’s affection, playing hits such as “Into the Ocean” and “I Hope You’re Happy.” Fans of The Goo Goo Dolls seemed to feel right at home with the band’s set full of melodic, upbeat rock songs and powerful vocals from lead singer Justin Furstenfeld. </p>
<p>By the time The Goo Goo Dolls took the stage, nearly everyone in the venue was on their feet. Some fans seated near the back even abandoned their chairs and tried their luck at claiming a spot closer to the stage. For some, this meant crowding into the aisles and stairways. The crowd’s energy showed a noticeable change of pace from some of the more laid-back shows gracing Meijer Gardens. </p>
<p>Forthright Words: Johnny Rzeznik engaged the capacity crowd. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek) </p>
<p>The New York-based band opened with “Yeah, I Like You,” the lead single from its 2022 album, “Chaos In Bloom.” </p>
<p>In addition to newer material, the group, of course, made sure to throw in enough classic Goo Goo Dolls hits, including “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” to keep fans of all ages singing along. </p>
<p>The mix of acoustic guitar-led ballads and tracks with a bit more of a rock edge paired perfectly with chilly late summer weather of the evening. </p>
<p>Leading up to the 2013 love song “Come To Me,” lead singer John Rzeznik reminded the crowd of the importance of songwriting. </p>
<p>“If you don’t write songs, there’s no show,” he proclaimed and urged the audience to support local songwriters. </p>
<p>Between the catchy songs and humorous comments Rzeznik made throughout the night, the singer also made a point to open up to the crowd about his struggles with alcoholism and remind people that they are not alone. His moving speech was followed by the raw lyricism of the 2002 track, “Sympathy.” </p>
<p>Before performing what was likely the most-anticipated song of the night, “Iris,” the band encouraged concertgoers to hold up their phone flashlights to illuminate the amphitheater. By this point, some fans were already on their way out to beat the traffic, but the chorus of voices singing along to every word was impressive nonetheless. </p>
<p>Seemingly unable to leave the crowd with a slow ballad as the last song of the night, The Goo Goo Dolls reemerged for one last song, the 2017 track, “Tattered Edge/You Should Be Happy.”</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7059408
2022-09-13T14:17:09-04:00
2022-09-15T16:09:02-04:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby for this month’s romp through the daily doings of a guy in a touring rock band, and we are doing a whole bunch of touring right now! Goo Goo Dolls are 1 week into our 2022 Summer Tour of North America with Alt Rockers Blue October opening the show. This tour which was booked for our “Miracle Pill” album cycle was originally booked in 2019 (also included in those dates were yet to be rescheduled Asian dates) and the trip was rescheduled twice due to the Covid 19 outbreak in 2020. Some folks have been waiting literally 3 years since buying their tickets to catch the show, and this time we have a new album out to promote! So, with the release of a new single called “Yeah I Like You” on July 5th and the release of our brand-new album “Chaos in Bloom” on Warner Records worldwide on August 12th, we begin a new project cycle and have a bunch of exciting new songs to share with all of you. </p>
<p>The tour started with just the band and a small staff in pre-production rehearsals in Los Angeles, we had a bunch of new songs to learn, worked on some rearrangements and surprises to be added to the set in a small rehearsal room while band members and crew were coming and going due to covid infections. It was really an intense month all said, but we made it through the first round of rehearsals and headed out to the desert in Palm Springs, CA to set up the entire rock show with video, sound, and lights for rehearsals with the entire 23 person touring crew. </p>
<p>In the desert we reviewed video content for the large LED screens on the stage, we try to use new images every tour, our lighting director brought us a ton of new content to use for the songs and we discussed and inserted them into the show. After 30+ years of releasing music and 14 studio albums it’s become a challenge over time to put a set together, so many songs and so little time, but after selecting the songs we were to perform on night #1 of the tour we ran through the set, checked the cues for the songs, went over the instrument changes and the rest of the technical details needed on the stage to make a great rock show. </p>
<p>Night #1 of the tour was a scorcher, nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit when we made it to the stage in Boise, Idaho, (but it was probably 10 degrees cooler than when openers Blue October took the stage, yikes!) but as the sun went down and the music took hold of the audience, we knew we were off and running! And after all the preparation and travel, the first show was great, we then traveled in our tour bus to Bend, Oregon and Missoula, Montana for more shows as the tour continued its first sweaty week in front of some super enthusiastic crowds! </p>
<p>After the Missoula, MT show we had a private event in Las Vegas to perform at so we traveled by chartered jet to Las Vegas right after the show and here I sit in my room typing our monthly catch up here in the pages of The Mighty In Rock. We have 46 more shows on this run before we leave for another small 3-week theater run in the US before the holidays. Hope you are all keeping cool out there, my wife and daughter are spending the Summer in my wife’s hometown in Japan and are coming to join me in August for a little while on the tour. Can’t wait to see them, that’s one of the worst parts of touring, being away from the ones you love. But I will see them soon and in the meantime, we’ve got a whole bunch of rock shows to do before then! </p>
<p>All the best to you this Summer and after another couple dozen GGD shows here in the US, I look forward to talking with you next month here in the pages of The Mighty InRock. </p>
<p>Peace </p>
<p>Robby</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7057887
2022-09-11T09:40:07-04:00
2022-09-14T01:18:24-04:00
NW Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Goo Goo Dolls find new niche with ever-growing audience
<p><em>Bassist for Goo Goo Dolls shares band’s secret</em></p>
<p><strong>by Monica Hooper </strong></p>
<p>Bassist Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls has been watching crowds grow and change from the stage since the 1980s. </p>
<p>"The thing that I've noticed the most between then and now is just the amount of younger people that are coming out; for a while our audiences were getting older and older," he says. "We didn't really see the youth coming out as much, but it seems in the past few years there's been a lot of multi-generational attendance. It's exciting after all these years to see [that] people handed down their love for the music to their kids and younger people in their lives. It's pretty fun." </p>
<p>Fronted by Johnny Rzeznik, the band started out as a punk opener for the likes of Bad Religion, Motörhead, and The Gun Club, but shifted their sound in the early '90s. Their first big radio hit came with 1995's "Name," but then in 1998, they released their biggest hit ever, "Iris," written for the "City of Angels" soundtrack. To date, the song has more than a billion streams on Spotify. </p>
<p>"Those were huge songs, man. You know, it's funny, we have written so many songs since then. And there's a certain magic that happens occasionally when the stars just line up," Takac says of those hits. He attributes part of the songs' enduring success to pop stars such as Dua Lipa and Lizzo covering them on social media. </p>
<p>"Current pop culture is definitely keeping those songs alive. Reminding some folks of those songs and the fact that the band's here -- which is a great thing when you got a new record coming out," he adds. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls released "Chaos in Bloom" last month. The album was produced by frontman Rzeznik, whom Takac calls a "firm producer." </p>
<p>"John was able to spend an awful lot of time this time just playing around with stuff and trying new things and trying different things," he says, adding that they usually work with several producers, but this album was just the band and engineers because of covid restrictions. </p>
<p>"There's a lot more purity of process on this record, I think, than there was with past records," he muses. "There weren't a lot of people around; it was just us, basically. We rented an old converted church out in the middle of the woods in Woodstock, New York, and just sat out there in the woods for months and just recorded music. ... We left with a bunch of songs that I think sound a lot more like our band sounds when you come to see us at a rock show." </p>
<p>While he's not sure that they will take the same approach when making another album, the process worked. "We've got another half a record kind of waiting in the wings right now, every bit of it is as good as what we just released. So it's pretty exciting." </p>
<p>After 35 years of watching the crowds grow and change while touring, recording and being The Goo Goo Dolls, Takac says that working toward the same goals and having a good support system is the key to keeping the band together. </p>
<p>"I always say that the easy answer is you just don't break up. Keep going. And you know what, that's the most honest one I can give," he says. "When you wake up in the morning, and your goal is to escape or go do something else, then that's what you're going to do. That's never been my goal. I just want to see this make it to the next day. </p>
<p>"This [band] has taken a lot of different shapes over the past 35 years, and you got to be able to be confident in every single one of those shapes," he adds. "We've been one of the biggest bands in the world, and we've been a struggling band. Both those things happened numerous times in our career at this point, so to us, it's just about making it to the next day and having the conviction and the wherewithal, and quite honestly, enough amazing people around you to help you get to where you got to be."</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2022/sep/11/goo-goo-dolls-find-new-niche-with-ever-growing/">https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2022/sep/11/goo-goo-dolls-find-new-niche-with-ever-growing/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7057578
2022-09-10T13:19:28-04:00
2022-09-14T01:23:36-04:00
VWMusic - An Interview with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Andrew Daly</strong></p>
<p>No matter the medium or modicum, the duo of Robby Takac and John Rzeznik are unapologetically themselves. </p>
<p>Over 36 years, the bonded-via-music duo has held it together, guiding the Goo Goo Dolls to sky-high commercial success in the ’90s and navigating the uncertain waters of the music industry. </p>
<p>The last several years have proved fruitful and productive for Tackac and Rzeznik, having released four albums in six years, but the duo’s latest, Chaos in Bloom, may well be their best effort since their late ’90s heyday. </p>
<p>Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Takac and Rzeznik retreated to the deep woods of Upstate New York, settling in behind the walls of a sleepy church. In the midst of social isolation, the duo chose to forgo a producer and have Rzeznik man the controls. The gamble paid off, as the sonic results of Chaos in Bloom are nothing short of astounding. </p>
<p>“Historically, we’ve had a tendency to burn producers out,” said Takac. “But the pandemic really offered us a different type of opportunity because now we didn’t have the option to go and fly around the country to work with five or six different producers. We were just going to go in and do what we were going to do, and I think that was a really fortunate thing for us.”</p>
<p>Comfortable in their own skin and settling in as elder statesmen, it seems that Takac and Rzeznik aren’t looking back. Instead, their gaze is fixed on the future, and if Chaos in Bloom is any indication, that future is bright. </p>
<p>“I think there was a process of change that was happening quickly; it didn’t happen through the process of erosion; it was sort of thrust upon us,” Takac recollected. “And I feel like the pandemic really thrust this situation upon us, and that change lent itself to the way that we made this record leading to exciting results. It could go either way, but I think there are some exciting results here bred from that scenario.” </p>
<p>Bassist Robby Takac recently dialed in via phone with me, recounting the challenges of recording a record during the pandemic, stepping out of the shadow of a storied past, and how the Goo Goo Dolls are forging a path onward and upward. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>Starting with Chaos in Bloom, this record was written and recorded primarily over the lockdown; is that correct? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>Yeah, we are in the midst of a tour for a record that we put out in 2019 called Miracle Pill. We had done a run around the U.S. – a summer run – and then we went out to the U.K. But shortly after that, everything shut down, so we weren’t able to finish the process with that record because everything just stopped. So, as the tour kept getting canceled in the first year, John [Rzeznik] put together a Christmas record called It’s Christmas All Over so that kept us busy during that time. And when the tour got canceled again during the second year, we realized that we were in a position where it looked like we were going to have to do something. We knew that once things opened up again that we couldn’t just walk out with a two-year-old record and tour again.</p>
<p>So, we started to work on stuff, but you know, over the years – at least compared to the past – the process of making a record has changed a ton. And if I’m being honest, we tend to burn producers out; we had been using three, four, or even five producers on our records. It got to the point where we were doing like one song at a time, each with a different producer. But the pandemic forced us into a position where it was just us, so John decided that he was going to take over the production duties and oversee the whole thing. So, we went in as a band, set up an old church out in Woodstock, New York, and just started recording songs; basically, we had a bunch of demos, and we slowly started turning them into songs. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>Would you say the choice to self-produce this record allowed the band to harken back to some of its early roots? </p>
<p><strong>Robby:</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, for sure. It’s funny, though; I don’t know if that would have happened if it weren’t for the fact that we were living through a pandemic. If not for that, I think we may have just fallen right back into what we had always done. I think the pandemic really provided a unique opportunity for us to get back to some of the vibes that we were feeling all those years ago, so that was a little bit of a silver lining for us. We hadn’t made a record like this since we were kids; back when nobody cared about what we were doing, and that totally altered our approach. With the band being in a room every day playing music, I think it put us in a position to rediscover what this band is at its core, and I think that made it into the early stages of the songwriting. And I think it pulled the record more towards the sound of those earlier records that we used to make when we were just coming up. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>What are some of the themes running through Chaos in Bloom? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>John mentioned in the studio that he was listening to The Charlatan’s records a lot at that time. He felt that there were a lot of lines on those albums that were fitting for the moment that we were living through, you know? Because when we were making the record, the vaccines weren’t even out yet, and most people were still cowering in their houses, so it was a weird time. I think a lot of those themes made it into the songwriting and are all throughout the album. And like I said earlier, I don’t think this record would have happened the way it did if it weren’t for the crazy situation that was thrust upon us. So, Chaos in Bloom, yeah, I think it’s a pretty fitting title for what the world was going through at that moment, not just us, but what everybody was collectively feeling at that moment.</p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>What was your collective approach to songwriting, given the state of the world at the time? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>I guess it’s a mix. We tend to come up with our own ideas, and then we bring them in and start working on them together. But from the very beginning, it was a lot different this time without having producers involved because producers pull the project in one direction or another. So, I’ll walk in with these nuts of ideas, and then when John walks in, I’ll be like, “Hey, I’ve got these two chords that sound really cool. I think there’s a song in here somewhere,” and we’ll work on it from there. And if there is something there, we’ll find it, but if there’s a producer sitting there with you, then their input gets thrown in, so the band tends to get pulled in one direction or another. I think the purity of process as far as being a band, with the majority of what’s on this record, is pretty strong. Maybe the strongest it’s ever been. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>I wanted to touch on “Save Me From Myself,” which I feel stands out. Take me through its genesis. </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>That was a weird song to start because we had worked on it while we were in Woodstock, and it didn’t really have any lyrics or anything; it was a sort of musical piece. And Chris Szczech, our engineer, he had been working with a couple of female singers, and so John thought it would be nice to hear a female voice on the track. So, they sort of ran it through and tried out a couple of things, added the harmonies, and it turned out pretty cool.</p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>How about your track “Past Mistakes?” </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>Yeah, that’s one of the ones I sing. I’d say that’s probably the most straight-ahead rock song on the record. I love everything we do, but it feels good to do that sometimes. Every once in a while, I just like to pull out a rock song; the guitar tones at the beginning are pretty unique. I think that Brad [Fernquist] and John are pretty into the ’80s kind of thing, and that one is kind of throwback a little bit. It’s cool. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>The last one I wanted to hit on is “Day After Day.” Can you recount its origins? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>Most of the songs on this record really came together in the same way, and “Day After Day” was sort of us looking back on the whole process of making this record. We would just get together in a room in the mornings and jam, and then we’d take a break and go eat breakfast. It was only us because, at that time, we were isolated from everybody else; I mean, we saw the lady down at the local diner in Woodstock, but that was it. [Laughs]. We were in the middle of the woods, so we would just get together every morning with our little pieces of music, these little pieces of demos, and we’d put things together. So, Craig [Macintyre] and I would basically play for hours and hours and hours until we finally pulled something together that sounded like an actual song. Once we had that, we could start putting some layering on top, and then John and Brad would get involved, so “Day After Day” came together that way.</p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>You mentioned earlier that the Goo Goo Dolls have tended to burn out producers. What is it about your creative process that lends itself to that? </p>
<p><strong>Robby:</strong> <br>It can be decoded in a lot of different ways; if you’re the producer, and you’re in the middle of the process, and you have a month to make a record, I guess it can be viewed as indecision. But I think myself and John view that as being able to explore our options; rightfully so. You know, a producer has to make a bunch of records every year to survive; they have to do that to have a career, right? But we don’t; we only have to make one every few years. So, that’s why we stopped using one producer on our records because they certainly didn’t have the time to do fourteen or whatever amount of songs with us. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew:</strong> <br>Would you record a record this way again? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>I don’t know if we’ll do it again; I’m not really sure. We’ll see if we cross that bridge when we get to it, but during the sessions, we recorded another six of what I would say are usable songs. Besides what came out on Chaos in Bloom, there are still more that we held back; we didn’t really pick the ten songs that are on that record because we thought they were the best songs per se. As a matter of fact, the songs that are on the record weren’t really even finished when we picked them. We were just going for a vibe, and we felt these ten songs fit in with that. So, there are six more songs; we’re maybe halfway to having another album together already with that same feeling to it. I think doing it this way worked really well for us here, and maybe, we’re gonna pull the next one in the same direction; we’ll see.</p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>Having already reached your commercial peak and armed with the knowledge that we live in a world where it’s hard to sell records, what are your hopes for Chaos in Bloom? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>Man, that’s tough. I don’t know. We look at it like we never know what’s gonna happen, but the objective is always to just get to the next day. This band’s been around for decades and decades now, and there’s been an ebb and flow through our career. If you go back, we had a streak of songs that probably started with “Iris” – arguably one of the biggest songs of all time – and it’s tough to get out of that shadow sometimes. But, you know, the sun’s fucking hot right now, and it’s nice to find some shade and to get out of the sun every once in a while, you know? I feel like that’s much more of a blessing than it is something that we have to worry about because we’ve been able to move on. And it’s been decades now since that song was released, and we’re continuing to produce great music, and we honestly feel like we’re continuing to grow as a band. We just moved forward, man, and we keep trying to make it to tomorrow. If we keep doing that and keep our band together, then that’s all that matters. </p>
<p><strong>Andrew: </strong><br>In the spirit of harkening back, I wanted to quickly touch on Superstar Car Wash, which is coming up on 30 years old. What are some of your most significant memories of the band’s major label debut? </p>
<p><strong>Robby:</strong> <br>We did Hold Me Up, the one before Superstar Car Wash, with Armand John Petri, a friend we had worked with in Buffalo for a long time. And when Superstar Car Wash came about, Armand was still working with us, as we were doing all the demos and such. At that point, I’m not even sure we knew what label it would come out on because, at the time, we were still signed to Metal Blade Records, but we had gotten some interest from Warner Bros. and bigger producers and such. So, with Superstar Car Wash, that was the first record that we ever worked on outside of our hometown in Buffalo, NY. We went up to Ontario to record the drums up at Metalworks Studios with a producer named Gavin MacKillop, who had worked with Toad, the Wet Sprocket, The Church, and a bunch of bands that we really loved. So, there were a lot of firsts on that record because we had now fallen out of our comfort zone and moved into working in a different way with new and different people. I think, in that way, Superstar Car Wash was a product of the process change, and it was pretty quick.</p>
<p><strong>Andrew:</strong> <br>After 36 years as a band, what do you attribute to Goo Goo Dolls’ longevity and continued success, Robby? </p>
<p><strong>Robby: </strong><br>I think it’s exactly what I said before; like, you’ve got to figure out how to get to tomorrow, you know? Sometimes that means recognizing that we had a great day yesterday, and we say, “Let’s have another one of those tomorrow.” It could also be us recognizing that today didn’t work out, and we go, “Let’s figure out what went wrong, and let’s get to it tomorrow.” And over time, you’ll have a whole series of those little victories and realizations, but can you keep it together? You can’t look too broadly at the situation; you just need to look at what it is and just keep your band together, man. I know it’s the simplest thing to say, but the easiest way to keep your band together is not to break up; you’ve got to figure out how to do that, right? It’s a lot of chemistry, a lot of figuring out the mathematical equations with people’s personalities, needs, desires, creative wants, all those things. The best I can say is we pay attention to those things, and we always seem to make it to the next day.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://vwmusicrocks.com/an-interview-with-robby-takac-of-the-goo-goo-dolls/">http://vwmusicrocks.com/an-interview-with-robby-takac-of-the-goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7056125
2022-09-08T17:42:04-04:00
2022-09-10T06:44:11-04:00
Pass the Aux - Goo Goo Dolls pack the hits at The Greek
<p><strong>Words by Michael Menachem <br>Images by Alex Kluft</strong></p>
<p>On the heels of news that the Goo Goo Dolls‘ seven-time platinum hit “Iris” reached 1 billion streams on Spotify, the Buffalo, NY band stopped at The Greek Theatre on Friday night at the start of a major SoCal heat wave for their Chaos In Bloom tour for 100 minutes. The tour supports their 13th album of the same name, which is the band’s first produced by frontman Johnny Rzeznik, and the tour includes a blend of this new material as well as fan favorites. Houston alternative rock band Blue October played as support. </p>
<p>Blue October‘s lead singer Justin Furstenfeld wore a leather jacket for the set, sounding strong throughout, and at one point saying “They told me I’ve played here before, but I don’t remember. Thank you to Johnny and Robby and the Goo Goo Dolls”. “Into The Ocean” sounded particularly appealing live and Furstenfeld hit some high notes on “Hate Me” while the stage lights went red and the violin offered some poignant moments. Acoustic guitar paired nicely with Furstenfeld’s voice and harmonies from keyboardist Ryan Delahoussaye for “This Is What I Live For” with the slick drum kick and the “yo/heys” from the band. The mysterious “Daylight” was another excellent vocal and full band song and following the tune Furstenfeld said, “We’re Blue October from Houston, TX. I truly believe we were put here on earth to be happy, joyous and free”. This completely juxtaposed the uplifting folk-rock vibes of “Moving On (So Long)” with a mandolin. The driving pop-rock tune “I Hope You’re Happy” had purple and green lights blazing around the band, Blue October’s frontman sitting down on stage for the last few bars with just the keys playing, and the lyric “I hope you’re happy, I hope you’re good, I hope you get what you wish for”. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls started off with new track “Yeah, I Like You”, taking the stage in a flash, with the five musicians wearing all black, Johnny Rzeznik with a tiny ponytail and Robby Takac with magenta hair, as keyboardist Jim McGorman harmonized with Rzeznik. The fans were singing along and standing up during the 1998 earworm “Slide” followed by a pair of 2002 hits, “Big Machine” with the guitars sounding incredible, and enjoyable synth on “Here Is Gone”, with stars and beams of light enveloping the stage as the guitars sounded wonderful again. Rzeznik grabbed the mic and pointed out to the fans during the lyric “I know it’s out there”. </p>
<p>The first big wow of the night was the timeless “Black Balloon” with a beautiful vocal and guitar. It’s a tune like a few others that has solidified Goo Goo Dolls as one of the last dominant power ballad rock bands. Rock tune “Naked” powered through and “Miracle Pill” had some Fitz and the Tantrums soul-pop vibes. The crowd clapped along as fire blazed on the screen for “Over and Over” and then Takac led a couple songs. “What’s up Los Angeles?,” asked Takac. “It is so awesome to be here with you for a little of your summer”. Goo Goo Dolls played the punk-leaning “Lucky Stars” with Takac singing and he took over again on “Free of Me”.</p>
<p>The folk-rock beauty of “Come To Me” created a sort of in-the-round moment and for “Sympathy”, Rzeznik said “this song is about being a drunk”. He talked about still being sober and still being here after all these years and the beautiful ballad took off with just guitar with a multi-colored tree image in the background. Though Rzeznik forgot the lyrics around the third verse, he resumed after laughter from the fans and the band and it was still one of the best of the night. Rzeznik mentioned KROQ pioneering the spins of their popular track “Name” about 10 years after the Goo Goo Dolls had been a band and he was center stage playing acoustic guitar himself, with the band joining in at the chorus. Gosh, life was so easy when this song was released, and the intensity of the three guitars on the instrumental made it rather amazing. </p>
<p>The feel-good “So Alive” was a fun jolt, followed by the powerful “War” and guitar-heavy “Going Crazy”. Takac led the inspiring “Life’s A Message” as well as pop/rock tune “Bringing On The Light”. The lights flashed for the lively “Broadway”, sounding really beautiful with a stellar guitar instrumental section and Rzeznik hopping on harmonica. “It’s been one hell of a ride”, said Rzeznik. “Tomorrow will be better”. “Better Days” was one of the best of the night, chilling in its message, wonderful harmonies again from McGorman and Rzeznik hitting a nice note at the end. Goo Goo Dolls’ opening strums of their calling card song “Iris” sounded as timeless as ever with the entire Greek audience singing along, as the delicate guitar plucking made this song a reminder that it’s one of the best ballads of the 90s. Goo Goo Dolls concluded with “Tattered Edge / Your Should Be Happy”, a rockin’ song with a perfect vocal. Johnny Rzeznik repeated the memorable lyric, “as long as our eyes are closed” over and over.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.passtheaux.co/goo-goo-dolls-pack-the-hits-at-the-greek/">http://www.passtheaux.co/goo-goo-dolls-pack-the-hits-at-the-greek/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7056124
2022-09-08T17:36:31-04:00
2022-09-15T16:09:02-04:00
WDRV - Fatherhood in the Age of Social Media? Goo Goo Dolls Singer Says There's "a Lot of Panic" Involved
<p>Goo Goo Dolls‘ latest single “You Are the Answer” is a message of encouragement, urging someone to look within themselves, and ignore the lies of those who’d “steal your soul.” But who exactly is this message for? The band’s John Rzeznik says it’s for his young daughter, and his bandmates’ kids as well — because protecting them in this age of social media is causing him a lot of “panic.” </p>
<p>“We’re having these conversations about, how do you instill real self-esteem in your daughter?” John tells ABC Audio. “And I worry about girls — and boys — and men and women — who they put themselves out there looking for approval. And they’re basing their opinion of themselves from the outside in rather than the inside out.” </p>
<p>“It’s not real because your opinion of yourself is at the whim of other people, you know?” he adds. “And you can’t live life like that because it can shatter you.” </p>
<p>John comments on social media in “Yeah I Like You,” another new song on the new Goo Goo Dolls album Chaos in Bloom. So as a father, how is he shepherding his five-year old daughter through this dangerous world? </p>
<p>“Panic!” he laughs. “Yeah, I panic. A lot of panic. A lot.” </p>
<p>“You know, she’s too young for it now, but but she loves to play with that little iPhone,” he moans. “You just got to limit it, and do all that.” </p>
<p>Of course, that may become more difficult once his daughter hits those teen years. Meanwhile, Goo Goo Dolls will wrap the current leg of their tour September 24 in their hometown of Buffalo, NY. </p>
<p>Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wdrv.com/fatherhood-in-the-age-of-social-media-goo-goo-dolls-singer-says-theres-a-lot-of-panic-involved/">https://wdrv.com/fatherhood-in-the-age-of-social-media-goo-goo-dolls-singer-says-theres-a-lot-of-panic-involved/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7055483
2022-09-07T21:01:55-04:00
2022-09-07T21:01:55-04:00
Maximum Volume Music - REVIEW: GOO GOO DOLLS – CHAOS IN BLOOM (2022)
<p><strong>By Andy Thorley</strong></p>
<p>Last week, as I glazed over when someone showed me an “hilarious Tik-Tok.” I finally realised it. The day before the football team I support appointed a new manager. For the first time ever, he’s younger than me. And I came to the conclusion that I am old and modern life has left me behind. </p>
<p>My heart – as much as I hate to admit it – is still in the 90s. Oh, how I used to laugh at my dad for not knowing anything modern when I was growing up. I am 47 years old in a few weeks and I am fine with it now.</p>
<p>“Chaos In Bloom” both proves my theory about people my age searching for the past and debunks it totally. </p>
<p>It proves it, because in 1998 Goo Good Dolls released “Dizzy Up The Girl”. It was, along with “August And Everything After” and “Congratulations, I’m Sorry”, the soundtrack to the greatest unrequited love affair in the history of the world. And in listening to “…Bloom” I am instantly transported back to that time. “I’ll do anything you ever dreamed to be complete” and “I just want you to know who I am”. Those are still key lines (and given that last line comes from a song that counts its Spotify streams in the millions I assume I’m not the only sad bloke around) and those are still brilliant songs. </p>
<p>And yet, John Rzeznik and Robby Takac aren’t comfortably resting on them and playing the Greatest Hits. No, the duo who have been GGD for over 30 years are busy pushing the boundaries. Busy confounding expectations and busy doing what they want.</p>
<p>The first song lays into celebrity culture. “Yeah, I Like You” (note the non-committal tone) notes acerbically: “And we all want what we can’t have/Yeah, we all want more to be so adored/We all want more ’cause we’re all just whores.” Plus the way the guitar solo screeches suggests some real angst being unleashed here. </p>
<p>A brilliant opener rather sets the tone. Even the overt pop of “War” has an uplifting feel. Widescreen, like U2, it is typical of what they are doing throughout. This is not a band phoning an album in on auto-pilot just for an excuse to tour. This matters to them. </p>
<p>“Save Me From Myself” isn’t even hiding the 90s vibe. A Ben and Jason hook, it’s one of a few on this record that get better as they reveal themselves to you. “Let The Sun” is the acoustic ballad that you always want on a Dolls album, and “Loving Life” (with Takak singing) is sort of half way between the two. A mid-paced harmony filled thing, the fact it feels like they’ve settled into this type of groove only makes “Going Crazy” more of a surprise.</p>
<p>Old School Goo, if you will (but played by their current selves) there’s a desolation here, a helplessness that suggests even if this wasn’t a “lockdown” record as such, it was informed by it without question. </p>
<p>The breathless rhythms of “Day After Day” underline that even at this stage of a career there’s still boundaries to push (that’s probably been true throughout their career) and the “more you scream the less you say” line appears to sum up social media in 2022. </p>
<p>“Past Mistakes” would be described as “post-punk” were it Joy Division, and surely it’s the first time you could say that about Goo Goo Dolls, even if the chorus is arena ready. That’s their gift. They follow this up with “You Are The Answer” and Elton John looks on enviously, somewhere. That’s this album in a nutshell. A melting pot, a kaleidoscope, and there is a real depth to “Superstar” as if to emphasize that.</p>
<p>Pop music? Well yeah, sort of, but not as you know it and not as anyone else does it. “Chaos In Bloom” is not the most immediate collection that the pair of have ever done, but when it flowers, finally it is truly superb. </p>
<p><em><strong>Rating 8.5/10</strong></em></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://maximumvolumemusic.com/review-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-2022/"><em><strong>https://maximumvolumemusic.com/review-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-2022/</strong></em></a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7055479
2022-09-07T20:55:03-04:00
2022-09-07T20:55:03-04:00
Broadway World - VIDEO: Goo Goo Dolls Perform 'Yeah I Like You' on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
<p><em>“Yeah I Like You” arrived earlier this summer as the first single from Chaos in Bloom, their 13th studio album that is officially out now.</em></p>
<p><strong>By Michael Major</strong></p>
<p>Last night, multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! to deliver their debut late-night TV performance of "Yeah, I Like You", the show-starting standout single off their newest album, Chaos In Bloom. </p>
<p>"Yeah I Like You" arrived earlier this summer as the first single from Chaos in Bloom, their 13th studio album that is officially out now. Marking the first album of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, Chaos in Bloom finds the band continuing to evolve just as they have for nearly four decades together. Consisting of 10 tracks, Chaos in Bloom is an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that's led them to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time. </p>
<p>For the first time since 2019, Goo Goo Dolls have embarked on a sprawling headlining tour this summer and through the fall. The nationwide tour will see the band performing multiple songs from Chaos in Bloom for the first time ever including "Yeah, I Like You," along with other tracks from their complete discography including the world-renowned "Iris," which recently hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.</p>
<p>The song, which also recently achieved seven-times platinum status and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Snail Mail and more in recent years, has been an unwavering staple not only in alt rock music, but pop culture as a whole since its release in 1998. </p>
<p>Watch the new performance here: <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/SSnAqNcOxaM">https://youtu.be/SSnAqNcOxaM</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Goo-Goo-Dolls-Perform-Yeah-I-Like-You-on-JIMMY-KIMMEL-LIVE-20220907">https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Goo-Goo-Dolls-Perform-Yeah-I-Like-You-on-JIMMY-KIMMEL-LIVE-20220907</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7055478
2022-09-07T20:50:18-04:00
2022-09-07T20:50:18-04:00
Rock Cellar Magazine - Recap: Goo Goo Dolls Trace Decades of Hits — and More — at Santa Barbara Bowl on ‘Chaos in Bloom’ Tour
<p><strong>By Adrian Garro</strong></p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are one of those bands with a catalog of music that followed you around for much of the mid to late ’90s. Whether you sought out the group’s music or not, the sounds and melodies put out by John Rzeznik, Robby Takac and their assorted ensemble of colleagues are as much a defining part of the cultural fabric of the time as anyone else. </p>
<p>It was, frankly, impossible to flip among the FM radio dials avoid landing on “Slide,” “Broadway,” “Name,” or the truly inescapable “Iris,” originally released in 1998 on the soundtrack for the Meg Ryan/Nicolas Cage drama City of Angels. That song recently eclipsed a BILLION streams on Spotify, so you know it isn’t going away anytime soon. </p>
<p>Neither is the band itself, having just released its 13th studio album, Chaos in Bloom, last month. With the new record in focus — as well as that repertoire of era-defining, melancholy pop/rock anthems, of course — the Goo Goos rolled through the Santa Barbara Bowl on Sept. 3 for a thoroughly entertaining stop on a tour that was twice-delayed by the pandemic. </p>
<p>The gorgeous, intimate outdoor venue, nestled in the hills like a smaller version of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, was packed with a sea of people for the show, which opened with a set from special guests Blue October. </p>
<p>Introducing his band by saying, “We love rock and roll, we’re the Blue Octobers,” singer/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld was an honest, open and energetic presence, leading his band through a number of earnest, emotional rock/pop singalongs steeped in tales of addiction, recovery and the resilience of life itself — songs such as their pair of platinum 2006 singles, “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me.” Judging by how familiar many in the venue seemed with the band, it was clear this was a solid tour pairing.</p>
<p>When it came time for the main act, most of the crowd that had remained middling around in the courtyard/bar area thus far in the night had made its way back to the seats, ready to sing along with Rzeznik front and center as singer/guitarist/focal point, flanked as always by Takac on bass and vocals and touring members Brad Fernquist (guitar), Craig Macintyre (drums) and Jim McGorman (keys/guitars). </p>
<p>An important element to keep in mind for those only familiar with the band’s (many) hits — the most notable and recognizable songs are sung by Rzeznik, sure, but Takac also maintains a steady vocal presence on each Goo Goo Dolls album. As the lone remaining co-founders of the project, Rzeznik and Takac have a seamless rapport onstage together that can only come from decades of musical partnership. </p>
<p>As a result, Takac gets his share of the spotlight in the live show, which in this case meant taking center stage on several his own songs from over the years.</p>
<p>“Free of Me” (from 2016’s Boxes), “Life’s a Message” (from 2019’s Miracle Pill), “Bringing on the Light” (from 2013’s Magnetic) and “Lucky Star” (a garage-y throwback from 1993’s Superstar Car Wash) were a nice touch for dedicated fans of the band, deeper cuts showcasing Takac’s presence as he bounded around the stage with abundant enthusiasm, very clearly still having a lot of fun with these songs. </p>
<p>When it came time for the hits, though, they were met with shrieks of excitement — and there were many, arranged strategically throughout the set list to emphasize their impact. “Black Balloon,” arguably one of the band’s finest songs and a standout from Dizzy Up the Girl, was performed as black balloons bounced around the stage. It wasn’t clear whether these balloons originated from the stage or the audience, but whatever was the case, it was a nice touch.</p>
<p>The band has so many hits, in fact, that a few — “Stay With Me,” “Let Love In” in particular — didn’t make it into the show, though a selection of the best material from Chaos in Bloom did turn up, blending in with the older material effectively. </p>
<p>Leading the charge in front of a flashy, strobe-heavy light show, Rzeznik cracked jokes, quoted Bette Midler and introduced “Name,” the band’s 1995 breakout single, by saying, “This was the song that made our old friends hate us and made us realize our new friends were phonies. We’ve been navigating that weird place ever since.”</p>
<p>Saved for the penultimate slot in the set list, “Iris” received by far the most attention from the crowd, singing along with the emotive tune’s swelling, soaring hook, the band extending the track’s midsection to really stretch out its impact.</p>
<p>From start to finish, the Goo Goo Dolls’ performance was a masterclass in pop/rock precision — but with enough of the band’s earlier material thrown in to remind everyone of the unique path they took along the way to becoming a 15-million-album-selling institution with a global audience and some of the most well-known radio hits of the past few decades. </p>
<p><strong>The set list:</strong> </p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>Slide <br>Big Machine <br>Here Is Gone <br>Black Balloon <br>Naked <br>Miracle Pill <br>Over and Over <br>Lucky Star <br>Free of Me <br>Come to Me <br>Sympathy <br>Name <br>So Alive <br>War <br>Going Crazy <br>Life’s a Message <br>Bringing On the Light <br>Broadway <br>Better Days <br>Iris <br>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy</p>
<p><strong>Catch a show on the remaining tour schedule — and feel free to sing along. You certainly won’t be alone in doing so.</strong> </p>
<p>September 12, 2022 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater <br>September 13, 2022 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre <br>September 15, 2022 – Grand Rapids, MI – Mejer Gardens <br>September 17, 2022 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre <br>September 18, 2022 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion <br>September 20, 2022 – Doswell, VA – After Hours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park <br>September 21, 2022 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater <br>September 22, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE <br>September 24, 2022 – Buffalo, NY – Keybank Center <br>October 28, 2022 – Eau Claire, WI – Pablo Center At The Confluence * <br>October 30, 2022 – Ames, IA – Iowa State Center – Stephens Auditorium * <br>October 31, 2022 – Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavilion – Mary W. Sommervold Hall * <br>November 2, 2022 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theatre * <br>November 3, 2022 – Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – Thrivent Hall * <br>November 5, 2022 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center * <br>November 6, 2022 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre * <br>November 7, 2022 – South Bend, IN – Morris Performing Arts Center * <br>November 9, 2022 – Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace Theatre * <br>November 11, 2022 – Salina, KS – Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts * <br>November 12, 2022 – Catoosa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tulsa * <br>November 14, 2022 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater * <br>November 15, 2022 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts * <br>November 16, 2022 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences – Helen DeVitt Jones Theater * <br>November 18, 2022 – Albuquerque, NM – Kiva Auditorium * <br>November 20, 2022 – El Paso, TX – Plaza Theatre *</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockcellarmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-tour-review-santa-barbara-bowl-john-rzeznik/">https://rockcellarmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-tour-review-santa-barbara-bowl-john-rzeznik/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7054658
2022-09-06T22:24:07-04:00
2022-09-06T22:24:08-04:00
13th Floor - Goo Goo Dolls – Chaos In Bloom: Interview
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have released Chaos In Bloom and here is frontman John Rzeznik to tell us how it all came together.</p>
<p>The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda spoke to John shortly after Chaos In Bloom was released. One thing that became obvious immediately…John Rzeznik is not one to mince words. We start out with his thoughts on the press.</p>
<p>Video at the link - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://13thfloor.co.nz/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-interview/">https://13thfloor.co.nz/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-interview/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7052602
2022-09-03T15:13:51-04:00
2022-09-03T15:13:52-04:00
Music Scene Media - GOO GOO DOLLS “SLIDE” ON THROUGH IRVING, TX
<p><strong>By Matt Benton</strong></p>
<p>It might have taken about 2 extra years for this tour to happen, but The Goo Goo Dolls were finally able to bring their tour through Irving, TX at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory with Blue October. The Goo Goo Dolls hail from a city that has a rich history: Buffalo, NY. Starting back in 1986, the band has a legendary discography spanning nearly 30 years and shows no signs of stopping. This to say Blue October has quite the status as well with a career starting back in 1995 in Houston, TX. Both these bands hold a special place in my heart for quite different reasons, so this stop on the tour seemed like a no brainer for me to attend and photograph.</p>
<p>Getting the fans ready first was Blue October. Formed by lead vocalist Justin Furstenfield, drummer Jeremy Furstenfield, and multi – instrumental genius Ryan Delahoussaye, the band has been on my rotation since high school back in the early 2010’s. I dare you to tell me if you had an “emo phase” in middle school and high school that you are unfamiliar with “Hate Me”, “Into the Ocean”, “She’s My Ride Home”, or “Calling You”. Trying to find the right words to describe the emotions I felt listening to “Moving On (So Long)” and “I Hope You’re Happy” is indescribable. You know that moment when you’re holding all the emotions of the work week in, and you come across that one person that asks if you’re okay and they’re greeted with just that messy cry? That was me and it was one of the most therapeutic moments I’ve had in a while.</p>
<p><strong>Setlist (according to setlist.fm) </strong></p>
<p>Coal Makes Diamonds <br>Oh My My <br>Say It <br>Fight for Love <br>Into the Ocean <br>Hate Me <br>Home <br>Spinning the Truth Around <br>This Is What I Live For <br>Daylight <br>Moving On (So Long) <br>I Hope You’re Happy</p>
<p>Up next and closing out the night was The Goo Goo Dolls. Formed by lead vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac. It’s funny because growing up, I never realized how often my parents would play songs by the band. You could definitely say it brought me back to “Better Days”. Watching the confidence that the band had was just next level. You could tell that they are professionals and take their craft seriously. Their seriousness even comes from the beginning of the set where the entire stage is soaked in sea of black to the band seemingly appearing out of thin air. Hey Goo Goo Dolls, I can definitely say “Yeah, I Like You”.</p>
<p><strong>Setlist (according to setlist.fm) </strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>Slide <br>Big Machine <br>Here Is Gone <br>Black Balloon <br>Naked <br>Miracle Pill <br>Over and Over <br>Lucky Star <br>Free of Me <br>Come to Me <br>Sympathy <br>Name <br>So Alive <br>War <br>Going Crazy <br>Life’s a Message <br>Bringing on the Light <br>Broadway <br>Better Days <br>Iris <br>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy <br>Runnin’ Down a Dream</p>
<p>Click link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicscenemedia.com/goo-goo-dolls-slide-on-through-irving-tx/">https://musicscenemedia.com/goo-goo-dolls-slide-on-through-irving-tx/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7052312
2022-09-03T01:10:02-04:00
2022-09-03T01:14:57-04:00
The Honey Pop - We Are ‘Loving Life’ After Seeing The Goo Goo Dolls Perform During Their Summer Tour!
<p><strong>By Brittaney Penney</strong></p>
<p>If you’ve been a music fan for any length of time, you have to know the song, ‘Iris.’ Well, we finally got to see the band that created that iconic song in person and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. Read on to see the photos we got and our thoughts on the Goo Goo Dolls‘ Summer Tour stop in Houston!</p>
<p><strong>Blue October</strong> </p>
<p>Houston welcomed one of their own to open for Goo Goo Dolls this week. Blue October was the perfect opener with amazing music and the message of hope, positivity, and feeling grateful. They even got extra time to play their new single, ‘Spinning The Truth Away,’ which is an absolute banger. </p>
<p>The entire crowd was on their feet and cheering Blue October on as they did what they love. In the middle of the set, the lead singer said this quote that really stuck with us: “What is the meaning of life? To be happy, joyous, and free.” We agree with you 100%, Justin Furstenfeld.</p>
<p>Our favorite songs from Blue October: ‘This Is What I Live For,’ ‘I Hope You’re Happy,’ and ‘Hate Me.’</p>
<p>If you’ve been a music fan for any length of time, you have to know the song, ‘Iris.’ Well, we finally got to see the band that created that iconic song in person and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. Read on to see the photos we got and our thoughts on the Goo Goo Dolls‘ Summer Tour stop in Houston! </p>
<p>Houston welcomed one of their own to open for Goo Goo Dolls this week. Blue October was the perfect opener with amazing music and the message of hope, positivity, and feeling grateful. They even got extra time to play their new single, ‘Spinning The Truth Away,’ which is an absolute banger. </p>
<p>The entire crowd was on their feet and cheering Blue October on as they did what they love. In the middle of the set, the lead singer said this quote that really stuck with us: “What is the meaning of life? To be happy, joyous, and free.” We agree with you 100%, Justin Furstenfeld. </p>
<p>Our favorite songs from Blue October: ‘This Is What I Live For,’ ‘I Hope You’re Happy,’ and ‘Hate Me.’ </p>
<p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls </strong></p>
<p>And now to the main event!! The legendary, Goo Goo Dolls, took the stage and absolutely smashed it. Playing a variety of old-school songs and some of their newer songs, the setlist was perfect for any fan. Whether you knew them when they first came on the scene back in the 90s or are a new fan, this setlist has something for everyone. </p>
<p>Now because they’ve been in the industry for 20 years, you know they have an amazing stage presence. Which was shown when the lead singer forgot the words to their song, ‘Sympathy.’ Even though he forgot the words for a minute, he used that time to interact with the crowd, even joking about not posting any videos on YouTube, otherwise, he’d go comment on them. Don’t worry, John Rzeznik, we won’t post the video, we’ll just tell all of our readers that it happened.</p>
<p>The rest of the show went off without a hitch and you know we cried when they played ‘Iris.’ Who wouldn’t? It is one of our favorite songs for a reason!</p>
<p>We had the best time at this show and are so honored that we got to attend. The Goo Goo Dolls are one of those bands on our bucket list that we finally got to see live and we are so thankful.</p>
<p>Click link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thehoneypop.com/2022/09/02/we-are-loving-life-after-seeing-the-goo-goo-dolls-perform-during-their-summer-tour/">https://thehoneypop.com/2022/09/02/we-are-loving-life-after-seeing-the-goo-goo-dolls-perform-during-their-summer-tour/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7051117
2022-09-01T15:28:15-04:00
2022-09-02T14:47:53-04:00
Spin - 5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: John Rzeznik Of Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Liza Lentini</strong></p>
<p>Click the link for John's list - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.spin.com/2022/09/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-john-rzeznik-of-the-goo-goo-dolls/">https://www.spin.com/2022/09/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-john-rzeznik-of-the-goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7051115
2022-09-01T15:23:00-04:00
2022-09-01T15:23:00-04:00
E! News - Why Johnny Rzeznik Isn't Ready to Pop the Goo Goo Dolls' Black Balloon
<p><em>As part of E!’s Backstage Pass, Johnny Rzeznik shared a behind-the-scenes look into the Goo Goo Dolls’ first tour since the pandemic.</em> </p>
<p><strong>By Mike Vulpo</strong></p>
<p>Johnny Rzeznik isn't ready to slide away from the microphone. </p>
<p>More than 35 years after the Goo Goo Dolls released its first studio album, fans would understand if the group wanted to slow down and stick to their classic hits like "Iris" and "Black Balloon" at live shows. </p>
<p>But as the rock band celebrates their 13th studio album Chaos in Bloom with a nationwide tour, Johnny says he still has a lot to sing about. </p>
<p>"I get bored and I get restless," the Goo Goo Dolls frontman exclusively shared with E! News. "There's always a different way of approaching it. I'm always thinking I could do this this way. This album was a big jump for me trying to take over most of the production on it. I made a decision that I may not get a song on the radio, but I gotta go for it."</p>
<p>In their first concert run since 2019, the Goo Goo Dolls say their fans are loving their newest material. In fact, Johnny is surprised with how quickly concertgoers have picked up on their latest songs.</p>
<p>"It's interesting because when you play the song for the first time live, people are sort of looking at you stumped as to what's going on," Johnny said. "But the next night after the first time we played, there were people in the audience singing it because it was on YouTube." </p>
<p>But fans can also count on the group to play their biggest hits, as well as a must-see cover of a Tom Petty classic. Out of all the songs on the setlist, however, Johnny said there is one that continues to blow him away with its everlasting popularity. </p>
<p>"I think it's ‘Iris,'" he said. "I wrote it really quickly and I never expected it to be that big of a hit. It was interesting that we actually came out and sort of had the big hit off that City of Angels movie soundtrack." </p>
<p>As the band prepares for a special intimate theatre tour, Johnny is sharing more behind-the-scenes details into the Goo Goo Dolls' shows. Keep scrolling to learn more and find out when the band is coming to your neighborhood.</p>
<p><strong>Pack Your Bags </strong></p>
<p>In celebration of the Goo Goo Dolls' newest album, Chaos in Bloom, Johnny Rzeznik and the band are hitting the road and performing their biggest hits at amphitheaters across the country.</p>
<p><strong>Under the Stars </strong></p>
<p>While the Goo Goo Dolls have played in iconic indoor venues, the band's favorite places may just be outside. "Everybody likes to have a night out during the summer and listen to live music," Johnny said. "I think it's something that really brings people together and highlights the similarities that we all have, rather than the differences which are being thrown in our faces constantly."</p>
<p><strong>Rock and Recharge</strong> </p>
<p>After spending more than 30 years on the road, Johnny can't help but notice some differences during his recent tours. "You start to realize, ‘Oh my god, I'm three years older. Ow, my shoulder. Ow, my foot,'" he joked. "All that stuff that people think goes on backstage and behind the scenes...no! It's just a lot of sleep and icing yourself down."</p>
<p><strong>Treat Yourself </strong></p>
<p>While Johnny spends more time resting in between tour stops, that doesn't mean there isn't some time for fun.</p>
<p><strong>Paying it Forward </strong></p>
<p>For the Chaos in Bloom tour, the band partnered with the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation to raise awareness about the charity. "The organization helps kids escape violence and bad situations at home and provides someplace safe to go and to get the education that they deserve," Johnny said. "I don't know if I'm superstitious, but when you add that component to the tour, it just makes everything feel better."</p>
<p><strong>Two Paws Up </strong></p>
<p>During a recent tour stop at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tenn., the Goo Goo Dolls received a special visitor from a four-legged friend. Have you met Doug The Pug?</p>
<p><strong>Sparking Joy </strong></p>
<p>After the coronavirus pandemic put a pause on touring for nearly three years, Johnny shared the moment that brought him the most joy was reuniting with the crew. "I think it's when you first get together and you see everybody after not seeing them for a few months," he said. "It just feels like I belong here."</p>
<p>Click the link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1344194/why-johnny-rzeznik-isnt-ready-to-pop-the-goo-goo-dolls-black-balloon">https://www.eonline.com/news/1344194/why-johnny-rzeznik-isnt-ready-to-pop-the-goo-goo-dolls-black-balloon</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7051114
2022-09-01T15:16:21-04:00
2022-09-01T15:16:21-04:00
Fort Worth Star- Telegram - Goo Goo Dolls’ show Johnny Rzeznik one of his generations most underrated performers
<p><strong>By Mac Engel</strong></p>
<p>The only reason Johnny Rzeznik never did quite hit the level of acclaim, and fame, as contemporaries Eddie Vedder, the late Kurt Cobain and or Dave Grohl has to be choice. Rzeznik, the front man for The Goo Goo Dolls, is as talented as any rock performer in the last 30 years but he’s always seemed content not off to the side, but not in the middle of the biggest stage. Rzeznik’s is a musician’s musician, and he never really did hit the major commercial scene like some of his contemporaries. Close. </p>
<p>Not that Rzeznik has exactly been stuck in local clubs scratching out a few hundred bucks a night. His band, the Goo Goo Dolls, formed in 1986, and they’re still together. On Wednesday night, they played the Toyota Music Factory in Irving on their tour that features music from their latest album, “Chaos In Bloom.” </p>
<p>That is their 14th album, and at 56 years of age Johnny Rzeznik’s still got it. He writes, he sings, he makes a guitar dance. His voice may not be able to reach all of the high notes the way it could 30 years ago, but close enough. He’s still a rock star who can do rock star things. Rzeznik and four band mates took the stage before a mostly full Toyota Music Factory at 9:12, and ripped through an energetic 23-song set that featured the hits that made them famous; a sample of new songs from their latest album, and a daring cover that maybe only Rzeznik would be bold enough to execute. </p>
<p>Rather than play his biggest hit to end the show, the Goo Goo Dolls leaned on Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream.” We lost Petty in 2017, and “Dream” is a song that is as much his as “American Girl.” It’s hard to hear anyone but Petty and The Heartbreakers perform these classic rock songs. These songs feature the Tom Petty guitar sound made famous by Tom Petty, and The Heartbreaker’s lead guitarist, Mike Campbell. </p>
<p>Thanks to Rzeznik’s considerable skills with a guitar, the Goo Goo Dolls pulled this off. It’s not quite as good as their 2004 hit cover of Supertramp’s, “Air Supply,” but it was a rousing end to a fun evening that showed off the Rzeznik’s talents. He changed guitars more than 20 times during the show, and he went acoustic for “Sympathy” and for the start of maybe the band’s biggest hit, “Name.” </p>
<p>“Thank you for remembering that song,” he told the audience. “Thank you for keeping this band alive.” Original band member Robby Takac performed a few songs, and he’s a decent singer. He’s just not Rzeznik. Rzeznik could have played solo with a busted guitar while sitting on a stool and been just as entertaining. </p>
<p>He even tried his hand at the harmonica during “Broadway,” after which he told the audience, “Whatever. At least I’m trying.” He hasn’t lost it, either.</p>
<p><strong>GOO GOO DOLLS set list from performance on Aug. 31 at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.</strong></p>
<p>1. Yeah, I like you.</p>
<p>2. Slide</p>
<p>3. Big Machine</p>
<p>4. Here is Gone</p>
<p>5. Black Balloon</p>
<p>6. Naked</p>
<p>7. Miracle Pill</p>
<p>8. Over and Over</p>
<p>9. Lucky Star</p>
<p>10. Free of Me</p>
<p>11. Come to Me</p>
<p>12. Sympathy</p>
<p>13. Name</p>
<p>14. So Alive</p>
<p>15. War</p>
<p>16. Going Crazy</p>
<p>17. Life’s a Message</p>
<p>18. Bringing on the Light</p>
<p>19. Broadway</p>
<p>20. Better Days</p>
<p>21. Iris</p>
<p>22. Tattered Edge/You Should Be Happy</p>
<p>23. Running Down a Dream </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mac-engel/article265156576.html">https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mac-engel/article265156576.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7050657
2022-09-01T00:29:23-04:00
2022-09-01T00:29:24-04:00
NZ Herald - The Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik on new album and TikTok fame: 'Social media's become a huge crutch'
<p><strong>By Bethany Reitsma</strong></p>
<p>Iris was the song that changed everything for the Goo Goo Dolls - and now even Gen Z knows who they are. </p>
<p>Released in 1998, Iris dominated the charts and went seven times platinum this year. Last week, it passed one billion streams on Spotify. Now it's taking over TikTok, as the soundtrack to a new generation. </p>
<p>But how does the band's frontman John Rzeznik feel about that? </p>
<p>"I mean, great. I don't care how people get the music as long as they're getting it," he tells the Herald.</p>
<p>"Nobody's making money selling records. Now the game seems to be getting on playlists and getting sucked into algorithms that get you more streams and I'm like, okay ... that seems to be the bigger business that we're involved in now."</p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls have just released their 13th studio album Chaos in Bloom. And as Rzeznik, 56, notes, a lot has changed since they started making music. </p>
<p>"The whole digital revolution started shortly after we started making albums, and we've watched that whole thing evolve, or devolve, the production of music," he says.</p>
<p>"Even though I love playing in the digital world, I don't think it lived up to its potential. I think it's just become a huge crutch that makes mediocre people able to become famous. It's more about the image than the actual content of what you're doing in a lot of instances. Used properly, it can be an unbelievable enhancement to everything." </p>
<p>The single Yeah I Like You is a commentary on that kind of social media stardom, with lines like "I met the queen of generation fame ... You know you're shallow, it's your greatest feature. </p>
<p>"I just thought it was really funny, cause I was sitting there messing around with a guitar and you know the whole thing about liking something?" He does a thumbs-up and mimics the noise made by a Facebook "like". "Like, yeah, I like you." </p>
<p>And while he admits he's "blown away" by some of the talent on social media, he's also wary of its dark side. </p>
<p>"I just think social media has really exposed its dark underbelly for what it's done to people. And I don't believe getting your dopamine hit off of how many people approve of you is a healthy thing. But the song is supposed to be satire and it's just funny."</p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom, like so many other albums, was recorded during the pandemic. Rzeznik says the album was partly inspired by "trying to navigate the weirdness" of this particular time in history. </p>
<p>"And a million people dying from it, and the crazy political stuff that's going on in this country, and the social unrest. These are very interesting times, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're gonna be good." </p>
<p>The album's message is "basically, we're all f***ed," he laughs. "Everything is messed up, but we're gonna be okay." </p>
<p>While he's done producing work on other records, Chaos In Bloom is the first of his own albums he's produced - and Rzeznik says he had a "lot of help". </p>
<p>"I like to work 16 hour days, seven days a week and I tend to burn producers out pretty quick," he admits.</p>
<p>"I love to experiment and I love to play with the buttons and the knobs, and I'm really just trying to search out something unique or interesting sonically ... nobody has any patience to deal with that for an entire album, so I gotta do it myself. </p>
<p>"I wanted to go out to the woods and just basically force everybody to work together, cause there was nowhere to go and nothing to do. So everyone stayed together and made a record." </p>
<p>A year and three months later, the album was finished. Now the Goo Goo Dolls are back on the road touring the US for the first time since 2019 before "everything shut down". </p>
<p>"It's great. Amazing," Rzeznik says of being able to tour again. </p>
<p>"It's just so amazing to reconnect with people and it's been a great year. I think people were going nuts staying home." </p>
<p>Asked whether they'll make it to New Zealand again soon, Rzeznik says he "would love to". </p>
<p>"It depends what opportunities present themselves. Gotta work it out."</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-new-album-and-tiktok-fame-social-medias-become-a-huge-crutch/P24YNXBNXXF2Z26HFBIFU2QUOI/">https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-new-album-and-tiktok-fame-social-medias-become-a-huge-crutch/P24YNXBNXXF2Z26HFBIFU2QUOI/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7050331
2022-08-31T16:08:21-04:00
2022-08-31T16:08:21-04:00
The Buffalo News - With ‘Chaos in Bloom,’ the Goo Goo Dolls share their best work in more than a decade
<p><strong>By Jeff Miers</strong></p>
<p>"Hearing the thread that connects that early urgency to the present day – with all that Rzeznik and Takac have learned about songwriting, recording and album-pacing in the time between – makes “Chaos in Bloom” feel like a reward for being a longtime fan in good standing." </p>
<p>Read the entire review here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/article_38f40280-257d-11ed-b8a8-7b3578876db5.html">https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/article_38f40280-257d-11ed-b8a8-7b3578876db5.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7049835
2022-08-31T00:14:07-04:00
2022-08-31T13:29:55-04:00
WKRN News 2 - Goo Goo Dolls bring tour to Nashville
<p>Goo Goo Dolls bring their 'Chaos in Bloom' tour to Nashville.</p>
<p>Click here for a brief video interview with John Rzeznik - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/ZHg-yEHSFMM">https://youtu.be/ZHg-yEHSFMM</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7049707
2022-08-30T20:03:27-04:00
2022-08-31T00:12:34-04:00
All Music Magazine - Goo Goo Dolls, Blue October slide into Cadence Bank Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 28, 2022
<p><strong>Elliott Gordon Photographer/Writer</strong></p>
<p>Nestled within the historic Chastain Park in northern Atlanta, the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre played host to the Goo Goo Dolls on a steamy Sunday night. With a posted capacity of nearly 7,000, this summer-months-only outdoor facility was opened back in 1944 and has been decreed as “Atlanta’s Oldest Outdoor Music Venue.” Perhaps apropos to the venue setting, the veteran rockers are out on the road promoting their latest and fourteenth studio release, Chaos in Bloom, while being supported by Texas-based Blue October.</p>
<p>. Starting the evening off around 7:30pm with “Coal Makes Diamonds,” the opening track from their eighth studio release Home, was alt-rock band Blue October. Formed in 1995, the band is currently composed of singer/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld, Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums), Ryan Delahoussaye (multi-instrumentalist), Matt Noveskey (bass) and Will Knaak (lead guitarist). I will embarrassingly admit that somehow Blue October had seemingly fallen through my musical net over the years, but one is easily drawn into the passionate and personal messages delivered within their melodic and energetic songwriting. </p>
<p>In fact, doing a little research on the band, I came to learn that many of Furstenfeld’s song lyrics were developed through an auto-biographical lens, including themes that dealt with the struggles of addiction and a bipolar disorder. Arguably their most well-known song (nearing 100 million views on YouTube), “Hate Me,” speaks to how depression and drugs damaged the relationship Furstenfeld had with his girlfriend. That isn’t to say that their set was littered with gloomy, depressing music – in fact the opposite. Blue October’s songs were insightful, intelligent, and looked to deliver upon a message of hopefulness. As irony would have it, I received a Facebook notification just this morning that Blue October would be returning to Atlanta in early December, so I am looking forward to another opportunity to catch them live later this year. </p>
<p>Blue October </p>
<p>Justin Furstenfeld– Lead vocals, Guitar <br>Jeremy Furstenfeld– Drums, Backing vocals <br>Ryan Delahoussaye– Violin, Mandolin, Guitar, Keyboard, Backing vocals <br>Matt Noveskey– Bass, Backing vocals </p>
<p>Will Knaak– Lead guitar, Backing vocals</p>
<p>Setlist <br>1.) Coal Makes Diamonds <br>2.) Oh My My <br>3.) Say It <br>4.) Fight for Love <br>5.) Into the Ocean <br>6.) Hate Me <br>7.) Home <br>8.) This Is What I Live For <br>9.) Daylight <br>10.) Moving On (So Long) <br>11.) I Hope You’re Happy </p>
<p>With the sun finally set and the evening temperatures a bit more tolerable, Goo Goo Dolls founding members John Rzeznik (guitar/lead vocals) and Robbie Taykac (bass/vocals) took to the stage shortly after 9:00pm to a loud and welcoming capacity crowd. Backed by touring members Brad Fernquist (guitar), Craig Macintyre (drums), and Jim McGorman (keyboards), the band launched into the first track off their new album, “Yeah, I Like You.” </p>
<p>Having sold over 15 million records that helped garner four Grammy Award nominations, it goes without saying that the Goo Goo Dolls owned radio airplay during the back-half of the nineties, and I fully expected (and hoped) that the night would be filled with the nostalgia hits of that era. The band delivered immediately with their second tune, performing an energy-lifting rendition of the 1988 chart-topper “Slide” from their sixth studio album, Dizzy Up the Girl.</p>
<p>The 21-song setlist (posted below) was a deep cross-section of their musical catalog, appealing to a crowd that saw many families in attendance Sunday night. Immediately recognizable hits such as “Naked,” “Black Balloon,” “Name,” and “Broadway” were scattered throughout the amazing song choices for the night, with strong vocal performances from both Rzeznik and Taykac. In a light-hearted moment midway through the set Rzeznik joked that “they were going to play some new songs, so gentlemen, if you have to go pee, do it now.” You could hear the laughter lead into the performances of “War” and “Going Crazy,” two of the new tracks off Chaos in Bloom which was only recently released back on August 12th. </p>
<p>The main setlist was closed out by a deafening performance of the Goo Goo Dolls’ signature song, “Iris.” You can watch the video below, but I can assure you there wasn’t a single person not singing along with Rzeznik. It was such a lively conclusion to the show that you almost didn’t want it to be followed by an encore. However, they did return to the stage after a brief break to play two more songs, including wrapping up the concert with a cool Tom Petty cover of “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls head to Sugar Land, Texas, on Tuesday, and continue on across the country through the end of November. This band is not to be missed, playing at a high level with a wonderful song mix that celebrates their appreciated past while supporting their more recent musical releases. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls </p>
<p>John Rzeznik– Guitar, Lead vocals, Occasional keyboards </p>
<p>Robby Takac– Bass, Vocals, Occasional guitar </p>
<p>Touring members </p>
<p>Brad Fernquist– Guitar, Mandolin, Backing vocals <br>Craig Macintyre– Drums, Percussion <br>Jimmy McGorman– Keyboards, Guitar, Backing vocals</p>
<p>Setlist <br>1.) Yeah, I Like You <br>2.) Slide <br>3.) Big Machine <br>4.) Here Is Gone <br>5.) Black Balloon <br>6.) Naked <br>7.) Miracle Pill <br>8.) Over and Over <br>9.) Lucky Star <br>10.) Free of Me <br>11.) Come to Me <br>12.) Sympathy <br>13.) Name <br>14.) So Alive <br>15.) War <br>16.) Going Crazy <br>17.) Life’s a Message <br>18.) Bringing on the Light <br>19.) Broadway <br>20.) Better Days <br>21.) Iris </p>
<p>Encore </p>
<p>22.) Tattered Edge/You Should Be Happy <br>23.) Runnin’ Down a Dream ( Tom Petty cover)<br><br>Link to photos: <a contents="https://allmusicmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-blue-october-slide-into-cadence-bank-amphitheatre-in-atlanta-georgia-on-sunday-august-28-2022/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://allmusicmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-blue-october-slide-into-cadence-bank-amphitheatre-in-atlanta-georgia-on-sunday-august-28-2022/">https://allmusicmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-blue-october-slide-into-cadence-bank-amphitheatre-in-atlanta-georgia-on-sunday-august-28-2022/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7048572
2022-08-29T14:31:22-04:00
2022-08-30T17:42:22-04:00
Melodic Magazine - Goo Goo Dolls mix their Classic Hits with New Album + Concert Photos
<p>Goo Goo Dolls performed to a packed Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tennessee on Aug. 27, 2022. They started off the night with some of their big hits, like “Slide” and “Black Balloon”, before introducing their latest album – Chaos in Bloom. The songs “War” and “Going Crazy” were Music City’s introduction to the new album. Lead singer, John Rzeznik, reminisced with the Nashville crowd about the band’s first song that was both a hit on the radio and made the band money after driving in a van for 10 years. He expressed how happy he was that after all these years, they are still able to perform these songs for people as he led into their breakthrough hit, “Name”. </p>
<p>Towards the end of the night, Rzeznik innocently asked the crowd, “Today’s a good day, right?”. After an emphatic response of clear approval, he assured everyone that tomorrow will be an even better day as he began to play their hit song, “Better Days”, off the album Let Love In. Goo Goo Dolls ended their set with “Iris” to a sea of cell phone lights and fans singing the lyrics to the iconic song. There was a quick goodbye before the band returned for their encore, which included a cover of “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty. </p>
<p>Photos by Alexander Wieland (@alex.j.wieland) *In the link*</p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls will be continuing their summer tour into the fall with the “Chaos in Bloom Tour” featuring special guest Whitehall. </p>
<p>Keep up with the Goo Goo Dolls: Website // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook<br><br><a contents="https://www.melodicmag.com/2022/08/28/goo-goo-dolls-mix-their-classic-hits-with-new-album/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.melodicmag.com/2022/08/28/goo-goo-dolls-mix-their-classic-hits-with-new-album/">https://www.melodicmag.com/2022/08/28/goo-goo-dolls-mix-their-classic-hits-with-new-album/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7047146
2022-08-26T22:45:57-04:00
2022-08-26T22:45:57-04:00
The Aquarian - Jersey Catches Goo Goo dolls At Their Best
<p><em>You can’t compare greatness, but you can report on it… and photograph it… and enjoy it. That’s what putting Blue October and Goo Goo Dolls on the same bill is like.</em></p>
<p>When Blue October opened for Goo Goo Dolls at PNC Bank Arts Center on August 13, nobody was prepared for the level of show-stopping art rock dazzle that they brought to the stage. For a band almost 30 years in, they are still evolving and shining – even when they know another iconic group is set to follow them. The Goo Goo Dolls have the same amount of tenacity and evoke the same eye-catching, visceral reaction from fans upon playing live. PNC experienced the vividness of it all, the joy and roar of songs new and old, and our contributor, Ehud Lazin, used his lens snapping skills to freeze it all in musical, generation-spanning time.</p>
<p>Click the link for a great photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theaquarian.com/2022/08/26/jersey-catches-goo-goo-dolls-at-their-best/">https://www.theaquarian.com/2022/08/26/jersey-catches-goo-goo-dolls-at-their-best/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7046133
2022-08-25T18:14:04-04:00
2022-08-25T18:14:04-04:00
The Mercury News - He wanted to be a teacher and own a bar, but became a rock star instead
<p><em>John Rzeznik leads the Goo Goo Dolls into Stanford</em></p>
<p><strong>By Jim Harrington</strong></p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls were hardly an overnight sensation. </p>
<p>Having formed in Buffalo in 1986, the group spent years working on its craft and building a fan base before it finally broke through to the mainstream, in a big way, with 1995’s “A Boy Named Goo.” </p>
<p>That album was propelled to double-platinum heights in large part by “Name,” which topped both Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Alternative Airplay charts and, at the time, seemed like it might be the best-selling single the band would ever produce. </p>
<p>But then came “Iris.”</p>
<p>The song, which was originally penned for the soundtrack of the 1998 film “City of Angels” and later featured on the “Dizzy Up the Girl” album from the same year, turned out to not only be the Goo Goo Dolls’ biggest single — but one of the biggest rock singles that any band delivered in the ‘90s. “Iris” spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on various charts, in several different countries, and sold over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are still going strong in 2022, having just released a new studio album — “Chaos in Bloom” — and embarked on a lengthy concert tour. </p>
<p>The trek touches down Sept. 4 at the lovely Frost Amphitheater on the Stanford University Campus. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets start at $39.95, axs.com. Blue October opens the show. </p>
<p>There are also two other stops in the Golden State — Sept. 2 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Sept. 3 at the Santa Barbara Bowl. </p>
<p>I recently had the chance to talk with Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik, who opened up not only about the new album and tour — but also about some of the difficult personal challenges he faces in the music industry.</p>
<p><strong>Q Good to talk with you, John. I think it’s been about a dozen years since we last spoke. </strong></p>
<p>A Really — it’s been that long? </p>
<p><strong>Q Yeah. I mean, you never write, you never call, John. What’s up with that?</strong> </p>
<p>A Well, you know, we’re both busy. (Laughs) </p>
<p><strong>Q Speaking of busy, congratulations on your new album coming out. </strong></p>
<p>A Thank you very much. It’s been a wild ride so far. </p>
<p><strong>Q The Goo Goo Dolls got their start in 1986. And now it’s 2022. Is it a bit mind-boggling to think that you are still doing this 36 years later? </strong></p>
<p>A It’s pretty, yeah, mind-boggling — you said it. I thought we were going to make one record and then I would go back to school and finish that up – and grow up. </p>
<p>My plan was I was going to be a school teacher. Then I was gonna be a bartender at night and eventually own my own bar. That was really what I wanted. </p>
<p><strong>Q But, instead, you turned out to be a rock star.</strong> </p>
<p>A Go figure. (Laughs) It’s been pretty crazy. You know, it’s like I give up and I quit every day — once or twice. And then I go, “OK, umm, you have a pretty amazing life. Don’t let the stupid little frustrations of dealing with it get in the way.” </p>
<p>Glen Ballard, who is really an incredible producer — we made one of our best albums (2006’s “Let Love In”) with him. He’s just an amazing person. Somebody in the press was giving us crap and it really bothered me. He’s like, “That’s just like letting the lint in your pocket bother you.” </p>
<p><strong>Q Well, I’m definitely glad you didn’t give up and quit before recording the fun new single “Yeah, I Like You.” Talk to me a little bit about the song’s storyline.</strong> </p>
<p>A I was trying to tell this sort of story about this guy — based loosely on myself. He meets one of these young influencers/online celebrities and he’s like, “You made how much money this year? I have no idea what you do. Why are you famous? Why are you important?” It’s just sort of a comment of the nature of celebrity in 2022 and just how kind of ridiculous it is at certain levels. </p>
<p>But the guy is also enjoying this insane sort of whirlwind that he winds up in with this person. He’s bashing it — but then all of a sudden he gets swept up in it.</p>
<p><strong>Q The album feels very introspective. It feels like you’re up in your head a lot … </strong></p>
<p>A Up in my head? Or up my (expletive)? Which one? We’ve got to choose here. </p>
<p><strong>Q (Laughs) Well, with song titles like “Save Me from Myself,” “Going Crazy,” “Day After Day,” I’m just wondering how much of this record was inspired by the last two-plus years, when you might have had a lot of time to just sit and think. In other words, is this the Goo Goo Dolls’ pandemic record? </strong></p>
<p>A After it was all put together, when you back away from it a little bit, you start to see the themes popping up — “Oh, wow, I guess there is the cohesive thread on this album.” </p>
<p>I think it was a combination of everything — being locked in the house and the civil unrest and the insanity in politics and all these kinds of different things. A lot of ugly things came to the surface during this time — and a lot of scary things. </p>
<p><strong>Q Lots and lots of scary things. </strong></p>
<p>A What I was apprehensive about was losing connection with our fans — with our audience — and just trying to mitigate that somehow. It was a scary time, because we were like, “We’re never going to work again. We’re done. This is the end of this.” On certain days.</p>
<p><strong>Q One of my favorite songs on the new album is “Save Me from Myself.” What is there about you that you need to save yourself from? </strong></p>
<p>A Just being my own worst enemy. That’s really just what that’s all about. Just this thing where I’m up in my head. I don’t feel like I fit in anywhere — completely. Then I start talking to myself up in my head. I can really paint myself into a very dark corner when I want to. Then it really affects my worldview and, yeah, I can get a little bristly at times. </p>
<p><strong>Q “Chaos in Bloom” marks the first time that you’ve produced a full Goo Goo Dolls album. What was that like? </strong></p>
<p>A It was awesome — other than running out of money before it was done. I forgot that part about being a producer — you have to make sure you bring the album in on budget. </p>
<p><strong>Q Did the experience help you appreciate the producers you’ve worked with even more? </strong></p>
<p>A Umm, a few of them. Like I loved working with Rob Cavallo. I loved working with Glen Ballard. I still love working with Gregg Wattenberg. </p>
<p>I just think because of budgets, and the way the music industry has gone, there’s not a ton of money in being a producer anymore. So, some guys just want to get in and get out. And I don’t think that necessarily makes for great music. </p>
<p><strong>Q The band is touring for the first time since 2019. How does it feel being back out in front of fans? </strong></p>
<p>A It’s crazy exciting. It feels like a reunion — not for (the band), but between us and our audience. </p>
<p><strong>Q During the darkest days of the pandemic, when nobody seemed to know how long we’d be sheltering-in-place and avoiding contact with others, did you ever think that we might never get back to in-person concerts? </strong></p>
<p>A It kind of felt like that. And everybody was scrambling to try and find some sort of replacement. So, it’s like, “Let’s do these virtual concerts. Let’s do this. Let’s do that.” And I don’t think any of it really caught on that much. But we tried a lot of that to just stay in touch with the audience. </p>
<p>I don’t think the metaverse, or whatever, is ever going to be able to replace what it is to be in a room full of people, listening to music and watching a show and being stuffed together in a crowd and making friends. </p>
<p>That’s human experience.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/25/goo-goo-dolls-interview-with-john-rzeznik-about-new-tour-album/">https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/25/goo-goo-dolls-interview-with-john-rzeznik-about-new-tour-album/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7045268
2022-08-24T18:33:37-04:00
2022-08-24T18:33:37-04:00
Rock Music Star - Robby Takac - Goo Goo Dolls - Rock Interview Series #60
<p>Welcome to episode # 60 of the Rock Interview Series. For this feature, the guest is Robby Takac bass player, singer/ songwriter and co-founder of the multi-platinum selling, chart-topping, rock band from Buffalo, NY – the Goo Goo Dolls! </p>
<p>During this exclusive interview Robby, talks about the Goo Goo Dolls new record “CHAOS In Bloom” the band’s current summer tour, past history, and future plans. </p>
<p>We end the interview discussing his upcoming MUSIC IS ART festival, which takes place on September 10th at Buffalo River Works in Buffalo, NY. </p>
<p>For more on “Music Is Art” please visit www.musicisart.org</p>
<p>Click the link for the interview - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockmusicstar.com/2022/08/23/robby-takac-goo-goo-dolls-rock-interview-series-61/">https://rockmusicstar.com/2022/08/23/robby-takac-goo-goo-dolls-rock-interview-series-61/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7045246
2022-08-24T18:10:10-04:00
2022-08-24T18:10:11-04:00
The Arts Fuse - Rock Album Review: The Goo Goo Dolls — Back with a Tasteful Bang
<p><strong>By Sasha Ray</strong></p>
<p><em>It is always heartening for an album to live up to its much-anticipated buildup. It is even more reassuring that, after nearly four decades, the Goo Goo Dolls are breaking new ground.</em></p>
<p>After two years in isolation, many agonizing months of waiting, and numerous false alarms about its release, Chaos in Bloom, the Goo Goo Dolls’ 14th album has finally made its debut. </p>
<p>While upholding their usual habits — ambiguous lyrics, tracks that contrast fast, slow, soft, and loud songs, and bassist Robby Takac featured as a vocalist on two of them — the Goo Goo Dolls have a few surprises up their sleeve(s), and that made their newest music, well, rock (in every sense). </p>
<p>Some faithful followers were not surprised. In their prerelease teasers, the band made it clear that their upcoming album would feature a more unfiltered, natural sound. This would be the first album in 20 years that the band had produced themselves, and it would be far less beholden to the slick influence of today’s electronic production tactics. It would capture how the troupe sounded in its early days. </p>
<p>Thankfully, the Goo Goo Dolls were as good as their word. The band has reconnected with its garage band origins, which put them on the map (or rather, on the radio) in 1995 [with A Boy Named Goo’s “Name”]. The power of rock, which drove the band’s mid-’90s takeoff, has returned. </p>
<p>It was about time for the band to revisit its roots. The Goo Goo Dolls, best known for their 1998 smash hit “Iris,” have strayed from their early sound in their last three releases, spanning 2013-19. For a while, it seemed as if the alternative rock band was venturing into “pop rock,” or even worse, the dreaded genre of “pop.” </p>
<p>Technological advancements in the music industry may well have been, and likely were, a major factor in the band’s deviation; emphasis was placed on editing music rather than creating it. This dilution of the band’s strengths may have been exacerbated by the decisions of outside producers. But, hey, at least their lyrics always rhymed.</p>
<p>Understandably, Goo Goo Dolls listeners have been pining for the band to return to its early sound, much of it reflecting life’s ongoing struggles and challenges. This approach was last, and possibly best, exemplified on 2003’s Gutterflower, which featured the songs “It’s Over,” “Here Is Gone,” and “Sympathy.” These songs touched on loss and failure. With Chaos in Bloom, the band has regained its footing musically and thematically. But there is transformation as well — some of the songs here also suggest a hope for brighter times. Granted, that optimism springs from less than cheery circumstances: the trials and tribulations of the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and March 2020’s lockdown. </p>
<p>In their lyrics, the Goo Goo Dolls’ typical themes are present: questions about life and seeking connection. It’s a diverse collection of sound ranging from the harmonizing “Save Me From Myself” — an energetic, inspirational anthem, in which the two vocalists sound like they’re close to losing their breath — to “Past Mistakes,” a bass-heavy, nagging jump start. </p>
<p>Musically, it’s a tasteful balance between old and new. They’ve invited female vocalists to be backup singers on select tracks (just like they did for the first time in 2016’s release Boxes) and utilized orchestral instruments on others, a unique tactic setting them apart as a rock group since 1998 (with “Iris”). </p>
<p>But here’s a little twist: some of the music has been composed to noticeably serve the lyrics. Several of the songs are structured to gain momentum and go out with a tasteful bang. </p>
<p>“Let the Sun,” for instance, opens with a simple acoustic guitar chord. Following a quiet plea for mercy addressing a “cruel man,” the lyrics, vocals, and musical accompaniment grow in power. What begins in a modest, begging tone evolves into a bellow, accented by an echoing refrain to “let the sun come back again,” backed by steady beats of percussion. </p>
<p>“Going Crazy” begins and ends with lead guitarist and vocalist John Rzeznik’s historical trademark riff, last exemplified on 1993’s Superstar Car Wash. This tune unleashes insanity within: the guitar strings are subject to inner rage. Lyrical affirmation (“Yeah, I’m goin’ crazy”) is repeated throughout the chorus. An abrupt cutoff mimics the sound of a wall being hit. </p>
<p>“Day After Day,” one of the most distinctive tracks on the album, kicks off by contrasting a continuous high-pitched hum with a tinny quick-stepping cymbal stroke. This is interrupted by low, long, and haunting piano notes, evocative of a somber darkness. Rugged, hushed vocals — a whisper? a voice in one’s head? — articulate invasive thoughts: “What if it all ends today? Who to call and what to say? Would it matter anyway?” The faint echo of its final notes emphasizes a deafening silence; a ringing in one’s ears amplified in isolation. </p>
<p>The lyrics of “Day After Day,” “War,” and “Going Crazy” resonate with the aggravations and anguishes of lockdown. “Going Crazy,” the only song on the album that contains an expletive, effectively evokes the period’s mass hysteria. (We can let the coarse language slide, though. The sentiment, “it’s a fucked-up world,” is only too well understood after what we’ve lived through.) The last two years, dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have been tormenting. The Goo Goo Dolls, like many other artists, have been forced to find inspiration in our collective stir-craziness. (It was reportedly the lockdown that invited the band to go back to its raw origins.) </p>
<p>It is always heartening for an album to live up to its much-anticipated buildup. It is even more reassuring that, after nearly four decades, the Goo Goo Dolls are breaking new ground. Those who already love the venerable band will find even more to treasure in Chaos in Bloom.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://artsfuse.org/260563/rock-album-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-back-with-tasteful-bangs/">https://artsfuse.org/260563/rock-album-review-the-goo-goo-dolls-back-with-tasteful-bangs/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7041214
2022-08-19T01:42:18-04:00
2022-08-19T01:42:18-04:00
Bass Gear Magazine - Goo Goo Dolls Release 13th Album, Chaos in Bloom, and We Chat with Robby Takac
<p>Watch the interview here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cWUg0Ysh3UY">https://youtu.be/cWUg0Ysh3UY</a></p>
<p>Four decades into their storied career, alt-rock legends Goo Goo Dolls are still discovering new and invigorating ways to make the most exciting music they’ve ever recorded. With more accolades than can fit an industrial size trophy case and global No.1s celebrated across the globe, it’d make sense for a band of such proportions to phone things in, take a step back, or merely retreat from the spotlight. Almost paradoxically, though, Goo Goo Dolls have remained at the top of their game and increasingly daring over the years precisely because the music has always been put on a pedestal that remains untainted by all of the outside laurels the band has earned. On their new album, Chaos in Bloom, Goo Goo Dolls sound like a band more confident than ever in their sound, yet constantly looking for fresh ways to get their story across. Marking their first record ever to be produced by lead singer John Rzeznik, it’s an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and spear-sharp songwriting. In short, it’s a quintessential Goo Goo Dolls album. </p>
<p>Lead single “Yeah, I Like You” kicks the record off with a rousing acoustic guitar line that hits like a gut punch, before Rzeznik comes roaring in with searing wit: “I met the queen of generation fame/ I said ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know your name/ And she stared at me/ And she said/ ‘Hey man, could you tell me your name’/ I said, ‘You wouldn’t know it anyway.’” The song effortlessly and effectively critiques our celebrity culture, the people who work so hard to look so disaffected and mask insecurities with obnoxious self-assuredness. “In a world that is just drowning in social media and internet stars, many of whom are certainly talented, but many confirm that in 2022 you can be famous for doing nothing,” explains Rzeznik. “Celebrity in the TikTok age has a very quick burn. It was hard not to be consumed by it during the pandemic.”</p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom isn’t necessarily an album borne out by the pandemic, but many of the songs do reflect on all of the things in daily life that became amplified while everyone was trapped at home. After all, before embarking on their forthcoming 2022 Chaos in Bloom North American tour, the band had been on their longest hiatus from the road since they began making music. The band decamped to Dreamland Studios in Woodstock, New York, and embarked on something of a summer camp, working on the songs Rzeznik and bassist and songwriter Robby Takac penned during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for such a record, which captures a true live quality by blending vintage instruments and gear with new recording processes and techniques. </p>
<p>“There was an awful lot of stuff to reflect on, especially when you were alone for a lot of it. You were sequestered for a lot of it. There’s a lot of time to think about stuff and a lot of time to watch the world fall apart outside of your house. That made its way into the songs.” </p>
<p>The songs on Chaos veer from personal reflections on the state of the world to social commentaries, like on “Let The Sun,” which finds Rzeznik exploring the societal inequalities in our world today and the figures who look down on us from their “towers in the sky,” having nothing but disdain for those on the streets. It’s a protest anthem for our dystopian modernity, but fits effortlessly into the pop-rock epics that span the record.</p>
<p>Bassist Robby Takac handles the vocals and songwriting duties on “Loving Life,” which searches for optimism in the landscape the group is often so disenchanted with. “I’ve been trying to have a relationship with the bigger picture,” Takac explains, before adding, “and refining happiness and what it means from that perspective.” It’s a sliver of insularity sandwiched between opuses for the working class, a call to arms for a better, more empathetic world. </p>
<p>Four decades in, it’s impossible not to marvel at the sheer determination of the Goo Goo Dolls to remain a constantly evolving band. Stasis is human nature, but the band has defied these odds to create a work that is both unique and could only be made by this band at this time. “I just want to keep making music that’s interesting to me,” says Rzeznik. “I’m a different person now than I was when “Iris” came out, but you hope that the music can grow with you and change with you, and you hope your audience grows with you, too.” </p>
<p>With Chaos In Bloom, the Goo Goo Dolls have tapped into a sort of magic that only comes with time, practice, and respect. The album is an instant addition to the band’s classic canon, but one that will grow the scope of their POV. “It’s just such a gift to have songs that everyone loves,” says Takac, before Rzeznik adds the perfect caveat for this new era: “Chaos in Bloom reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together…where we’ve been, and where we’re going.” </p>
<p>Formed by Rzeznik and Takac in Buffalo, NY during 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans, and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, the group has garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations and nearly a dozen platinum & gold singles combined, and seized a page in the history books by achieving 16 number one and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.” </p>
<p>Thus far, A Boy Named Goo [1995] has gone double-platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl five-times-platinum, and Gutterflower [2002] and Let Love In [2006] both went gold as Something for the Rest of Us [2010] and Magnetic [2013] bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. Their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum & gold certifications – including the recently-platinum “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers. </p>
<p>Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog. </p>
<p>Tom Bowlus recently had the chance to hook up with Robby Takac on the road for a Zoom interview. In addition to his busy schedule with Goo Goo Dolls, Robby is also the founder of the Music Is Art festival and foundation.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bassgearmag.com/goo-goo-dolls-release-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom-and-we-chat-with-robby-takac/">https://www.bassgearmag.com/goo-goo-dolls-release-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom-and-we-chat-with-robby-takac/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7040991
2022-08-18T18:15:59-04:00
2022-08-18T18:25:35-04:00
USA Today - Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik recalls vocal cord scare: 'Oh, my God. I have no other skills!'
<p><strong>By Ralphie Aversa</strong></p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are back on the road after a two-year hiatus amid the pandemic. But for lead singer and guitarist John Rzeznik, returning to live music venues and releasing the band’s new album "Chaos in Bloom" required more than overcoming COVID-19 twice. </p>
<p>In March, "I had a nick on my vocal cord and I tore a ligament in my elbow,” Rzeznik, 56, recalls. “I had to stay completely silent for two weeks. I’m sitting there going, ‘Oh, my God. I have no other skills! I can’t go get a job.’ ” </p>
<p>Vocal rest and “massive doses of Prednisone” for his voice, along with physical therapy and a platelet-rich plasma injection for his elbow, prevented Rzeznik from the task of dusting off his resume. Before a recent show in Holmdel, New Jersey, he spoke with USA TODAY about hitting the road again.</p>
<p>Between two postponements and two injuries, Rzeznik found himself with plenty of time to reflect on his full-time job as a musician and the Goo Goo Dolls' success. The band's Grammy-nominated song "Iris" also just hit a milestone, joining Spotify's billion-streams club. </p>
<p>"You can tend to sort of take it for granted," the Buffalo, New York-native says. “Our lives were upended ... having it taken away was eye-opening.</p>
<p>"The hardest part for me was feeling the loss of purpose. And I think a lot of people felt that.” </p>
<p><strong>No matter how divided Americans are, 'we're all singing the same song,' he says </strong></p>
<p>The band's current tour started in July and wraps with a hometown show in Buffalo on Sept 24. The Goo Goo Dolls will take a month off before kicking off a new set of dates in late October.</p>
<p>"No matter how divided this country seems to be, whenever they come into where we're playing, we've all got one thing in common," Rzeznik says. "That's a good place to start. That's what I like about live music. We're all singing the same song." </p>
<p>The songs they're singing include a mix of the band's radio singles and cuts from new album.</p>
<p><strong>John Rzeznik's new road routine includes virtual singing lessons </strong></p>
<p>As for his life on the road, it’s far different from previous years, but the changes have nothing to do with COVID. He got married in 2013, got sober in 2014 and became a first-time father in 2016. Both his wife Melina and 5-year-old daughter Liliana joined him for the Holmdel show, about 30 miles away from where the family lives in Westfield. Rzeznik’s day consists of soundcheck, a meet-and-greet, interviews and a daily singing lesson via Zoom with Eric Vetro. The vocal coach has worked with several big names including Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes.</p>
<p>“At the beginning of this tour, it was a mental thing, because I was worried about hurting (my vocal cord) again,” he says. “So I wasn’t going for it (vocally). He helped me a lot.” </p>
<p><strong>He doesn't spend his time on the road using social media </strong></p>
<p>The band kicks off its show with "Yeah, I Like You," the first single from the new album. It's about a musician getting sucked into the world of "instant celebrity," a world that Rzeznik prefers not to reside in. </p>
<p>"I don't do (social media)," he reveals. "I give the illusion that I'm doing it, which I've just blown my cover completely." He has a social media manager, "and if I want to say something I'll call him or I'll text him."</p>
<p>"The anonymity of social media really emboldens people to be jerks. You can say that you hate my band, but don't talk about my friends or my family." </p>
<p><strong>'Chaos in Bloom' won't be the Goo Goo Dolls' last chapter </strong></p>
<p>The band released its first Christmas album in 2020. "Chaos" marks the first LP that Rzeznik serves as a producer on the entire release. And he hopes the band's evolution doesn't end there. </p>
<p>"I haven't run out of things I want to do," Rzeznik says. "I still have ideas for songs in my head. I'm not ready to just hang it up and be a nostalgia act. I'm still swinging. That's all you can ask for."</p>
<p>Click here to watch the interview - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/08/17/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-tour/10346840002/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/08/17/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-tour/10346840002/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7040118
2022-08-17T16:32:32-04:00
2022-08-17T16:32:32-04:00
Folio Weekly - The Bigger Picture with Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Molly Britt</strong></p>
<p>You can listen to the interview here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgbK32CGZrs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgbK32CGZrs</a></p>
<p>When Robby Takac was a kid, he would watch a sitcom that opened with a shot of the Tyler Davidson Fountain in Cincinnati, Ohio. He thought it was cool the way the water comes out of the statue’s hands and now, years later, he stares out at it from his hotel room as he prepares for a concert in front of thousands of fans as he tells me about their recent journey with their upcoming album Chaos In Bloom. </p>
<p>Takac, a founding member of the rock band Goo Goo Dolls, formed the band with John Rzeznik in Buffalo, New York back in 1986. From there the band picked up worldwide fame connecting to millions of fans through their music with songs like Iris and Better Days. They gained national recognition with multiple GRAMMY nominations, gold and platinum singles, and secured their spot in music history with the all-time radio record for Most Top 10 Singles. </p>
<p>Now that touring is back in the equation for the Goo Goo Dolls, Takac takes a moment to remind me how amazing it feels to be back on stage playing for thousands of people “smashed into a room” enjoying the music after two years of delayed tour dates, however spending an entire summer with his daughter was a happy and welcoming solution. They grew tomatoes, cucumbers, and fed rabbits and squirrels, something he appreciates as a “crazy byproduct, you know, of this reset we just lived through.” </p>
<p>Takac recalls having to teach his daughter while isolated. “Can you imagine having me for your teacher,” he asks laughing. Frankly, the thought of a purple haired Robby Takac teaching me American History sounds like a great class, but I doubt he’d prefer talking to kids about early America instead of performing with rock legends all over the world, unless it’s his daughter, of course. He took the opportunity to build his relationships with those around him as they were thrust into a time nobody knew how to handle at the moment. It was that situation that led to the title of the album, says Robby. </p>
<p>“Some horrible and amazing things were brought to light in this whole thing and I think it’s good to recognize both those things,” says Takac. </p>
<p>During their forced hiatus, Takac and Rzeznik took time to travel to Woodstock, NY to produce their album Chaos In Bloom. They were able to take advantage the quiet space, rather than surrounded by large numbers of people that have stakes and opinions on what they are releasing and want to help during the process. While he appreciates the help they always get, it was nice for them to enjoy a “place that was just us, just the band and a couple engineers, the lady that worked at the dinner on the corner and the FedEx guy. Other than some deer and railroad tracks near them they were quite isolated in the mid-1800s church they stayed in. They stayed in the rectory at the bottom of the hill and would spend their days coming up with new music for their album in the church-turned-studio. “It oddly made for a pretty pure record for us,” says Takac. Something that might not have happened if the pandemic wasn’t ongoing. </p>
<p>The record seems to follow that theme of a sense of unity among the disaster everyone faced together. Everyone felt some type of way about what they experienced and this record allows us all to relate to it in one way or the other. Each song, and its title, seem to imply our need to cherish those relationships we have with everyone around us. Rzeznik sees the album as a description of “where we’ve been and where we’re going,” and Takac agrees emphasizing “the bigger picture.” </p>
<p>In today’s generation, we are obsessed with the newly released songs we all hear on social media. Don’t deny it, I do it too. We listen over and over again as we watch people dance, sing and laugh to them online. It was with this thought, that Takac and Rzeznik came up with their idea for their recently released music video for Yeah, I Like You. Once released people watched as the band attended a red carpet which seemed to be overflowing with social media stars who were quick to fame. It was clear it wasn’t exactly their crowd as the media obsessed individuals basically started a riot, throwing things and hands at attendees and the band, while paparazzi made sure to get it all on camera. It came to light near the end, this was all set up by one person, an implication that people are very easily influenced by those behind the technology. It was a cheesy and hilarious music video that brought the attention of the generations of people who listen. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls took their old style merged with a new one with the release of this album. As they continue their American Tour for the next few months, attendees will experience the guitar and vocals that put this band on the map live. On the 24th of August, the Goo Goo Dolls will play at Daily’s Place Amphitheater. Whether you’re attending or not, Takac encourages everyone to listen to the whole album…take the trip with him and Rzeznik. If you like the Goo Goo Dolls and charities, make sure to follow along on their support with the Joe Torre Foundation Safe At Home Foundation as they give away some their personal items, like guitars, to raise money in an effort to rid the world of domestic violence.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://folioweekly.com/2022/08/17/the-bigger-picture-with-robby-takac-from-the-goo-goo-dolls/">https://folioweekly.com/2022/08/17/the-bigger-picture-with-robby-takac-from-the-goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7039588
2022-08-17T01:36:54-04:00
2022-08-17T01:36:54-04:00
American Songwriter - Goo Goo Dolls Circle Round Disenchanted Times on 13th Album ‘Chaos in Bloom’
<p><strong>By Tina Benitez-Eves</strong></p>
<p>When the world hands you a pandemic, make your way into the woods. Once the world slowly began reopening, the Goo Goo Dolls remotely regrouped inside a 19th-century church-turned-studio in Woodstock, New York. Armed with a library of vintage gear and instruments, the band, along with co-writer and collaborator, producer Gregg Wattenberg, began fleshing out songs, and frontman John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac started writing during the pandemic for their 13th album Chaos in Bloom. </p>
<p>Recorded analog-to-tape along with vintage pedals, amps, and other instruments and Dreamland Studio, Chaos in Bloom is the first album produced for Goo Goo Dolls by Rzeznik and was initially conceptualized in isolation during the pandemic. </p>
<p>“It was a very crazy time in the world, and like everyone else I was affected by it,” Rzeznik shares with American Songwriter. “I couldn’t go out and play shows—the only thing I was ever good at—and that felt like it was being threatened. Thinking ‘I may never get to do this again’ was pretty anxiety-provoking. Then I thought ‘well, write about it.’” </p>
<p>Revealing more social than political messages crossing mental health, equality, and communication breakdowns, Chaos in Bloom punches some of the superficial surfaces of living in a social media-driven world on the opening “Yeah, I Like You,” with Rzeznik condescendingly singing I met the queen of generation fame/ I said ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know your name/ And she stared at me/ And she said/ ‘Hey man, could you tell me your name’/ I said, ‘You wouldn’t know it anyway. Throughout, Chaos in Bloom reveals real life and its continuing extremities, bursting through self-explanatory stories on “War” and trying to fix the mental setbacks on more pulled back “Save Me From Myself” and more social inequalities on the acoustic-led “Let the Sun.” </p>
<p>On “Loving Life,” co-written and sung by Takac, who also penned the reflective Chaos rocker “Past Mistakes,” the track explores the “bigger picture” of happiness—I’ve seen the sunbeam shines of light with / All the shadows gone from sight … Reaching deep with steady nerves for sure / In a quiet way we’ll shake the world—before the mellowed out closers “You Are The Answer” and piano-driven “Superstar.”</p>
<p>On “Going Crazy,” a straightforward look at the one’s locked down state, Rzeznik wanted the music to jolt. “The music is very angular and jagged, kind of chaotic, and that was the field that I wanted, for it to sound emotionally jarring,” said Rzeznik. “It’s talking about the anxiety of living through a pandemic and the political division and the chaos. If I really sit down and start thinking about all that stuff I get, I get very anxious.” </p>
<p>As the album was winding down, also Rzeznik suffered another setback when he strained his vocal cord and couldn’t speak, then injured his elbow and couldn’t play guitar. “I couldn’t sing,” he said. “I couldn’t play guitar. I felt like ‘my God, everything is being taken away from me.’ This sense of separation anxiety seems to be running through the album,” said Rzeznik. “I think we all went through that. There was this loss of purpose in a lot of ways.” </p>
<p>Working without a set perimeter and deadline prompted Rzeznik to produce the album, opening up the window to experimentation in instrumentation. “I was able to have time to experiment thoroughly with using the studios and other instruments,” said Rzeznik. “I never quite understood what that meant until I got in there and just started experimenting. The way the music business is now, most albums are completed very rapidly, in a very factory-like manner because people don’t have budgets to make albums. I wanted to be able to get the whole band together, get out in the woods, in a cool place and just play.” </p>
<p>He added, “I wanted to try to capture at the very least, just the basic guitar, bass, drums, piano, and then do the overdubs later, and just get the feel of a band playing live.”</p>
<p>Digging through everything from Gang of Four and Elton John during recording, Rzeznik also started connecting to the earlier Oasis albums. “When you listen to those records, you’re like, ‘what the hell is going on here?” he said. “They’re so chaotic, intense. Those albums had this quality, being so brash and just jumping out at in an aggressive manner, and that was one of the things I liked about it.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik added, “Because I was producing, I was allowed to take time with things, listening to the music and thinking ‘how do you think they got that sound’ then experimenting and playing with things to capture an interesting sound. It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s a rare thing these days because a lot of people don’t have the opportunity.”</p>
<p>For Chaos in Bloom, Rzeznik didn’t want to pull from older songs and wanted the album to be its own piece of work with most of the songs written within a blocked period of time. In producing, and working with Wattenberg, conceptually, the album already started taking shape early. Wattenberg also assisted Rzeznik in producing himself. “When it came time to do the vocals, I threw up a white flag,” says Rzeznik. “I can’t produce my own vocals, because I would still be in the studio now, so it was great to bring Greg in because he knows how to get a good performance out of me. We all have our limitations, so it was nice to get somebody else’s perspective on it, then realize ‘wow, you just made that song better.’ That’s the power of collaboration. You can’t underestimate that.” </p>
<p>He also practiced the art of letting go with Chaos in Bloom, joking that this album is unlikely to get any radio play. “I felt like perhaps it wasn’t as radio-friendly as some of the stuff that I’ve done in the past,” he says. “I really try to relinquish control after it’s out of my hands, and I’m a total control freak, so that was kind of difficult. I’m never going to fully let go of it.” He added, “I’m at a point in my life in my career, where I can kind of take some chances if I want.” </p>
<p>At one point the band was in the studio on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles Rzeznik remembers walking right in the middle of a massive protest, which he said was a powerful experience, one rooted in Chaos in Bloom. “It was truly amazing that I was seeing this many people having something in common and coming together,” shared Rzeznik. “The one thing that we have in common is the music. I don’t mean to sound cliché or hokey, but I think right now in this country everybody needs to leave differences at the doorstep, come inside, and do something that we all have in common.” </p>
<p>Raising a 5-year-old daughter, Rzeznik said he can’t help worrying about her consumption of social media and the effects the internet has on children, and the more uncertain future. </p>
<p>“There’s hope that things will move in a positive space,” said Rzeznik. “Sometimes my fear is that this division is only going to deepen. I wonder if we’re living in a time where we’re going to see the dissolution of the union of our country, and the end of democracy. There is something better. It’s going to come, but I think the path to getting there is going to be kind of messy and scary.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-circle-round-disenchanted-times-on-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom/">https://americansongwriter.com/goo-goo-dolls-circle-round-disenchanted-times-on-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7039041
2022-08-16T11:09:00-04:00
2022-08-17T01:31:06-04:00
The MusicUniverse.com - Goo Goo Dolls ‘Iris’ eclipses one billion Spotify streams
<p><strong>By Buddy Iahn</strong></p>
<p>Band recently released 13th studio album </p>
<p>Fresh off the release of their new 13th studio album, Chaos in Bloom, Goo Goo Dolls have reached a new milestone in their nearly four decade career as their indelible smash hit “Iris” has officially eclipsed one billion streams on Spotify. The song, which recently achieved 7x platinum status and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Snail Mail and more in recent years, has been an unwavering staple not only in alt rock music, but pop culture as a whole since its release in 1998. Originally featured on the band’s sixth record Dizzy Up The Girl, “Iris” clutched No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and was later named “No. 1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years,” serving as a testament to the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog. </p>
<p>With over 35 years together as a band, Goo Goo Dolls’ new record Chaos in Bloom finds the band continuing to evolve just as they have throughout their entire career. Consisting of 10 tracks including the standouts “Yeah, I Like You,” “You Are The Answer” and “Going Crazy,” Chaos in Bloom is an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that’s led them to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock outfits of all time. </p>
<p>While Chaos in Bloom isn’t necessarily an album borne out by the pandemic, many of the tracks reflect on all of the things in daily life that became amplified while everyone was isolated from one another and sequestered at home. To record the album, Rzeznik and Takac retreated to Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, New York during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for clearing the noise and creating such a record, which carries a true live quality that the band captured by blending vintage instruments and gear with new-age recording processes and techniques. To celebrate the album release this week, Spotify has dedicated their coveted Times Square billboard in New York City to Goo Goo Dolls and the arrival of Chaos in Bloom. </p>
<p>Last week, the band also announced the second leg of their nationwide Chaos in Bloom Tour, adding to their sprawling headlining tour this summer in which they’re playing at iconic outdoor venues including Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. The newly announced tour dates will kick off on October 28th in Eau Claire, WI, and will serve as an intimate theater tour that will see the band playing new songs, deep cuts and the hits from their illustrious catalog. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Wednesday, August 17th at 10 am local time through Thursday, August 18th at 10 pm local time, and general on sale tickets will be available beginning Friday, August 19th at 10 am local time via Ticketmaster. </p>
<p>The Chaos in Bloom Tour will see the band performing multiple songs from the brand new record for the first time ever including “Yeah, I Like You,” “Going Crazy,” and “War,” along with other tracks from their complete discography. Blue October will provide support for the entire summer run and Whitehall will provide support for the newly announced dates. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-iris-eclipses-one-billion-spotify-streams/">https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-iris-eclipses-one-billion-spotify-streams/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038724
2022-08-15T23:37:10-04:00
2022-08-15T23:37:10-04:00
Soundcloud - Grant Buchanan Interviews John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls
<p>The lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls talks about surviving a plane crash, being a Buffalo Bills fan and making a sad song sound happy.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/grantbuchanan/john-rzeznik?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">https://soundcloud.com/grantbuchanan/john-rzeznik?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038722
2022-08-15T23:29:49-04:00
2022-08-15T23:29:49-04:00
yourstru.ly - The Goo Goo Dolls “Chaos In Bloom” Album Review
<p><strong>By Ikedichim Chibundu</strong></p>
<p><em>Chaos In Bloom</em> </p>
<p><strong>The Goo Goo Dolls </strong></p>
<p>Genre: Pop <br>Date: 12 Aug, 2022 <br>Content: explicit <br>Region: USA <br>Track(s): 10 </p>
<p>℗ 2022 Warner Records Inc. </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is The Goo Goo Dolls’ 13th studio album and on the new album, the band continue building upon their musical legacy and unique guitar sound, by sounding more confident than ever before. The stadium-ready choruses and spear-sharp songwriting are underscored by monstrous guitar tones courtesy of front-man and guitarist, John Rzeznik. </p>
<p>You may anticipate that The Goo Goo Dolls would start enjoying life more now that they have been around for four decades and released twelve albums. Even though just two of the original four members are still involved, they don’t seem to be slowing down, as lead singer John Rzeznik produced their thirteenth album, “Chaos In Bloom,” for the first time.</p>
<p>On the cover artwork, we find an animated version of a what appears to be a boy holding up a withering bouquet of flowers over his face. But notice something outstanding about the flowers; as a greater portion of the flowers die and droop downward, the center of flowers seem to be in bloom, weirdly so, which better helps put a fitting image to the album title. </p>
<p><strong>Tracks and Features </strong></p>
<p>The opening track “Yeah, I Like You,” coming in with a jab at egos and the celebrity culture of the modern age, it lures the listener in with Johnny’s signature upbeat acoustic guitar. Not long after, the snare kicks in like a gunshot with the rest of the band coming in at full speed. With a chorus so full of life, the opening track sets out to encapsulate the joy of driving with the windows down during summer and the volume up as loud as possible. </p>
<p>“War” is a building rocker, the shifts dynamics from a darkly melodic verse exploding to an upbeat chorus. “I’m not the enemy/ But darling I do believe that you’ll be the end of me,” he sings on the bridge.</p>
<p>“Save Me From Myself” keeps the energy going, but in much more intimate and acoustic setting. It’s infectious and instantly memorable, with Rzeznik singing of the push and pull of relationships. More than once, he sings of the internal war playing out inside his own psyche. “Let the Sun” begins as a fairly folky acoustic ballad until the band kicks in for the song’s waning moments to take it out on a soaring high note. </p>
<p>Takac takes over the vocal duties on “Loving Life,” a throwback rocker that relies on riffs and big percussive energy. He has a very classic rock sound on his vocal but the song is a little ’90s grunge mixed with ’70s bombast. It’s a fun change of pace. Rzeznik returns for the upbeat and punky “Going Crazy,” which provides some of the most urgent energy on the record. </p>
<p>“Day After Day” is a little more experimental, built on big beats and heavy reverb-laden vocals that make for an expansive atmospheric backdrop. The song jumps between quiet, sometimes whispered verses to a fist-pumping singalong chorus. Takac returns for “Past Mistakes,” another track that digs into ’80s rock, built on heavy melodies. The shared vocals spices things up and throws in variety. </p>
<p>The first true ballad is the piano-driven “You Are the Answer,” an earnest and intimate portrait with Rzeznik on vocals. It’s not overcooked at all, simply with a few atmospheric additions. Goo Goo Dolls close out the album on a more optimistic note with a mid-tempo acoustic track “Superstar.”</p>
<p><strong>Album Theme </strong></p>
<p>The album itself has elements that reflect on the world and culture from isolation in periods of lockdown but does not explicitly emphasize this, meaning it can be enjoyed without being taken back into this dark period in human history. </p>
<p><strong>Production Credits</strong> </p>
<p>Producers on the album include Brad Fernquist, Chris Szczech, Gregg Wattenberg & John Rzeznik.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.yourstru.ly/reviews/the-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-album-review/">https://www.yourstru.ly/reviews/the-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-album-review/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038713
2022-08-15T23:15:10-04:00
2022-08-15T23:15:10-04:00
Cryptic Rock - GOO GOO DOLLS – CHAOS IN BLOOM (ALBUM REVIEW)
<p><strong>By Jeannie Blue</strong></p>
<p>One of the most influential Alternative Rock groups of all time, the enduring legacy of Goo Goo Dolls rolls toward its fourth decade with Chaos in Bloom, which arrives on August 12, 2022, thanks to Warner Records. </p>
<p>The Grammy Award-nominated Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac have certainly proven their abilities as songwriters. Prolific best friends, the pair has single-handedly crafted some of your favorite radio gems—from 1995’s breakthrough “Name” to 1998’s hit single “Iris” to 2002’s feel-good cover, “Give a Little Bit.” Throughout their career, which began in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, the pair have given all of themselves to recording heartfelt music and touring the globe. And with 19 top singles and over 12 million albums sold worldwide, it has been a burden of great love. </p>
<p>So, what is a beloved duo to do to mark their lucky thirteenth album (well, fourteenth if you count 2020’s It’s Christmas All Over)? Make history, of course! Their first full-length produced by Rzeznik, who previously tackled production duties on 2021’s EP 21, the 10-track Chaos in Bloom is a testament to the duo’s razor-sharp songwriting skills. With an unavoidable influence borne of the pandemic, it is a collection that is composed of both personal asides and societal commentaries, but most of all, love. A reminder to cherish what you have and to be willing to fight for what you love, the material turns toward optimism and empathy in a time of negativity and apathy, choosing not to wallow in the trauma of the past few years. </p>
<p>Because of these themes and their phenomenal soundtrack, there’s a sense of familiarity from the very first notes of Chaos in Bloom. From the sing-along qualities of “Yeah, I Like You” to the earworm “Save Me From Myself,” there’s a 1970’s influence that meanders throughout, all as the Goos craft material that feels immediately classic. And, as always, they shine like diamonds when they take their art to the next level, offering thoughtful social commentaries on tracks like the united front of “Let The Sun” and the initially daunting “Day After Day.” </p>
<p>While it’s no surprise, many will rejoice to hear that the bulk of the album leans toward the more personal end of the spectrum, finding its biggest inspiration in the intricacies of human relationships (“War”). But Goo Goo Dolls has never been a ‘breakup and mope’ kind of group, so they are careful as ever to complement these moments with inspirational intimacy, stadium-ready spectacles, and experimentation. From the Takac-fronted, upbeat funk of “Loving Life” and the initially New Wave-dusted “Past Mistakes,” the duo shares the spotlight as they explore life, love, and what it means to be human in 2022. And for the standout offering “Going Crazy,” they even delve into the chaos inside our bored minds—and tip us off on how to find the cure. </p>
<p>Yet, all good records need that something special to move them into greatness. In the case of Chaos in Bloom, Goo Goo Dolls understand all too well what it takes to create magic. And so they end their latest with a pair of tracks that are guaranteed to be fan favorites, holding a pivotal place within their already extensive oeuvre of material: “You Are the Answer” and “Superstar.” The former embraces all the best of motivational and inspirational feels to pen an ode to each of us and our ability to endure; celebrating the star that shines within everyone. It feels, in some senses, like an Elton John deep cut, while its sister track, “Superstar,” leans more towards Lennon and The Beatles—and giving that peace thing a chance. Each harnesses a beautiful timelessness, sets a truly joyous mood, and turns the spotlight on the audience. Ending your powerful new record with enough of a serotonin boost to power 7.7 billion smiles? Pure Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>When it all comes to its glorious conclusion, Chaos in Bloom feels like time spent catching up with old friends; a visit that has gone by far too quickly and demands an immediate repeat. Like some of the pair’s brightest and most successful work, it is a collection that never mindlessly fills its spaces, rather, it creates a careful balance between the natural highs of life and its doldrums; acknowledging that it’s okay to get lost inside your own head yet reminding listeners to cherish those that know when to pull you out of your own chaos. <strong>For this, Cryptic Rock gives the Goo Goo Dolls’ latest 5 out of 5 stars.</strong></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://crypticrock.com/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-album-review/"><strong>https://crypticrock.com/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-album-review/</strong></a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038326
2022-08-15T14:41:54-04:00
2022-08-15T23:06:37-04:00
chorus.fm review - Goo Goo Dolls' "Chaos In Bloom"
<p><strong>By Adam Grundy</strong></p>
<p>Out of chaos, comes clarity. This quote appears on several art boards, tattoo parlors, and in the case of Goo Goo Dolls and their 14th studio album, Chaos In Bloom, the band embraces the chaos and creates one of their most immediately gratifying late-career records. The set of songs was produced by frontman John Rzeznik (surprisingly, for the first time in the band’s career) and he does an exceptional job of re-capturing some of the early magic of Goo Goo Dolls’ legendary material, but with a more modern flair to it. “Chaos in Bloom reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together,” says Rzeznik about the album. “Where we’ve been, and where we’re going.” While some may have written the band off after the early success of records like A Boy Named Goo and Dizzy Up The Girl, there is still plenty to love and enjoy on this latest album. The partnership between Rzeznik and bassist/songwriter/vocalist Robby Takac appears to be blossoming again at just the right time in their collective careers. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls sound refreshed on songs like the lead single, “Yeah, I Like You,” that bops along with veteran poise, and showcases what the band is still capable of creating when rekindling that musical magic that is undeniable. Rzeznik’s vocal delivery is cool and crisp, as he delivers great introductory remarks to the opener through his lens of observing the world around him. Lyrics like, “You’re as corrupt as any TV preacher / I don’t believe it but I’m falling deeper / Baby, sad but true / ‘Cause it’s hard to define when you cross that line / So what’s on your mind? / Yeah, I like you,” are delivered authentically and earnestly, and stay true to the ever-evolving sound of the Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>”War” comes up next and features some great, undercutting bass lines from Takac to bring more depth to the contextual imagery brought forth in Rzeznik’s vocals. I found the second verse particularly powerful as Rzeznik explains, “Now, now I’m surrendering / Hold up these empty hands / Don’t shoot me down again / And how, how does a fool begin / Something he’ll never win? / Tell me, ’cause I don’t know.” Songs like this continue to bring into bloom the way the band conveys rich emotional responses to their music. “Save Me From Myself” is a mid-tempo song that finds the band at their most reflective as they continue to make observations on this ever-changing world. The first verse of, “Feeling like the world has turned to stone / Standing in a crowd but I’m on my own / Wake up on the floor with a dizzy head again / Trying to find a soul in these empty faces / Gotta get away from these worn out places / Pickin’ up the pieces of myself again,” showcases a frontman willing to put his best foot forward in uncertain times. </p>
<p>Other tracks like the acoustic-guitar based ballad “Let The Sun,” find the band pondering about their lives. Lyrical lines like, “Break our backs and break our balls / On our knees against the wall / Tell me what you’re gonna do / When there’s no one there to take your fall,” find the Goo Goo Dolls at a near breaking point before exploding into a wall of sound into the song’s crescendo at the two and a half minute mark to bring more clarity to the title of the track. “Loving Life” on the other hand, allows for Takac to take the lead vocal reins, with mostly favorable results. The chorus of, “I’ve seen the sunbeam shine a light with / All the shadows gone from sight and I / Really hope you believe in loving life (Really believe it, I really believe it) / Reaching deep with steady nerves for sure / In a quiet way we’ll shake the world / I really hope you believe in loving life / (Really believe it) I really believe it,” features some nice harmonies between the two vocalists, and makes for a nice way of breaking up the middle part of the record. </p>
<p>”Going Crazy” kicks off the second side of the LP with an electric-guitar charged to crank the band into a new gear. Rzeznik’s steady riffing in the verses allow for the song to slow-build in a crowd-pleasing chorus. The song reaches a steady boiling point as Rzeznik eventually cranks up his mood as he sings, “I’m going crazy, yeah, I’m stuck in a blur / Yeah, I’m going crazy, it’s a fucked up world / Help me now ’cause I can’t see what’s left of me.” The band slightly loses some momentum on the brooding “Day After Day,” that features some bellowing piano strikes before blooming into a summery chorus. The rich contrast of the two parts further speak to the depth the band went for in exploring the boundaries of their sound. </p>
<p>The closing trio of “Past Mistakes” (that finds Takac taking on the lead vocal duties), the second single called “You Are The Answer,” and the slow-building beauty of “Superstar” showcase a band still willing to take a few calculated risks in their sound to avoid the late-career monotony that plagues so many talented songwriters. The closing lines of, “I think the world spins ’round you / You make me feel so weightless / Teach me to fly so high like you / ‘Cause love is all around / Love is all around, ’cause you’re a superstar,” leave a great taste in the listeners’ mouth as they wonder which exciting direction the Goo Goo Dolls may maneuver into next. While lacking the star power of a powerhouse singles like “Iris” or “Broadway,” the album’s sum of its parts are its true beauty in connecting with audiences both new and old. And for now, it’s easy to believe that chaos can certainly bloom into something beautiful. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chorus.fm/reviews/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/">https://chorus.fm/reviews/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038067
2022-08-15T07:26:10-04:00
2022-08-15T22:49:05-04:00
Rock Cellar Magazine - Out Now: Goo Goo Dolls ‘Chaos in Bloom,’ a New Album of Smart, Accomplished Pop/Rock Precision (Listen)
<p>Though a news release says the album wasn’t “necessarily” borne out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the collective anxieties we all felt during that time (and continue to feel today, in some aspects), the authenticity of the songwriting and approach from singer/guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist Robby Takac is clearly the byproduct of some serious soul-searching. </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom, the 13th album from the band and first of original material since 2019’s Miracle Pill, the record was conceived using an “analog-to-tape recording process and vintage amps & pedals.” Self-produced by Rzeznik — the first Goo Goo Dolls album to feature that trait — Chaos in Bloom brings together the best elements of the Goo Doll Dolls’ sound.<br><br>Lead single “Yeah, I Like You” sets the tone right off the bat, an energetic anthem with Rzeznik’s pointed lyrics taking aim at “celebrity culture” and all that entails.</p>
<p>“In a world that is just drowning in social media and internet stars, many of whom are certainly talented, but many confirm that in 2022 you can be famous for doing nothing,” he said in a statement. “Celebrity in this age has a very quick burn. It was hard not to be consumed by it during the pandemic.” </p>
<p>Other tracks, like “Going Crazy,” allow the band to pick up the pace a bit and harken back to their earlier days as a hungry, garage-rock band (before a spate of 1990s’ alt/pop hits allowed them to graduate to arena-fillers). The song’s lyric video, too, features a cluttered living room and a television set — surely something to which we can all relate over the past few years.</p>
<p>The album’s back story, per a news release: </p>
<p>To record the album, Rzeznik and Takac retreated to Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, New York during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for clearing the noise and creating such a record, which carries a true live quality that the band captured by blending vintage instruments and gear with new-age recording processes and techniques. </p>
<p>While Rzeznik is the band’s “lead singer,” Takac takes up lead vocal duties every now and then, at least once on each album. On Chaos in Bloom, he powers through one of the album’s strongest tracks, the shimmery, power-pop gem “Loving Life,” his slightly raspy voice a complement to Rzeznik’s, which has become synonymous with the Goo Goos’ many, many FM radio hits.<br><br>Of course, no Goo Goo record is complete without a power ballad, and “You Are The Answer” is tailor made for lighters and cell phone lights in a live setting, a piano anthem set to Rzeznik’s soaring vocals.</p>
<p>Simply put, Chaos in Bloom is an especially solid late-era release from the Goo Goo Dolls, one of the most successful pop/rock bands of the past 3+ decades. Sure, their commercial peak may have reached it apex in the mid-to-late ’90s with “Name,” “Iris,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon” and several other hits, but they’re still pumping out earnest anthems with sweeping hooks and that boundless energy, not to mention Rzeznik’s knack for sardonic, thoughtful lyrical phrases that hold the mirror up to our shared experience. </p>
<p>The album’s track listing: </p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>War <br>Save Me From Myself <br>Let The Sun <br>Loving Life <br>Going Crazy <br>Day After Day <br>Past Mistakes <br>You Are The Answer <br>Superstar</p>
<p>Catch the Goo Goo Dolls on the road on a headlining tour in the coming weeks, with special guest Blue October — and expect a selection of Chaos in Bloom tracks along with several of the band’s most memorable tunes. </p>
<p>They also announced an additional fall tour of smaller venues, as well.</p>
<p>August 16, 2022 – Boston, MA – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion <br>August 17, 2022 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap <br>August 19, 2022 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center <br>August 20, 2022 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater <br>August 21, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts <br>August 23, 2022 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheatre <br>August 24, 2022 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place <br>August 26, 2022 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre <br>August 27, 2022 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater <br>August 28, 2022 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park <br>August 30, 2022 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre <br>August 31, 2022 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory <br>September 2, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre <br>September 3, 2022 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl <br>September 4, 2022 – Palo Alto, CA – Frost Amphitheater <br>September 12, 2022 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater <br>September 13, 2022 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre <br>September 15, 2022 – Grand Rapids, MI – Mejer Gardens <br>September 17, 2022 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre <br>September 18, 2022 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion <br>September 20, 2022 – Doswell, VA – After Hours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park <br>September 21, 2022 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater <br>September 22, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE <br>September 24, 2022 – Buffalo, NY – Keybank Center <br>October 28, 2022 – Eau Claire, WI – Pablo Center At The Confluence * <br>October 30, 2022 – Ames, IA – Iowa State Center – Stephens Auditorium * <br>October 31, 2022 – Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavilion – Mary W. Sommervold Hall * <br>November 2, 2022 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theatre * <br>November 3, 2022 – Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – Thrivent Hall * <br>November 5, 2022 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center * <br>November 6, 2022 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre * <br>November 7, 2022 – South Bend, IN – Morris Performing Arts Center * <br>November 9, 2022 – Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace Theatre * <br>November 11, 2022 – Salina, KS – Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts * <br>November 12, 2022 – Catoosa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tulsa * <br>November 14, 2022 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater * <br>November 15, 2022 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts * <br>November 16, 2022 – Lubbock, TX – The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences – Helen DeVitt Jones Theater * <br>November 18, 2022 – Albuquerque, NM – Kiva Auditorium * <br>November 20, 2022 – El Paso, TX – Plaza Theatre *</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockcellarmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-new-album-review-listen-stream/">https://rockcellarmagazine.com/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom-new-album-review-listen-stream/</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7038066
2022-08-15T07:20:08-04:00
2022-08-15T22:45:54-04:00
Rock N' Load Magazine - Goo Goo Dolls Release 13th Album ‘Chaos In Bloom’
<p>August 12th, 2022 – Goo Goo Dolls release their 13th studio album Chaos in Bloom via Warner Records today, marking its release with the propulsive new song ““Going Crazy”. The standout track harkens back to the band’s power-chord alt-rock sound, assisted by the analogue-to-tape recording process and vintage amps & pedals they used while making the entire album. To celebrate the album’s release this week, Spotify has dedicated their coveted Times Square billboard in New York City to Goo Goo Dolls and the arrival of Chaos in Bloom. </p>
<p>“Going Crazy” is the last in a steady output of songs released from the LP so far, following the melodic offerings “You Are The Answer” and “Yeah, I Like You” that arrived earlier this summer. As the first record of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, Chaos in Bloom finds the band continuing to evolve artistically as they have in the last four decades together. Consisting of 10 tracks, it’s an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that’s led them to become one of the most influential alternative rock outfits of all time. Listen to the album HERE. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://googoodolls.lnk.to/CIB">https://googoodolls.lnk.to/CIB</a></p>
<p>While Chaos in Bloom isn’t necessarily an album borne out by the pandemic, many of the tracks reflect on all of the things in daily life that became amplified while everyone was isolated from one another and sequestered at home. To record the album, Rzeznik and Takac retreated to Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, New York during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for clearing the noise and creating such a record, which carries a true live quality that the band captured by blending vintage instruments and gear with new-age recording processes and techniques. </p>
<p>The band has also announced the second leg of their nationwide Chaos in Bloom tour, adding to their sprawling headlining tour this summer in which they’re playing at iconic outdoor venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, NY. The newly announced dates will be intimate up close and personal shows and will kick off on October 27th in Eau Claire, WI, with general on-sale tickets available from Friday, August 19th at 10 AM local time. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have partnered with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation for the tour, a non-profit founded in 2002 by Ali and Joe Torre to provide healing and education services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence including domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating abuse, and sexual assault to help break the cycle of violence. More information & tickets can be found via the band’s website HERE. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.googoodolls.com/">https://www.googoodolls.com/</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rocknloadmag.com/news/out-today-goo-goo-dolls-release-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom/">https://rocknloadmag.com/news/out-today-goo-goo-dolls-release-13th-album-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7037603
2022-08-14T09:22:41-04:00
2022-08-14T13:10:18-04:00
Post Athens - Q&A: Robby Takac talks over 30 years of the Goo Goo Dolls, the pandemic, new album ‘Chaos in Bloom’
<p><strong>By Tate Raub</strong> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2022/08/culture-goo-goo-dolls-q-a-chaos-in-bloombassist-robby-takac">https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2022/08/culture-goo-goo-dolls-q-a-chaos-in-bloombassist-robby-takac</a></p>
<p>Robby Takac is the bassist for and founding member of the Goo Goo Dolls, the famed rock band from New York. The band, created in 1986, has 36 years worth of music under its belt. </p>
<p>The band started as a three piece – John Rzeznik, Takac and George Tutuska– but in 2022, Rzeznik and Takac are the last men standing and just released their thirteenth album, Chaos in Bloom. </p>
<p>The Post sat down with Takac to talk about touring, being a musician during a pandemic, the album and more: </p>
<p><b>The Post: </b>The band has been on tour recently. How has it been? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: Oh, amazing, man. Johnny and I have pretty much been on tour since we were 20, so taking a couple of years off from that exchange of energies (and) from the folks who come and see us play was really a strange time for us. Our lives were basically built around being on tour. I got to experience some tomato growing with my daughter, but we didn’t get to do any shows, so it’s been amazing to be back again … This experience definitely put things into perspective a little bit more for us. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: You mentioned you and John (Rzeznik) have been rocking together for a long time. What is it like to spend so much quality time working on a craft like music? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: John and I have been doing this together since we were kids, since we were in college, so it’s been 30-some years. There’s been many different phases of this band, many different phases of us as people, various stages of sobriety and various plateaus of success. It’s been an adventure, the whole thing, but we managed to stick it out. A lot of the bands that we came up with weren’t lucky enough to make it through the trials and tribulations and all those other things that come with being in a band for that long. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: How are you guys feeling about the new album, Chaos in Bloom, coming out? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: We went out and made this record during the pandemic. We started it during the height of it the vaccines weren’t even out yet. We went and rented an old church out in the middle of the woods in Woodstock, New York, and basically just saw each other, the engineers and the waitress at the corner diner. I feel like this record is probably the purest sound we’ve had in an awfully long time. The last few records we made with a few producers and we were in New York and LA and a lot of people (were) in and out of the sessions because we were in big cities, (with) a lot of life permeating in the sessions. With this one, we really just felt like we were locked up just with our ideas making a record and that hadn’t happened in a really long time. So when I think about this record, I feel like it’s pretty exciting that we’re able, after all these years, to make a record that feels a bit more like that. </p>
<p><b>P:</b> Thirteen albums is a lot to make together. How do you make sure you don’t get burnt out and you’re staying authentic to what you want to make? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: The whole concept of where you’re steering everything seems so weighty when you’re doing one bar of music at a time. You just do your best and just move forward. Try to do something that you haven’t done ever, if possible, try not to repeat yourself and depend on your inner guidance system. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: This is the first album that John Rzeznik solely produced. Did that alter your usual recording process at all? Was there anything in particular that stood out from that experience in comparison to anything that you guys have done in the past? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: We’ve obviously made a lot of records and he and I have co-produced as the Goo Goo Dolls with Rob Cavallo, Lou Giordano ... So it was never like we weren’t involved, it was just that we would always bring someone in from the very beginning to be part of the process. Quite often, honestly, they wouldn’t last until the end of the project because John likes to go deep and, rightfully so, producers have other projects to do; their only gig isn’t this, but this is our only gig so we have the time and patience to deal with that kind of thing … And as the record came on, we brought some people in to help, but it felt like the purity of the process was (something) we hadn’t had since we were kids in a dorm room together and nobody cared about what kind of record we were making. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: What do you think draws people to listen to a full Goo Goo Dolls album after they hear a hit like “Iris” or “Slide?” </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: Usually that’s the hook. We’ve been around for a while so there’s the ‘car seat hostage syndrome’ where these kids’ parents were listening to us in the ‘90s and we were on the radio constantly in the ‘90s so they’re familiar with all those songs. Lately, TikTok has been a huge help for us, we’ve been trending numerous times with folks like Lizzo, Phoebe Bridgers and Dua Lipa who are tipping their hat to “Iris” or “Slide”… We tapped into the mainstream of America about 20 years ago and that tends to carry on, we’re three generations deep. Sometimes people write to us and say “I’m bringing my daughter and she’s bringing her daughter (to a show)” and when you start to hear that, that’s pretty exciting. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: If people are just now becoming familiar with the Goo Goo Dolls (because of TikTok), what does this new album offer for all of your audiences no matter the age? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: We came from a generation of people who wrote music based on what they experienced between the last time they made a record and this (next) time. Let’s face it, we’ve lived through some pretty crazy s--- over the past couple of years and I don’t think we have grasped what we’ve lived through. So I think we talked pretty honestly about some of the things we saw during that time and I think there’s a lot there for people to chew on. And, escapism is an amazing thing but when you can weave in some of what’s going on currently I think it makes it pretty potent. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: The band has a partnership with Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation for the tour. How was that connection established and what drew you all to the organization? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: One of our staff of managers had been involved with them and they do some great work so every night we auction off autographed guitars out front … to help them with their work. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: Do you have a favorite song on the album? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: We’ve been playing a song called “Going Crazy” off the record when we’ve been playing live and it has been getting a really great response so that’s probably my favorite one at the moment. </p>
<p><b>P</b>: How does it feel to have fans so quickly learn those lyrics? </p>
<p><b>Takac</b>: I’m just glad there’s people coming to the shows, (it’s) crazy after all these years. Every time I walk out ,I’m like “Oh my god, thank god they’re still here.” </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is out August 12. For more information about the Goo Goo Dolls, check out googoodolls.com. </p>
<p>To listen to the full interview, check out the podcast version here. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/full-q-a-with-robby-takac">https://www.spreaker.com/show/full-q-a-with-robby-takac</a></p>
<p>@tatertot1310 </p>
<p>tr602819@ohio.edu</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7037265
2022-08-13T13:14:32-04:00
2022-08-14T09:18:23-04:00
Elle - Goo Goo Dolls John Rzeznik Sings "Day After Day" & Taylor Swift in a Game of Song Association
<p>John Rzeznik may have come to #ELLE dreading his #SongAssociation episode- but starts to have a little fun as he beats the buzzer. The #GooGooDolls frontman talks about meeting master songwriter #TomPetty, what he said to get boo'd at a show, and the story behind the new song #DayAfterDay. Tune in to hear John's experience singing #Iris with #TaylorSwift and see if the iconic rockstar has what it takes to join the leaderboard.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/8DZAhn9frmU">https://youtu.be/8DZAhn9frmU</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7037255
2022-08-13T13:00:20-04:00
2022-08-13T13:09:13-04:00
The Morning Show - Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik chats new album
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls are out with a new album 'Chaos in Bloom'. Frontman John Rzeznik talks about the band's new music and how their classic tunes are finding a new audience with the TikTok generation.</p>
<p>Click here to watch - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://globalnews.ca/video/9056155/goo-goo-dolls-frontman-john-rzenik-chats-new-album">https://globalnews.ca/video/9056155/goo-goo-dolls-frontman-john-rzenik-chats-new-album</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7037195
2022-08-13T09:36:56-04:00
2022-08-13T13:09:13-04:00
Guitar World - Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik on taking the plunge on vintage guitars, longevity, and why he will never be a social media star
<p><strong>By Joe Matera</strong></p>
<p>The Buffalo, NY, rock stalwarts return with Chaos in Bloom, a record produced by Rzeznik, featuring some truly epicurean tones. Here, the guitarist tells us how it all came together </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is the Goo Goo Dolls 13th studio album and on the new album, the band continue building upon their musical legacy and unique guitar sound, by sounding more confident than ever before. </p>
<p>The stadium-ready choruses and spear-sharp songwriting are underscored by monstrous guitar tones courtesy of frontman and guitarist John Rzeznik. </p>
<p>Guitar World recently sat down with Rzeznik to discuss the new album, vintage guitars and the secret to the band's longevity. </p>
<p><strong>This is the first time you have produced one of the band’s albums. Was it an arduous task having to also wear a producer’s hat as well? </strong></p>
<p>“Doing the writing and producing the music wasn’t too hard as I was really comfortable doing that, but when it came time to sing, it became obvious that I was over my head and I needed to bring in my friend Gregg Wattenberg to produce the vocals at the end because I couldn’t be objective about it.” </p>
<p><strong>Has the song writing process changed much for you over the years?</strong> </p>
<p>“I think I’m more comfortable in sitting with the certainty of it where it’s like, ‘Don’t panic, everything is okay, and you’re just going to write a song’. I still panic a little though but it’s not as intense for me now to put a song together. It doesn’t feel like such an overwhelming task.” </p>
<p><strong>Now that you’re in your fourth decade in this business, do you know which songs are going to work for a record and an audience as soon as they are written? </strong></p>
<p>“At a certain point you get a feeling about each song where it’s, ‘yeah that’s a good album track or something’ and then you try and up the game on that one. We ended up having two albums’ worth of material on the writing sessions for this album, and I kind of picked through what I thought were the best of them all. You really pick the ones you like the best and just hope that other people will like them too.” </p>
<p><strong>I love the guitar tones on the album, what guitars did you use to achieve those sounds? </strong></p>
<p>“Over a couple years I finally went out and bought myself, and also put together a nice collection of really beautiful vintage guitars as I’ve never really owned any of that kind of stuff before. I looked at it as a kind of tone palette, like 180 degrees from thin to thickest. </p>
<p><strong>I love mini-humbuckers. They’re so focused </strong></p>
<p>“I got myself a Tele, a Strat, a Jazzmaster – which is what I used the most on the new record – a Jaguar, and an Epiphone Sheraton and a Les Paul Deluxe both with mini-humbuckers as I love mini-humbuckers. They’re so focused. Also in there is a Les Paul and an SG. All of those guitars covered the whole tonal palette. </p>
<p>“I also had some of the newer guitars too, like a Rock N’ Roll Relics which is an incredible guitar. The way those guitars play and look, the choice of pickups – mine has the FilterTrons on it – and the craftmanship that goes into them, is just amazing. You can especially hear that guitar on the single Yeah, I Like You.” </p>
<p>Bassist/vocalist Robby Takac and John Rzeznik have been doing this since founding Goo Goo Dolls in 1986. Back then, says Rzeznik, things were tough for artists, but at least you knew where you stood – the business model was clear.</p>
<p><strong>And what about acoustic guitars? </strong></p>
<p>“There was a Martin, a Gibson J-50 and a Taylor. The J-50 is such a great sounding guitar to record with. It’s a very well-behaved sounding guitar.” </p>
<p><strong>Turning to amps now, what were your go-to guitar amps? </strong></p>
<p>“An Ampeg Gemini, an old Fender Blackface Pro Reverb, and a Silverface one as well, a Victoria Tweed Champ and for the really big heavy guitar sounds, I used a Naylor Super-Drive 60 through an old 4 x 12” Orange cabinet which I think had Eminence speakers in it. </p>
<p>I put two original Klon pedals through two different amps, that were set two different ways a lot of the time and which made a stereo sound with the guitars that was kind of cool </p>
<p>“I put two original Klon pedals through two different amps, that were set two different ways a lot of the time and which made a stereo sound with the guitars that was kind of cool. </p>
<p>“To capture those sounds, a lot of old ribbon microphones were used, like Neumann U-67s on the guitar amps which sounded unbelievable. Also, a couple of AEA N22s which are beautiful ribbon mics that sound great on electric guitars and a Beyerdynamic M160.” </p>
<p><strong>You mentioned the Klon pedal, was that your main effect pedal? </strong></p>
<p>“No, I also had a Keeley Dark Side Workstation which is like having two pedals in one; one side is like time-based effects and the other side is like a fuzz, and a Sovtek Civil War Big Muff which is a Soviet era Big Muff. </p>
<p>“For the overdriven tones, I did a lot of experimenting with an RC Booster into a Klon and hitting the pedal harder and then messing around with the Klon and also an old Ross Compressor. Just using a lit bit of that just added this certain kind of tubbiness and sustain to the tone that was really cool.” </p>
<p><strong>Did you experiment much with any new tunings on this album? </strong></p>
<p>“Only out of necessity. On Yeah, I Like You, I cut the high E string off the guitar because it was just getting in the way and so I only used the five strings in standard tuning for that song. </p>
<p>“There were some other crazy things I tried too like dropping the E down to a D a couple of times. But on this record, I tried to do as much as possible in standard tuning or by taking a string down or by putting a capo on a standard tuned guitar.” </p>
<p>I didn’t even know if we were ever going to get out on the road again or be able to make another record... it was unsettling and I think the album reflects that </p>
<p><strong>The pandemic obviously gave you lots of time for reflection as it’s something that comes through clearly in the album’s lyrical material, which deals with everything from inequality to social media culture. </strong></p>
<p>“Yeah, these things kind of just came to me as I was home a lot more and there was so much uncertainty going on in the world. I didn’t even know if we were ever going to get out on the road again or be able to make another record. We truly had no idea as to what was going on, so it was unsettling and I think the album reflects that. </p>
<p>“For example, the song Going Crazy came out of an experience I had when we were recording in LA. I had found myself on Sunset Boulevard and literally had walked into the middle of an enormous protest march as it was all happening. I hung around and it really had a profound effect on my head and it affected me a little bit more than I originally thought. </p>
<p>“Then I started thinking about the reasons they were there, which was because of the inequality and inequity which has been reaching boiling point everywhere.” </p>
<p><strong>Having achieved longevity in this business you’ve weathered a lot of the changes the industry has experienced in that time. Is there an advice you can offer to those younger musicians coming through? </strong></p>
<p>“The industry has changed so much from when I started that the path to being successful has changed so much too. It was a pretty strict path back then when there was no internet. </p>
<p>You have to be on all these numerous social media platforms and be constantly in touch, and man, I don’t want that </p>
<p>“It wasn’t easy to get on that path and wasn’t easy to do, but it was pretty obvious; you would make the record, give it to the label, the label took it to radio, radio either played it or not and if radio did play it, you’d go out on tour and you’d sell records. And that was how it all worked, but now it is a very circuitous process where you have to be on all these numerous social media platforms and be constantly in touch, and man, I don’t want that. </p>
<p>“When I talk to young musicians, they talk to me about building their brand and I’m like, ‘Do you want to be a songwriter or do you want to, you know, sell make up?’ Or is this music thing a jumping off point for your acting?” </p>
<p><strong>Looking back over your entire Goo Goo Dolls catalog, is there anything you would if you could, go back and change now? </strong></p>
<p>“With our first album we only had three days to make it in Buffalo, New York in 1986 and on a $700 budget. And the engineer had just bought himself a rack mounted Rockman and so he was like, ‘you’ve got to use this!’ And it sounds so horrible and is the worst guitar tone ever. </p>
<p>“I wish I could go back and replay all those guitars on that record. But if I look back too hard, I’m just going to go crazy about it and then I may go and release a new version of an album, and that never really ever works. But to be honest, I just accept it as that album captures a time and a place and a mindset and an age that I was, at that point in time.” </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is out now via Warner Records.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.guitarworld.com/features/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-chaos-in-bloom">https://www.guitarworld.com/features/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-chaos-in-bloom</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7036771
2022-08-12T15:35:45-04:00
2022-08-13T13:04:44-04:00
State News: ‘You bleed just to know you're alive': Goo Goo Dolls reflect on 1st tour since 2019
<p><br><em>'You bleed just to know you're alive': Goo Goo Dolls reflect on 1st tour since 2019 </em></p>
<p><strong>by Rahmya Trewern </strong></p>
<p>“Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive” may sound like a 2013 Tumblr quote, but you probably heard it way earlier than that in the backseat of a rock lover's car. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls, most famously known for their 1998 chart-topping hit, “Iris,” hit the road for their first full tour since 2019. Bassist and vocalist Robby Takac said he is more excited than ever to be back on tour. </p>
<p>“I think that we came back with a renewed sense of appreciation for what we get to do every day,” Takac said. “I didn’t really expect it to happen because I always appreciated it, but I don’t think that I appreciated the totality of how it affected my life.” </p>
<p>Lead singer and guitarist John Rzeznik said he had similar sentiments. </p>
<p>“‘Chaos in Bloom’ reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together,” Rzeznik said in a press release. </p>
<p>The band recently announced their 13th studio project, “Chaos in Bloom.” The 10-song project was conceived during the pandemic and is set to drop Aug. 12. The Goo Goo Dolls said in a press release many of the tracks reflect on things in daily life that were amplified while everyone was isolated. </p>
<p>“We were doing random shows throughout the past year and the first six months of them were really weird,” Takac said. “There would be people in hazmat suits on the planes and stuff … and then you walk out on the stage and there would be 4000 unmasked people smashed into a room in front of you.” </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls took the stage in Sterling Heights, about a third of the way through their tour, and kicked off the show with their newest single, “I Like You.” The song looks at influencer culture and how social media has allowed for the upspring of internet celebrities. </p>
<p>“Our band has actually benefited so much from TikTok man, but not really with direct participation,” Takac said. “I just think we're in the bloodstream, you know?” </p>
<p>Takac said the Goo Goo Dolls have remained relevant thanks to “car seat hostages” growing up and appreciating their songs – but notes that his Bordeaux-colored hair is also helping to keep him young. </p>
<p>“That song you worked on – on your couch and at band practice – and all of a sudden, 25 years later, there’s a kid half your age singing it back to you,” Takac said. “That completion, it’s great for your soul.” </p>
<p>Although the band initially wanted to be punk rock, they eventually realized that punk just wasn’t their scene. The success of “Iris” – a soft rock song – solidified that realization. They’ve now been performing together for over 35 years and are still going strong. </p>
<p>“We use guitars – we use it in different ways over the years – but we're a guitar rock band and that flavor comes and goes for sure, but that's where we stand,” Takac said.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://statenews.com/article/2022/08/you-bleed-just-to-know-youre-alive-goo-goo-dolls-reflect-on-first-tour-since-2019?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured">https://statenews.com/article/2022/08/you-bleed-just-to-know-youre-alive-goo-goo-dolls-reflect-on-first-tour-since-2019?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7036638
2022-08-12T13:37:18-04:00
2022-08-13T13:01:41-04:00
SPIN: Goo Goo Dolls’ Chaos In Bloom
<p>by Gen Handley<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.spin.com/2022/08/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/">https://www.spin.com/2022/08/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
<p>“We had to create our own scene because there wasn’t one in Buffalo at the time that was that welcoming…” Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik tells me, of the early days, long before they became a household name. Goo Goo Dolls began as an unpretentious, late-80s punk band who had a hard time fitting in with the hair-metal music scene that was thriving in Buffalo at the time. Their scene was built through raw DIY work ethic: printing posters, calling college radio stations, renting spaces for shows – shows that attracted misfits and outsiders of similar ilk, all searching for a less-judgmental sanctuary. </p>
<p>“We played original music…alternative rock, punk rock, whatever you want to call it,” Rzeznik says, from a stop in Salt Lake City, where they will be playing that night. “There weren’t a lot of venues for that kind of music. People wanted to fill the clubs with cover bands and metal bands…you couldn’t get gigs in those places.” </p>
<p>Long outlasting the now-irrelevant scenes and haters who wouldn’t welcome them, the band’s music has since found its way far beyond the cold shores of Lake Erie with a number of huge-to-mega hits including “Slide,” “Name” and, of course, “Iris”. These are massive songs that would be heard by millions around the world. While those songs came out in the ‘90s, the band’s ever-deepening path continues with their 14th record, Chaos in Bloom, 10 songs that, as always, are relatable reflections of the current, complex times, further confirming Rzeznik as a poet of poignancy, an insatiable songwriter who is not finished making his artistic mark on the world.</p>
<p><b>SPIN: Where does the album title come from? </b><br>John Rzeznik: It’s about how the world is just going crazier than it normally is. The phrase is from a line in a song from a band called The Chameleons (“Tears” off of 1995’s Strange Times). I was sitting there listening to it and was like, Wow, that would be a good title for an album and it did kind of fit the whole feel of the songs and album. </p>
<p><b>How would you describe that feel? </b><br>It’s pretty angst-filled. (laughs) It just kind of turned out that way. Everything’s so uncertain right now. </p>
<p><b>Are these songs a reflection of you dealing with that uncertainty? </b><br>Yeah, the uncertainty and anxiety of what was going on in the pandemic…just felt like everything was coming completely unraveled. </p>
<p><b>It sounds like there’s some optimism on the record as well. </b><br>I’m always a little bit optimistic…although it’s been pretty hard recently. I’m trying. (laughs) </p>
<p><b>How did making the record at Dreamland Studiosimpact the songs? Was it pretty remote? </b><br>I wanted to get the whole band playing together and we stayed in this house on the property. [The studio] was just so far away from everything and tucked up in the woods and, yeah, remote. The vibe of the old church was really cool. There’s always something in the atmosphere…something that I like, anyway. </p>
<p><b>Did working in that isolation help you focus better? </b><br>If you make a record in Los Angeles, or New York City, or Nashville, or whatever, there are a lot of distractions…a lot of shiny objects that keep your mind off what you’re supposed to be doing. It was nice because there’s a lot of live recordings on this [record]. There was a push-pull situation going on there and that’s why we tried to record as much of it live as possible…to at least get the drums and the bass together because of the movement between the drummer and the bass player standing there looking at each other playing…it’s just a different feel and something I wanted to capture. </p>
<p><b>How has your songwriting evolved since A Boy Named Goo? </b><br>Well, I don’t project that naivety anymore. I’m about 30 years older since that album. It just changes as life changes and your priorities change. </p>
<p><b>Are you more comfortable as a songwriter now? </b><br>I don’t know if I’ve ever been comfortable. (laughs) It can make me anxious because I do want people to like my songs. Unfortunately, you do go into this space where you really just have to please yourself and make yourself happy and hopefully the rest of the world is with you–or at least a portion of the world is with you–and it’s magic. </p>
<p><b>And was it that mentality that helped you with your biggest hits like “Iris” and “Name”? </b><br>When those songs come to you, [you] grab ahold of them and run with it. I like it when a song gets to a point where I’m not shaping it and it’s just carrying me along…it starts to direct me where to go. But yeah, songs get a life of their own and you just hang on.</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035954
2022-08-11T16:16:28-04:00
2022-08-12T13:36:28-04:00
Headliner Magazine - GOO GOO DOLLS' JOHN RZEZNIK ON CHAOS IN BLOOM AND SURVIVING 40 YEARS IN MUSIC
<p><strong>By Daniel Gumble</strong></p>
<p>For the first time in the Goo Goo Dolls’ nearly 40-year career, co-founder, songwriter and guitarist John Rzeznik has taken the helm as producer on their new studio album Chaos In Bloom. Headliner caught up with him for a chat about the band’s ability to endure four decades in the business and how they continue to find ways of breaking new ground… </p>
<p>We find John Rzeznik in what looks like a hotel room somewhere in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Goo Goo Dolls co-founder, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and now producer, is back on the touring circuit with his cohorts, and Headliner has managed to pin him down for a Zoom chat between shows to talk about the band’s latest record Chaos In Bloom, which saw him take the producer’s chair for the very first time. </p>
<p>For nearly 40 years, the band has been consistently releasing music and touring the world, delighting fans with their own brand of radio-friendly rock and guitar-driven ballads. While such a lengthy stint in the business could set some bands spiralling and stumbling through the motions, Goo Goo Dolls continue to find new ways of keeping things fresh. Whether it’s finding new collaborators, trying out new methods in the studio or releasing a Christmas record for the first time – “we can do that, we’re not Nine Inch Nails,” he laughs - Rzeznik and fellow co-founder Robby Takac are, it seems, determined not to repeat themselves. </p>
<p>That’s not to say that Chaos In Bloom doesn’t bear all the hallmarks of a Goo Goo Dolls record. The big choruses, the slick production values and the memorable melodies are all there, but what Rzeznik has brought to proceedings is a sonic eclecticism that incorporates new dimensions within a Goo Goo Dolls framework. And despite this being his first time as the band’s producer, he is far from new to the production process. </p>
<p>“Robby and I have always been involved in the production of the albums, but we always hire a producer,” explains Rzeznik with a voice that wears the excesses of almost 40 years in music. He speaks slowly and gently, almost whispering at times, with responses that are thoughtful and considered. “This time we got a really good engineer and I decided I wanted to experiment a lot more sonically; have a lot more control over the content of the songs without a producer saying ‘I think you should change this’. </p>
<p>“There are all different kinds of producers, there are ones who are like songwriters, musician-type producers, and I like working with those because they add to the song. Then you have ones who are sonically interesting and are really good engineers with opinions, but I just felt like I had a clear idea of what I wanted things to sound like on this album. I have a collection of vintage recording equipment and some pretty eclectic stuff, and I just found myself in the studio a lot with other producers who didn’t have the time or inclination to experiment and play with things because they need to get onto their next project as quickly as possible.”</p>
<p>Having taken such an active role in the production process of previous Goo Goo Dolls albums, Rzeznik felt immediately at home on the other side of the glass. </p>
<p>“It felt like a natural extension of the songwriting process,” he says. “To sit there with your engineer and say, ‘did you ever hear this guitar sound on this album, do you think we can get that’? And then, ’do you think we can beat that’? It was a bit like that,” he laughs. “It was really fun, and my engineer and I would just sit there and play with pedals, guitars and mics for hours trying to get crazy, freaky sounds and see if we could fit them in somewhere.” </p>
<p>Alongside a more experimental edge, one of the key commodities Rzeznik sought to bring to the studio was a dynamism that he felt may have been lacking with certain producers. While a unifying sonic thread was vital, equally important was the ability to approach each song with an open mind. </p>
<p>“Each song has its own signature sound,” he explains. “There are certain sonic threads that go through it, but it’s more about each individual song: what does each song need? There is a song called Going Crazy and I wanted the guitars to be really jagged and sharp, a little bit piercing. Kind of like those first Gang Of Four albums. What’s nice about being the producer is you can change direction more, and I tried to do a lot of things live in the studio. To play together as a band creates better sounding records. It sounds like people playing together in a room because that’s what it is. It was fun and it really solidified us as a band. </p>
<p>“A lot of producers do things in an assembly line fashion now, like, ‘that’s the amp, that’s the guitar, that’s the microphone, this is how we do it, I send it out, the guy tunes the vocal and we get out by the end of the day’. How do you create something cool like that? You need more space and time. I like a producer who sees the potential in an idea and is willing to chase the potential. A lot of producers aren’t. They are like, ‘why aren’t these songs completely written’? It’s like, ‘what are you here for’? I like them to be patient and creative and more qualified than me. I want them to be honest, but I don’t want them to be a dick. I want them to be a better musician, songwriter, everything. Being a producer is kind of like being a teacher, and teaching is its own art. You are trying to teach the other musicians what you are hearing in your head.” </p>
<p>This determination to keep learning and adapting has no doubt played a big part in the band’s staying power, but perhaps most vital is the relationship between Rzeznik and Takac. Like any artists who have endured for multiple decades, their career has inevitably had its ups and downs, yet their companionship continues to anchor the pair and their cohorts. </p>
<p>“I don’t know how to do anything else,” Rzeznik half sighs, half laughs as we prepare to part ways. “This is all I know how to do. That’s motivation to keep doing it. And I still enjoy it a lot. And I still think there is something to be said. And I’m a horrible critic of myself, so I will be the first to let me know when it’s time to leave. I’ll feel it. </p>
<p>“Robby has had to pull me back in a few times because I’ve been frustrated. I was ready to quit. He’s more of an optimist than I am. I have this position I feel comfortable in, in that I’m the vigilant one. I’m the one who’s always looking at the holes, or ‘who is ripping us off’?, or ‘why are we doing it this way’? I’m very sceptical. Aside from my family it’s all I have in my life, so I feel very protective of it. Robby just has more faith in human beings than I do.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://headlinermagazine.net/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-chaos-in-bloom-and-surviving-40-years-in-music.html">https://headlinermagazine.net/goo-goo-dolls-john-rzeznik-on-chaos-in-bloom-and-surviving-40-years-in-music.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035900
2022-08-11T16:10:54-04:00
2022-08-11T16:10:54-04:00
Grammy.com - Inside Goo Goo Dolls' Biggest Hits: John Rzeznik Details How "Iris," "Slide" & More Came To Be
<p><em>As Goo Goo Dolls prepare for their 13th studio album, 'Chaos In Bloom,' frontman John Rzeznik shares the stories behind the band's most beloved songs.</em></p>
<p><strong>By Joshua M. Miller</strong></p>
<p>Since debuting 36 years ago, Goo Goo Dolls have built a steadfast legacy through adaptability and an unwillingness to compromise. That strategy led to many memorable moments as well as chart-topping hits such as "Iris," "Name" and "Better Days." </p>
<p>After humble beginnings as a cover band, the group transitioned to a punk-driven sound on their late '80s and early '90s albums. By the middle of the '90s, they shifted to a more adult-oriented, alternative rock sound, starting with their hit album A Boy Named Goo. </p>
<p>While that change may have alienated some early fans, it helped them gain even more fans with their new level of fame. Their journey hasn't always been smooth sailing, though, with member changes and legal issues surrounding royalties. </p>
<p>However, lead singer John Rzeznik and his fellow co-founder, bassist Robby Takac, have kept the band going strong thanks to their openness to grow their sound and keep true to their vision. In Rzeznik's eyes, Takac is the reason they're still around. "There was a lot of adversity personally and professionally, but I credit Robby with keeping this band together more than I have," the frontman tells GRAMMY.com. </p>
<p>Even so, Rzeznik has helped write the band's many hits, and found freedom in staying true to himself as a lyricist and writing relatable songs about vulnerable topics such as drug addiction. </p>
<p>That continues on the band's eleventh studio album, Chaos in Bloom (out August 12), where Rzeznik says he and the band try to "make sense of a very confusing world." And even nearly four decades in, they're still pushing creative boundaries, as it's the first Goo Goo Dolls album that Rzeznik has fully produced. </p>
<p>"I still feel like I have something to say. At this point in time, the most important thing is just being a little more fearless," Rzeznik says. "We've been doing this so long, it's sort of like, 'Hey man. We're allowed to drop some of our apprehensions and not worry about the outcome so much.' Which is a great thing. Kind of freeing." </p>
<p>Ahead of Goo Goo Dolls' latest release, Rzeznik reflected on the band's legacy with GRAMMY.com, sharing the backstories and favorite memories behind their biggest hits. </p>
<p><strong>"Name" — A Boy Named Goo, 1995</strong></p>
<p>It was the first song that got played on the radio. Kevin Weatherly started playing that song all the time on KROQ. That was back in the days when KROQ was the tastemaker for the rest of the country. </p>
<p>We were shooting a video for another song called "Flat Top," and someone from the record company came onto the set of the video we're shooting and were like, "they added 'Name' to KROQ and they're playing it all the time." And now we have to stop doing this video, and we have to make a video for that song. Which, I guess, goes to show you how much influence KROQ had on music at that point in time. </p>
<p>We stopped production on this one video and made the other video and then boom, that became our first hit. That song actually went to No. 1 [on two Billboard charts, Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock Airplay], which was pretty awesome.</p>
<p><strong>"Long Way Down" — A Boy Named Goo, 1995</strong></p>
<p>It was a very tough song, a banger. But that was one of the songs where I felt like Robby and I were really learning how to play our instruments and learning how to make records. We took a step up from our first few albums when we got into making that one. Going out and playing hundreds and hundreds of shows, every night, we just got better at our craft.</p>
<p><strong>"Iris" — Dizzy Up the Girl, 1998</strong></p>
<p>I was staying in a hotel in Los Angeles and my manager called me and said, "Hey, Danny Bramson, who's a music supervisor at Warner Brothers, wants you to come and take a look at this movie. Maybe you could write a song to put in the film." It was a movie called City of Angels. I saw it, and I was like, "Oh, I know exactly what I'm going to say." </p>
<p>It was pretty interesting, because that was the first time I had ever written a song for a film specifically. I had a guitar [that] had four strings on it because I broke two. I just wandered into this weird tuning, and I went back to my hotel room, and thought about it. </p>
<p>I was able to write the song from the perspective of the character in the film, which was really a lot of fun, and it was great. I played it for [Danny] on a four-string guitar, and then went in the studio with Rob Cavallo.Then it went boom. </p>
<p>I never expected that song to do so well. I just wanted to be on a soundtrack U2, Peter Gabriel and Alanis Morissette were on. I thought, "Wow, that'd be really cool. It would be something cool to show people 20 years from now."</p>
<p>ail </p>
<p>VIDEO </p>
<p>Inside Goo Goo Dolls' Biggest Hits: John Rzeznik Details How "Iris," "Slide" & More Came To Be </p>
<p>As Goo Goo Dolls prepare for their 13th studio album, 'Chaos In Bloom,' frontman John Rzeznik shares the stories behind the band's most beloved songs. </p>
<p>JOSHUA M. MILLER </p>
<p>|GRAMMYS/AUG 11, 2022 - 01:59 PM </p>
<p>Since debuting 36 years ago, Goo Goo Dolls have built a steadfast legacy through adaptability and an unwillingness to compromise. That strategy led to many memorable moments as well as chart-topping hits such as "Iris," "Name" and "Better Days." </p>
<p>After humble beginnings as a cover band, the group transitioned to a punk-driven sound on their late '80s and early '90s albums. By the middle of the '90s, they shifted to a more adult-oriented, alternative rock sound, starting with their hit album A Boy Named Goo. </p>
<p>While that change may have alienated some early fans, it helped them gain even more fans with their new level of fame. Their journey hasn't always been smooth sailing, though, with member changes and legal issues surrounding royalties. </p>
<p>However, lead singer John Rzeznik and his fellow co-founder, bassist Robby Takac, have kept the band going strong thanks to their openness to grow their sound and keep true to their vision. In Rzeznik's eyes, Takar is the reason they're still around. "There was a lot of adversity personally and professionally, but I credit Robby with keeping this band together more than I have," the frontman tells GRAMMY.com. </p>
<p>Even so, Rzeznik has helped write the band's many hits, and found freedom in staying true to himself as a lyricist and writing relatable songs about vulnerable topics such as drug addiction. </p>
<p>That continues on the band's eleventh studio album, Chaos in Bloom (out August 12), where Rzeznik says he and the band try to "make sense of a very confusing world." And even nearly four decades in, they're still pushing creative boundaries, as it's the first Goo Goo Dolls album that Rzeznik has fully produced. </p>
<p>"I still feel like I have something to say. At this point in time, the most important thing is just being a little more fearless," Rzeznik says. "We've been doing this so long, it's sort of like, 'Hey man. We're allowed to drop some of our apprehensions and not worry about the outcome so much.' Which is a great thing. Kind of freeing." </p>
<p>Ahead of Goo Goo Dolls' latest release, Rzeznik reflected on the band's legacy with GRAMMY.com, sharing the backstories and favorite memories behind their biggest hits. </p>
<p>"Name" — A Boy Named Goo, 1995 </p>
<p>It was the first song that got played on the radio. Kevin Weatherly started playing that song all the time on KROQ. That was back in the days when KROQ was the tastemaker for the rest of the country. </p>
<p>We were shooting a video for another song called "Flat Top," and someone from the record company came onto the set of the video we're shooting and were like, "they added 'Name' to KROQ and they're playing it all the time." And now we have to stop doing this video, and we have to make a video for that song. Which, I guess, goes to show you how much influence KROQ had on music at that point in time. </p>
<p>We stopped production on this one video and made the other video and then boom, that became our first hit. That song actually went to No. 1 [on two Billboard charts, Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock Airplay], which was pretty awesome. </p>
<p>"Long Way Down" — A Boy Named Goo, 1995 </p>
<p>It was a very tough song, a banger. But that was one of the songs where I felt like Robby and I were really learning how to play our instruments and learning how to make records. We took a step up from our first few albums when we got into making that one. Going out and playing hundreds and hundreds of shows, every night, we just got better at our craft. </p>
<p>"Iris" — Dizzy Up the Girl, 1998 </p>
<p>I was staying in a hotel in Los Angeles and my manager called me and said, "Hey, Danny Bramson, who's a music supervisor at Warner Brothers, wants you to come and take a look at this movie. Maybe you could write a song to put in the film." It was a movie called City of Angels. I saw it, and I was like, "Oh, I know exactly what I'm going to say." </p>
<p>It was pretty interesting, because that was the first time I had ever written a song for a film specifically. I had a guitar [that] had four strings on it because I broke two. I just wandered into this weird tuning, and I went back to my hotel room, and thought about it. </p>
<p>I was able to write the song from the perspective of the character in the film, which was really a lot of fun, and it was great. I played it for [Danny] on a four-string guitar, and then went in the studio with Rob Cavallo.Then it went boom. </p>
<p>I never expected that song to do so well. I just wanted to be on a soundtrack U2, Peter Gabriel and Alanis Morissette were on. I thought, "Wow, that'd be really cool. It would be something cool to show people 20 years from now." </p>
<p><strong>"Slide" — Dizzy Up the Girl, 1998</strong></p>
<p>We were doing the video for the song "Slide," and I was supposed to be in this shop with this girl. I'm kind of whispering in her ear, talking to her, and then they cut the shot and the girl slapped me across the face. I don't know why. I didn't say anything offensive, but she just gave me a smack. I was like, "Okay, I guess I was over-acting for something." </p>
<p>I just remember that. And it was kind of fun. It was an interesting kind of song. Subject matter is very serious lyrically, but the music is so light, lighthearted in a weird way, that it kind of fools you. I like songs that do that.</p>
<p><strong>"Broadway" — Dizzy Up the Girl, 1998</strong></p>
<p>It was a song that I had written and put it in a drawer and just left it there for a couple of years. I [later] revisited it, and reworked it, and it was the right time for that song to come out. </p>
<p>I wrote that song about the neighborhood I grew up in, which was a pretty hard neighborhood. Full of tough guys on the east side of Buffalo, [New York]. Once I was able to get away from that pretty oppressive environment, I felt like I had enough distance, and then I could speak my mind about it and sort of purge it out of me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>"Black Balloon" — Dizzy Up the Girl, 1998</strong></p>
<p>It's a song about someone who's struggling with drug addiction, and what it's like to care about someone and love someone who has an addiction problem. I'm sure it's been used for stuff, but I thought the song kind of hit a pretty hard emotional chord. </p>
<p><strong>"Sympathy" — Gutterflower, 2003</strong></p>
<p>Once again, that song directly addresses addiction problems. That problem of trying to get sober and stay sober. Kind of interesting that you line all these songs up and put them in a row like this. I've touched on that subject a few times. I thought that that song just sort of encapsulated a dialogue I was having with myself in my head. </p>
<p><strong>"Better Days" — Let Love In, 2006</strong></p>
<p>It was originally supposed to be a song for a Christmas compilation that we were asked to contribute a song to. I wrote that and then took it into the studio. Glen Ballard [Michael Jackson, Alanis Morrissette] was the producer and co-writer on that. He turned it into something that became so much more than a Christmas song. CNN used the song as the music bed for their campaign to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief, which I thought was really amazing and brilliant. </p>
<p><strong>"Give A Little Bit" — Let Love In, 2006</strong></p>
<p>It's a funny song, because we basically just took the parts that everybody knew and put them together. If you listen to our version and the original version [by Supertramp] back-to-back, they're so different. We just thought, "Well, let's take the parts that everyone knows and put them together in a song." We did this very condensed-down, concentrated version. </p>
<p>I thought that was kind of funny because I was like, "You're listening to the song and you're like, 'Wow, well, this song is seven minutes long. We've got to cut some stuff out of it." That's what we wound up with. And it worked, which was a surprise. </p>
<p>I think we got a note, or someone got a phone call from [Supertramp co-frontman] Roger Hodgson, and it was good. It was nice to be acknowledged by him for that.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.grammy.com/news/goo-goo-dolls-songs-stories-iris-slide-name-chaos-in-bloom-new-album-2022-john-rzeznik-interview">https://www.grammy.com/news/goo-goo-dolls-songs-stories-iris-slide-name-chaos-in-bloom-new-album-2022-john-rzeznik-interview</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035874
2022-08-11T15:52:01-04:00
2022-08-11T15:52:01-04:00
The Alternative - Album Review: Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Chaos in Bloom’
<p><strong>By Kyle Musser</strong></p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls have remained on top since skyrocketing to fame in the ‘90s–no seriously, “Iris” held the record for most weeks on the radio up until The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” in 2020, and there’s a reason for it. Each album they release encapsulates you in an atmosphere that carries you through each song and Chaos in Bloom is no different. After nearly 40 years, it’s tempting to cash in on nostalgia and not challenge your fanbase to grow with you but The Goo Goo Dolls refuse to remain stuck in place. With a brief anniversary tour to celebrate Dizzy Up the Girl’s 20th birthday, they immediately moved on the next year to bring us 2019’s Miracle Pill. While still featuring the band’s core elements, they embraced the pop sounds that were dominating the radio at the time which garnered a successful payoff. With plans set to tour the album in 2020, they were soon canceled as the world entered lockdown. </p>
<p>When The Goo Goo Dolls were forced into lockdown along with the entirety of the world, it was the longest they had gone without touring ever. For a band that has been traveling the globe for forty years, that delivers a whirlwind of emotions but The Goo Goo Dolls took advantage of the time and said “What’s next?” There is a fine line to walk between “we made an album during the pandemic” and “we made a pandemic album,” and the latter is becoming grating. To hear Chaos in Bloom be an album made during pandemic and not a creation spawning from the darkest period in modern life was a breath of fresh air. The opening track “Yeah, I Like You” showed up on my release radar while I made my weekend trip to get Starbucks (because hey if I can never own a house, I’m going to enjoy that coffee) and instantaneously sparked a feeling in me I haven’t experienced with any other release this year. With a jab at egos and the celebrity culture of the modern age (re: TikTok), it lures the listener in with Johnny’s signature upbeat acoustic guitar. Not long after, the snare kicks in like a gunshot with the rest of the band coming in at full speed. With a chorus so full of life, the opening track sets out to encapsulate the joy of driving with the windows down during summer and the volume up as loud as possible.</p>
<p>Moving into track two, my personal favorite, we hear the roaring intro to “War” that feels like a callback to the massive opener on Let Love In, “Stay With You.” We find ourselves glimpsing into Johnny’s life throughout the chorus as he chants, “It’s war, all up in flames / I can’t live without you,” striking a chord with those who have found themselves caught in the tumultuous spiral of chasing someone you love. Immediately replaying the track, I put on headphones and let myself be engulfed in the synth that makes itself known in the bridge. While my preferred listening method is vinyl at loud volumes through a sound system, I kept the headphones on as I went through the rest of this album. In doing so, the layers of this record come out and shine. In “Save Me From Myself” and the second half of “Let the Sun,” you hear massive soundscapes that make each song feel whole and is the trick to the encapsulating atmosphere prevalent in the Goo Goo Dolls music we mentioned earlier. These fine details are what separates the Goo Goo Dolls from the rest after four decades.</p>
<p>Despite Johnny taking over lead vocals early on in the band’s life, each record features one or two tracks where Robby assumes his previous role. Reaching the halfway point of the record, Rzeznik steps aside and lets Robby takeover vocal duty for “Loving Life.” Each track following continues to let the listener slip into the world they’re creating on this album before switching gears on the penultimate track “You Are the Answer.” Instead of layering soundscapes in the background, we are guided through this track with graceful piano playing and finger snaps. While this changes the tempo of the albums projection so far, it doesn’t fail to captivate before the final send off of “Superstar.” As the album came to a close, I found myself ready to hit play again for another top down listen. My willingness to do this is also rooted in the fact that this album is only ten songs long. In a world where our attention spans are drastically dwindling, I have great distaste for the trend of albums being 15+ tracks long. Chaos in Bloom gives us the best of the best in its tight ten song tracklist with no lulls or skips. Fans are going to find themselves revisiting this record frequently, and I can say it challenges my personal top three (Gutterflower, Let Love In, and Dizzy Up the Girl) for its rightful spot at the top. </p>
<p>Disappointing / Average / Good / <strong><em>Great</em> </strong>/ Phenomenal </p>
<p>Chaos in Bloom is out Friday on Warner.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.getalternative.com/album-review-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/">https://www.getalternative.com/album-review-goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035203
2022-08-10T19:49:08-04:00
2022-08-10T19:49:08-04:00
Robby's Lobby - August InRock
<p>Hey hey In Rockers and welcome to the lobby for this months action packed edition composed in the air on the way to another GGDS show in Mexico ! It’s been a super busy month with our new album “Chaos in Bloom” due out worldwide in August with the first single “Yeah I Like You” being released in July on Warner Records! It’s our 14th studio release since our first full length album released in 1987 on the now defunct indie label Celluloid Records. </p>
<p>We began with the month with a private show in the Cayman Islands and then we were whisked off to a photo shoot in New York City with photographer/director Claire Vogel who produced the “Home” music video for us a few years back. A whole bunch of setups and a ton of great pictures were the result and you’ll be seeing them over the coming months as the promotion for the new album begins. We also did our first television taping of the new album cycle in Manhattan on a morning talk show we’ve done many times over the years called Kelly and Ryan, we performed the new single and played some silly games with the hosts and guests for a show to be aired on July 4th holiday here in the US. </p>
<p>After a short extended stay in NYC we took a quick flight back home to Buffalo for a Music is Art Festival fundraiser (my arts / educational not for profit organization in Buffalo, NY), a late night seeing the new Lightyear film at the drive in movies with my daughter, and finally we celebrated Fathers Day with my family. My father is in his mid 80s and going strong, I admire him so much, he’s a great man. And …. as usual……. before I could even unpack from the last trip I was on another airplane headed to LA! </p>
<p>After landing in LA we began preparing for a new promotional music video for the first single from the album. It’s a song john wrote about the current state of celebrity and social media. The video was shot by filmmaker Keenan Oreilly done in a “metaverse” style with a cool plot twist at the end, I’ll let u guys check it out so I don't ruin the surprise, but let’s just say it’s pretty chaotic and it’s a lot of fun! While in LA John and I also did some original artwork modifications that were made into silk screen prints to be included in our VIP packages for the tour this summer. </p>
<p>As we continue to prepare for the upcoming tour we continue to do a few public shows, one in Maryland and one in San Diego at The San Diego County Fair, the fairs are always so much fun to do, a large cross section of ages and people make it out to these events. I feel like it’s a good generational expansion for the band as parents tend to try to turn their kids on to the music they cherish in a little more of a family friendly forum, helping out the cause by bringing up the next generation of GGDS fans, pretty cool. </p>
<p>We’re in Mexico today for another private event and then we will make our way back to LA for more rehearsals and further preparation and rehearsals for our 2022 trip. I look forward to seeing you all next month here in the pages of The Mighty In Rock. As I continue to travel this summer my wife Miyoko and my daughter Hana are in Japan for a couple of months, if you happen to run into them please say hi for me! </p>
<p>Have a great month and See you soon! </p>
<p>Peace </p>
<p>Robby <br>robi-zu</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html">http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035146
2022-08-10T17:51:54-04:00
2022-08-10T17:51:54-04:00
Distorted Sound - ALBUM REVIEW: Chaos In Bloom – Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Katie Bird</strong></p>
<p>The GOO GOO DOLLS are best known for their hit 1998 song, Iris. Formed in 1986 by vocalist/guitarist John Rzeznik, bassist and vocalist Robby Takac (who are now the only two members remaining), and former drummer George Tutuska, the band have released twelve albums between 1987 and 2020. Their thirteenth album, Chaos In Bloom, follows on from their 2020 Christmas album, It’s Christmas all Over Again. </p>
<p>Chaos In Bloom was produced entirely by Rzeznik, and it is a much more experimental album. It comprises of ten songs. Yeah, I Like You is the first song. It’s an upbeat indie rock song that sounds a bit like something from THE KILLERS. However, this is not a bad thing because it is something different. Unfortunately, the next song, War, sounds like an exact rehash of Yeah, I Like You. This is a shame because the two songs sound identical, and therefore it is hard to differentiate them. Thankfully, this mistake does not effect the rest of the album. This is thanks to the production. This album is the first one to be produced by Rzeznik; however, it is so well-produced that it’s an exceptional piece of work. It’s clear he knows what he is doing as the album’s pacing is not too slow and not too fast. </p>
<p>As well as being more experimental, this album also returns to their roots. As they have been a band for so long, it’s obvious that the GOO GOO DOLLS would want to change their sound over the years. However, there is something refreshing about going back to an older sound with an older pair of eyes. Furthermore, the GOO GOO DOLLS show that being together for almost four decades have done wonders. This is best shown in Loving Life, which sounds like it could be on the soundtrack for an 80s coming-of-age movie.</p>
<p>However, what is the most impressive thing about this album is that each song sounds a little different. Of course, if you listen to the songs on their own, it wouldn’t make a difference. On the other hand, if you listen to them in order, then they do sound different. For example, Day After Day is a pop-rock song, whereas Past Mistakes is an indie-rock song. Whilst it might not be as experimental as some other bands, it is nice to see that the GOO GOO DOLLS are open to exploring the many different sub-genres of rock music. </p>
<p>In conclusion, the GOO GOO DOLLS have shown that they’ve still got the talent to go back to their roots and not have it sound like a cash grab. Chaos In Bloom is a joyful album that shows off the band’s talent and Rzeznik‘s production skills. Despite the first two songs sounding the same, this issue is quickly corrected with the rest of the album. Each song’s difference is subtle, but it’s fun to hear the progression. The album is well paced, well produced, and it is a coherent piece of work. It’s nice to see the GOO GOO DOLLS go back to their roots. This album is a fantastic addition to their wide back catalogue, and is one that will please old and new fans alike. </p>
<p><strong>Rating: 8/10</strong></p>
<p><strong><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-chaos-in-bloom-goo-goo-dolls/">https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-chaos-in-bloom-goo-goo-dolls/</a></strong></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7035139
2022-08-10T17:37:21-04:00
2022-08-10T17:37:21-04:00
Kyle Meredith with... Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls)
<p>Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik on TikTok Culture & Rediscovering Their 90’s Angst Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk Chaos In Bloom, an album that finds the legendary pop-rockers going back to their 90s sound and at times connecting with an edgy and angsty sound that had long been in their past. The frontman talks about the effect of the pandemic on his songwriting while considering society’s future, as well as TikTok culture and the musicians that are birthed from it.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/0pZMZYZFJWw">https://youtu.be/0pZMZYZFJWw</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7034493
2022-08-10T00:46:10-04:00
2022-08-10T11:27:26-04:00
Aesthetic Magazine - Photos: Goo Goo Dolls @ Budweiser Stage Toronto
<p><strong>Photos by Mathew Tsang</strong></p>
<p>Click the link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://aestheticmagazinetoronto.com/2022/08/09/photos-goo-goo-dolls-budweiser-stage-toronto/">https://aestheticmagazinetoronto.com/2022/08/09/photos-goo-goo-dolls-budweiser-stage-toronto/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7034491
2022-08-10T00:43:16-04:00
2022-08-10T00:43:16-04:00
Prelude Press - Goo Goo Dolls @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 7/27/22
<p><strong>By Madi Heath</strong></p>
<p>Click the link for photo gallery - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://preludepress.com/photo-galleries/2022/08/09/goo-goo-dolls-red-rocks-2022/">https://preludepress.com/photo-galleries/2022/08/09/goo-goo-dolls-red-rocks-2022/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7034490
2022-08-10T00:38:08-04:00
2022-08-10T00:38:08-04:00
Fox 59 - Indy Now chats with the Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>By Abby Peavey</strong></p>
<p>INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Now Hosts Jillian Deam and Ryan Ahlwardt got to chat with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls ahead of the band’s Indy performance. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls plays the TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park tonight. </p>
<p>Takac, vocalist, bassist and songwriter, described heading into the woods with the band in the middle of the pandemic to work on their new album, which drops Friday, Aug. 12. </p>
<p>This is the band’s 13th studio album.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://fox59.com/indy-now/indy-now-chats-with-the-goo-goo-dolls/">https://fox59.com/indy-now/indy-now-chats-with-the-goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7034489
2022-08-10T00:31:44-04:00
2022-08-10T00:34:40-04:00
That Eric Alper - Photo Gallery: Goo Goo Dolls with Blue October at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage
<p>Check out this great photo set from the Toronto Goo Goo Dolls Show - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thatericalper.com/2022/08/09/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-with-blue-october-at-torontos-budweiser-stage/">https://www.thatericalper.com/2022/08/09/photo-gallery-goo-goo-dolls-with-blue-october-at-torontos-budweiser-stage/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7034345
2022-08-09T20:00:31-04:00
2022-08-10T00:27:29-04:00
The Big Takeover - Interview: John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls
<p><strong>by Katherine Yeske Taylor</strong></p>
<p>For their thirteenth studio album, Chaos in Bloom, beloved alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls are examining the unsettled (and unsettling) status of the world these days. It’s a more thoughtful and forthright approach than many bands tend to employ, which may explain why the duo – vocalist/guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist Robby Takac – have had so many hits across their four-decade career together: “Name,” “Iris,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Better Days,” and many more. During a recent phone call, Rzeznik was just as candid as he talked about the new album, the band’s summer/fall tour (full dates listed below), the current (and future) state of the world, and what drew him to playing music in the first place. </p>
<p><strong>What can people expect when they come to one of your shows this month and next? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I’m a huge proponent of being an entertainer. I feel like you’ve got to play all your hits, definitely. I get really annoyed at musicians who are like, ‘No, I just can’t play that song again.’ I’m always like, “You ungrateful bastard. That song bought you a house in the Hollywood Hills. What’s your problem?” But anyway – the summer tours are really big, so you get more casual type fans coming out to that, because everybody likes to go out in the summer to hear the hits. And you’ve got to play them for them. But you’ve got to throw a few deeper cuts or oddballs in there for your more hardcore fans. </p>
<p><strong>And also songs from this new album? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: Yeah, it’s always a terrifying thing to play the new songs. Just because I’m always worried that the audience is going to be standing there looking at me with their mouths hanging open, going, “What?” </p>
<p><strong>How are you feeling as you’re coming up on a release date for another album? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I’m happy that I did it. I’m proud of it. I worked really hard, and I think it was a pretty honest reflection of where my head is at, at this point in my life. Just trying to be an observer, that’s all. </p>
<p><strong>Why “Chaos In Bloom” as the album title? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I was listening to some old Chameleons records, and that’s a line in a song. [“Tears,” in 1986.] I just thought, “Oh, chaos in bloom – that’s kind of the times we live in.” </p>
<p><strong>You produced this album yourself – the first time you’ve done that. How did you know you were ready to do that?</strong> </p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I have to preface that with, I had a lot of help. I wanted time and space to really explore my ideas and also, I’m a huge collector of vintage recording equipment – microphones, amps, guitars, pedals. This ridiculous collection of stuff. And I wanted the opportunity to try and grab some more unique sounds, because most of the time when you’re working with producers, because the way of the modern world of music works, you have to be in and out [of the studio] so fast. So I had the budget and the time, and I was just like, “Yeah, I’m going to dig into the sonics and use the studio like an instrument.” I find with producers that most of them don’t have the time or the inclination to really explore. They have a process that they follow, because there’s not a lot of money left in recording budgets. I think that limits a lot of the creativity that goes on. So if I’m not paying a producer and I have a decent budget from my patrons at Warner Brothers, I got a chance to make something that I felt had some more teeth and some more weight to it. </p>
<p><strong>But with self-producing, it can be hard to know when to stop tinkering with things. </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: Well, that became the problem. It did. And that’s when I was like, “Okay, I’m in over my head.” I love collaborating with my friend Gregg Wattenberg, so when it was time to do the vocals, I was like, “I can’t produce my own vocals, because I would still be there singing.” So he came in right at the end and pushed it across the finish line with me. I think the results are really good. At that point in time, I was ready for someone else to give their opinion and work with me. </p>
<p><strong>Did you have any particular themes or ideas you were hoping to get across this time? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I’m not into making political statements anymore. It’s too dangerous. But it’s been a really insane few years. Living through the pandemic, and the division in our country over everything, is exhausting. And I worry. I worry that maybe we’re falling apart. I think that the album is a reflection of that anxiety. At least, I hope it is. Things sort of unfold in front of me. Like when I’m working in the studio or writing, things kind of unpack themselves in front of me, and then the song starts to lead me. I start leading the song, and then at some point in the process, it shifts, and the song is leading me. </p>
<p><strong>Your lyrics are evocative – how did you learn to write like that? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: I don’t know. I barely made it through high school! Took a couple of college English classes. I just read a ton of books and listened to a lot of music. I like poetry. But I don’t like the poetry that everybody says you’re supposed to like. That’s a great question; I just don’t know how to answer it.</p>
<p><strong>What about musically? When you started this band, did you have a particular sound in mind?</strong> </p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: Everything evolves constantly. It has to. I taught myself how to play, so it was what it was. I couldn’t play music like other people played, because I had no education for music. I had no money to get a music education. I had to go to vocational school to learn a trade, because I was brought up in a very blue collar place. And I still have a lot of those values, which I think is how this band has stayed together, because Robby [Takac] and I share those same kind of working-class values. “Working class” is becoming start of an antiquated term these days, but I like to work. And I think people underestimate the power of hard work, and the meaning and the purpose that it gives your life. And also having a sense of community. I’m really starting to feel this need for community and a tribe in my own life. And I think people in general are starting to realize, “Wait a minute, hold on, these five thousand people on Facebook aren’t my friends! They didn’t show up on my birthday, and they’re not there when it’s moving day!” You know what I mean? You need real people in your life. It’s getting harder and harder to be a human. I know this sounds wonky and weird, but I was reading these essays and speeches by Henry Kissinger, and he was talking about artificial intelligence and the deeper implications of it. These masters of the universe that are going to make everything robotic, I hate to tell them, but there’s going to be eight billion people on this planet, and I think people may revolt against the robots. And I see this bifurcation happening where it’s like the established order is really being challenged – and the established order is going to fight back as hard as they can because they do not want to relinquish power. And what I fear is seeing the dissolution of our union and the rise of totalitarianism, where the few control the many. That’s why I think the next few months are going to be really, really crucial. Because they have to get rid of the filibuster. There has to be some way of leveling the playing field, because the whole thing is unfair. And they have to get rid of the Electoral College. And now here I am: I said I don’t want to talk about politics, but now I’m talking about politics! But it’s life. You know what amazes me, is how many people I feel alienated from. That I was good friends with, and we’re not as close as we used to be because of politics. And it’s like, really? It’s a ridiculous game. Keeping people divided along racial, ethnic, religious lines. That’s just a trick of rich people. They’ve been doing that since the 1500s. I opened up my big, stupid mouth at a show. It was after the election and I was just like, “You know, statistically, half this room voted for Trump, half the room voted for Hillary.” And I got booed twice! [laughs] So I said, “At least the one thing we can agree on is music.” Then I got cheers. But that’s the thing: music, and live music especially, you get all these people in the room together, and they’re sharing a common experience, and it’s a visceral one. And that is something that artificial intelligence and the metaverse is never going to be able to recreate. Never. At the deepest core, and the deepest, most primal part of our brains, we understand that we need to belong. And all this artificial belonging is wearing off, and it’s causing a lot of chaos. </p>
<p><strong>Your music seems to inspire real devotion in your fans. What is it about your work that makes fans seem to get so attached to it? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: Yeah, I’m grateful for that. I always felt like music could be like medicine, in a way, because it always was for me. I’ve always had this, I call it “genetic loneliness.” I always felt like I was standing on the outside of everything looking in, and really wanting to belong and never feeling like I did. So it’s kind of like looking for my place, so I had to kind of create this place where I belong. I wasn’t good at sports, and I grew up in a house where I was the only boy, and it’s like, well, who the hell is going to relate to you there? So there was that sort of disconnect from them. I was never, ever, going to be one hundred percent part of the tribe just based on my gender. My sisters are so much closer to each other than I will ever be to them. And I love them, so much. And we’re close. And we all love each other. But they have a bond that I will never have with them. That’s why I started playing music, so I could find other guys to hang out with and be part of something. I think that’s why I’ve held on this long with this band, because this is where I belong. At least for now, this is where I belong. </p>
<p><strong>Upcoming Goo Goo Dolls tour dates: </strong></p>
<p>August 10, 2022 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica <br>August 12, 2022 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater <br>August 13, 2022 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Pavilion <br>August 14, 2022 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion <br>August 16, 2022 – Boston, MA – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion <br>August 19, 2022 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center <br>August 20, 2022 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater <br>August 21, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts <br>August 23, 2022 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheatre <br>August 24, 2022 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place <br>August 26, 2022 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre <br>August 27, 2022 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater <br>August 28, 2022 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park <br>August 30, 2022 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre <br>August 31, 2022 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory <br>September 2, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre <br>September 3, 2022 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl <br>September 4, 2022 – Palo Alto, CA – Frost Amphitheater <br>September 12, 2022 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater <br>September 13, 2022 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre <br>September 17, 2022 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre <br>September 18, 2022 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion <br>September 20, 2022 – Doswell, VA – After Hours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park <br>September 21, 2022 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater <br>September 22, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE <br>September 24, 2022 – Buffalo, NY – Keybank Center </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bigtakeover.com/interviews/InterviewJohnRzeznikofGooGooDolls">https://bigtakeover.com/interviews/InterviewJohnRzeznikofGooGooDolls</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7033167
2022-08-08T12:58:32-04:00
2022-08-10T00:22:57-04:00
Cleverock.com - Goo Goo Dolls Interview (Bassist Robby Takac)
<p><strong>by Joel Voorman</strong></p>
<p>Buffalo, New York natives, Goo Goo Dolls will make their return to Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on Wednesday, July 10, after the date has been postponed twice due to the COVID shutdown. One of the most commercially successful bands of the late 90s early 00s, selling more than 15 million records and charting a record-breaking 19 top ten singles (including “Name,” “Iris,” Black Balloon,” “Broadway,” “Here is Gone,” + 14 others). </p>
<p>The duo of frontman John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac (who are joined by hired hands both on tour and in the studio) are still going strong and will drop their 14th studio album, ‘Chaos in Bloom’ just two days after their Cleveland show with a release date of Friday, August 12. The album has been preceded by the single, “Yeah, I Like You.” </p>
<p>Ahead of their Cleveland show next week, one of CleveRock’s favorite and most frequent interviewees, Takac phoned in to chat about the upcoming tour and forthcoming album. </p>
<p>Robby, like all musicians, is incredibly excited to be getting back to doing what he loves. </p>
<p><strong>“We’ve been touring for decades. Stopping really made it really noticeable to us how much it has become part of our lives. The rhythm of our lives became greatly interrupted,” Takac assessed. “Time goes by so fast right now because it’s been so long and the set goes by in a flash. It’s amazing to feel that completion of the cycle again and have that energy in your life. It’s an amazing thing. I’m unbelievably excited to be back out again.”</strong> </p>
<p>Everybody remembers “firsts.” First cars, first kisses, first beers, first days of school….How about a second first? it sounds like an oxymoron, but returning to stage after a mandatory hiatus is a BIG deal; ALMOST a ‘first’ type of experience. Robby was asked to weigh in: </p>
<p><strong>“We started doing shows about a year ago when Florida opened up first. We would go down there and the travel was weird. Nobody was in the hotels. People were wearing hazmat suits on airplanes,” he remembers. “You’d walk out and backstage would be like a lockdown. Nobody would be allowed backstage. You’d walk out onstage and then there are 4,000 people smashed into a room. That time was so weird. We were doing maybe four or five shows a month or less. Now, there’s a feeling of easiness and shows feel right again. For a little while though, it was weird. The whole thing was weird. People were very happy to be out at shows but there was still trepidation. Now, people know how to live with this. We’re going to move on with our lives. It’s pretty amazing.” </strong></p>
<p>‘Chaos is Bloom,’ the title of the new album, must be indicative of the times we have lived in since early 2020. Is there a not-so-hidden meaning in the title? </p>
<p><strong>“Sure. As are most of our records, hidden in there somewhere,” Takac said with a laugh. “We do come from an era of folks we were inspired by a whole lot, who wear their hearts on their sleeves, so that tends to be the way we are.”</strong> </p>
<p>The album credits Rzeznik as the producer, the first time he has been attributed to such role by his lonesome. Robby was asked about what it was like not having an outside voice in the studio in the producer role. </p>
<p><strong>“John and I, together, have co-produced records with many people. We are not new to that game. We tend to burn people out. It’s rare that a producer makes it to the end of the record,” he said, once again, laughing. “It’s true. It’s true. For the past 20 years, it’s been like that. It was to the point that we stopped trying to work with just one producer. Our last studio album had four producers on it.” </strong></p>
<p>Due to COVID, most major studios were still on lockdown when Rzeznik and Takac were ready to get to work. It was off to the wilderness for the guys! </p>
<p><strong>“With this record, we went out in the middle of the pandemic, the vaccine hadn’t even come out yet, so we had to find a remote place that would let us be there,” Takac said. “Most places were closed still at this point. We found a place in the middle of the woods in Woodstock, New York. We went out there with a band and an engineer. It was just us, the deer, the deer ticks, railroad track wandering hobos, and the lady at the corner diner. We were really sequestered. That hadn’t happened since we were kids. We were in a room and making a bunch of songs with nobody else around us. That was purity in the process. It was sort of a byproduct of all of the chaos that was going on at the time.“ </strong></p>
<p>Let’s get real for a second, shall we? Goo Goo Dolls don’t have to make an album to fill venues. They could hang their hats on their tunes from 1998 – 2005 and bring out large crowds year after year. Sure, the crowds would dwindle little by little each year, but the turnout would still be there. John and Robby could still make a healthy living. So, what motivates the guys to keep writing and making new records? </p>
<p><strong>“We’ve never stopped. The longest we’ve ever stopped is when the world literally shut down. We still managed to put out two records during that time. We weren’t out doing shows, but we don’t stop. We really try to just keep moving forward,” Takac began. “We look at it in a different way. It’s not, ‘How do you do that?’ It’s just how we do it. As far as resting on nostalgia, that’s what happens when you go away for a little while and you’ve lost faith in a situation; lost faith in what you can do in the studio; and lost faith in what you can do onstage. Then, you pack it up and go back to doing what you’d done in the past.” </strong></p>
<p>That’s not to say that nostalgia isn’t still part of the band’s bread and butter… </p>
<p><strong>“That aspect is still part of our career. It’s just we’re moving forward, too. We’re gaining benefits from that. It’s no coincidence that 12-year-olds on TikTok know our songs, and it’s not because we are on TikTok singing our songs, it just enters the bloodstream,” Takac continued. “It’s important for fans for us to keep moving and do something different each time they go out. When you deliver the goods as good as you ever have, you can keep moving forward that way.” </strong></p>
<p>It may seem a little far-fetched. Or does it? A successful 35+ year run, 19 top ten singles, 15 million albums sold, four Grammy nominations…There are bands with lesser credentials (and, frankly, not as enjoyable) as Goo Goo Dolls inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yes, John and Robby will be at Jacobs Pavilion on August 10. Could they return at some point in the future to be inducted into Rock’s greatest institution? </p>
<p><strong>“I don’t know, man. Competitions freak me out. I think when you’re forced to compete you make poor decisions when it comes to making music,” Takac said. “It’s always in peoples’ minds. At this point, if that’s something that comes along, I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, Great!’ But it’s not something we’re actively hoping for.” </strong></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls will perform at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on Wednesday, August 10 with very special guest Blue October. Complete show and ticket information can be found on our calendar: RIGHT HERE! <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://cleverock.com/events/goo-goo-dolls/">https://cleverock.com/events/goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://cleverock.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview-bassist-robby-takac/">https://cleverock.com/goo-goo-dolls-interview-bassist-robby-takac/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7033166
2022-08-08T12:53:20-04:00
2022-08-10T00:27:29-04:00
The Oakland Press - Goo Goo Dolls slide back into action at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
<p><strong>By Gary Graff</strong></p>
<p>John Rzeznik was of a couple differing minds on Sunday night, Aug. 7, at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. </p>
<p>Noting that his band “haven’t got a chance to get here in awhile,” the Goo Goo Dolls frontman both dismissed continuing concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic that forced the band to cancel tours during 2020 and 2021 and then dismissed those — particularly in America — who do just that. Ending the twisted discourse, Rzeznik, who had Covid twice himself, concluded that, “I have given up all opinions about everything, ’cause I can’t afford to have an opinion anymore. Let’s play some music!” </p>
<p>And that’s exactly what carried the night for the Goo Goo Dolls on Sunday. </p>
<p>The black-clad quintet, formed by Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac 36 years ago in Buffalo, was in its usual exuberant form, blasting through a 23-song, hour and 45-minute show in front of a crowd whose hearts had clearly grown fonder over the band’s absence. In addition to being back on stage, the group was further energized by having some fresh music to play — three tracks, in fact, from a new album, “Chaos in Bloom,” coming out Friday, Aug. 12. The Goos opened the show with its latest single, the uptempo parody “Yeah, I Like You” (a commentary on social media) and then paired “War” and “Going Crazy” later in the show, with Rzeznik playing a sharp guitar solo during the latter.</p>
<p>The bulk of the concert, however, focused on the familiar, including a front-loaded segment of A-list singles such as “Slide,” “Big Machine,” “Here is Gone” and “Black Balloon.” Rzeznik offered “Sympathy” solo acoustic, then started the breakthrough hit “Name” on his own before the rest of the band joined in, preceding the latter with a story about first hearing it on the radio while shopping in a grocery store during the wee hours — and trying to convince an ex-convict named Shank that it was really his band on the air. </p>
<p>After that Rzeznik visited with a seven-year-old girl in the front row who held up a sign saying she was at her first concert. The girl said she was scared at first but was OK at that moment, but she demurred when Rzeznik asked her if she wanted to say anything to the crowd. </p>
<p>Takac took over on vocals on a handful of songs — “Lucky Star,” “Free of Me,” “LIfe’s a Message” and “Bringing on the Light” — and the Goos dug beyond the hits for album tracks such as “Miracle Pill,” “Over and Over,” “So Alive” and the late-show combo of “Tattered Edge”/”You Should Be Happy.” “Broadway,” “Better Days” and an emotive “Iris” were all present, however, and a cover of Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream” sent fans home on a rocking note. </p>
<p>Blue October also made a strong connection during its 45-minute opening set thanks to frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s extremely present presence. As the quintet worked through 11 songs from its ambient-flavored rock catalog, Furstenfeld declared that “I am here to have a good time” and lived up to that, offering an abundance of sincere gratitude throughout the set. He also saluted saluting specific fans — thanking Macomb County Sheriff officers “for everything you do” and advising pair of young girls holding signs for the band to “stay away from boys — especially boys in bands.” </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2022/08/08/goo-goo-dolls-slide-back-into-action-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre/">https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2022/08/08/goo-goo-dolls-slide-back-into-action-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7033163
2022-08-08T12:46:16-04:00
2022-08-10T00:34:40-04:00
Cleveland Magazine - Q&A: Robby Takac of Goo Goo Dolls Talks New Album and Cleveland Memories
<p><strong>By Anthony Elder</strong><br><br>With a new album, Chaos in Bloom, dropping Aug. 12 and a tour coming through The Land just two days before, we caught up with the bassist to discuss the band’s newest record, old hits and their history in Cleveland. </p>
<p>Unbeknownst to many, Goo Goo Dolls have a long history with The Land. </p>
<p>Before releasing ‘90s radio rock hits “Name” and “Iris,” the band — then a trio including singer-guitarist John Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac and drummer George Tutuska — would often cram its gear into a car and make the three-hour trek from their hometown of Buffalo to Cleveland. The group’s early punk sound probably fit in surprisingly well at the now-defunct Peabody’s Down Under, where the group played its first Cleveland show in 1990. </p>
<p>“We were kids,” says Takac. “Cleveland was always really supportive of us.” </p>
<p>Nearly two decades later, the Midwesterners are on the road again for their first tour since 2019. Two days after gracing Cleveland’s Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on Aug. 10, the band plans to release its newest record, Chaos in Bloom. </p>
<p>Largely conceived and recorded amid the pandemic, the album reflects on the hardships amplified by COVID-19. Songs like “Let the Sun” explore inequality, while “Loving Life” tackles the band’s disenchantment and search for hope within the current social landscape. Despite these weightier themes, the album comes packaged neatly in a pop-rock bow, equipped with sharp sarcasm and stadium-ready choruses. </p>
<p>Before you catch the group’s return to Northeast Ohio, we caught up with the Goo Goo Dolls bassist and co-founder to talk about post-pandemic touring, balancing new and old music, and rocking in Cleveland through the years. </p>
<p><strong>Cleveland Magazine:</strong> This is your first full-fledged tour since 2019, how are you guys feeling going back on the road after all this time? </p>
<p><strong>Robby Takac:</strong> I feel like the pandemic has been an unbelievable disruption to what we're used to. You know, we are always playing. We're always touring. And we sat home long enough for me to grow tomatoes twice. Long time. While it was nice to be home and be with my daughter for a while, it really threw a disruption into the rhythm of our lives. I'm really looking forward to kind of getting back into that rhythm again. And you know, just feeling like things are a little bit more back to normal. </p>
<p><strong>CM:</strong> Is there any worry of feeling rusty, or is it simply back to business as usual? </p>
<p><strong>RT:</strong> I don't think that we feel rusty. For the past six months, we've been doing three or four gigs a month, you know, just here and there, so I don't feel that at all. But I do feel like there are unbelievable wildcards thrown into the workings of things with COVID right now. Sometimes people just have to disappear [if they test positive]. And it's happened a few times, even in the lead up to this tour. We're real careful to be able to cover all those things, but that's the only thing that kind of makes me a little nervous about this trip. We're going to try to safeguard ourselves from the pitfalls and consequences of those types of things. </p>
<p><strong>CM: </strong>For the upcoming tour, you have your newest album to promote and a laundry list of iconic hits like “Slide” and “Iris” people want to hear — how do you strike a balance between the fresh and the iconic when building your set list? </p>
<p><strong>RT:</strong> That's always the dance that you do with folks, you know? You [have] to be careful and conscious about how you put yourself together. People will listen and enjoy a new song — you just can't hit them over the head with them. Keep bringing it back to something they know and something that feels right, something that feels comfortable, and they can try something new again. But yeah, I think that becomes an issue with a band like us. We've been around for long enough and put out enough singles that there are a lot of songs people want to hear. Interesting problem to have, though, for sure. </p>
<p><strong>CM:</strong> How does it feel pulling out those classic hits today? </p>
<p><strong>RT:</strong> I think if you lose touch with the magic or the joy or just the miracle that happens when people are all on the same page and singing a song together — I think if you lose the magic of that, then this job is pretty weird. That’s why we get into this. That's why everybody gets into this to begin with. And I think if you lose that then this is a really miserable existence. </p>
<p><strong>CM:</strong> Moving from the old to the new, tell us about the new album coming. </p>
<p><strong>RT:</strong> We started the record during the pandemic, and everything was locked down. That process hadn't been that insulated since we were kids. [We] just went in together and made a record. John Rzeznik chose to produce the record, which gave us the ability to have a producer who wasn't on a clock like most of the producers are. He could experiment with an awful lot of things and try an awful lot of different things and go a lot of places that he had never been before. I think that there's a lot more purity of process with this record than there's been with the past records. </p>
<p><strong>CM:</strong> Before the upcoming show, are there any stories or memories you can share from gigging in Cleveland over the years? </p>
<p><strong>RT: </strong>We played Peabody’s when we were kids. When was it? 1990 that we played Peabody’s down under? [Editor’s Note: It was Nov. 18, 1990.] That was our first time down there. We were kind of staying at people's houses and stuff. I just remember that we would come through in the early ‘90s before “Name” or anything even came out. Cleveland was always really supportive of us. Once “Name” came out, we were able to get on some of those radio shows and stuff and that opened up a whole new world to us. We've always had an amazing time. You know, it's been one of the places that we can throw all our gear in the back of our cars and get to in a few hours, so there were always opportunities for us there.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/music/articles/q-a-robby-takac-of-goo-goo-dolls-talks-new-album-and-cleveland-memories">https://clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/music/articles/q-a-robby-takac-of-goo-goo-dolls-talks-new-album-and-cleveland-memories</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7032881
2022-08-08T01:15:57-04:00
2022-08-08T01:15:57-04:00
Riff Magazine - ALBUM REVIEW: Goo Goo Dolls find beauty in upheaval on ‘Chaos in Bloom’
<p><strong>By Mike DeWald</strong></p>
<p><em>Chaos In Bloom </em><br><strong>Goo Goo Dolls</strong> <br>Warner, Aug.12 <br><strong>8/10</strong></p>
<p>After more than three decades as a band and a dozen studio albums, Goo Goo Dolls realized the people with the best understanding of their sound is, well, them. For Chaos In Bloom, frontman John Rzeznik pulled double duty and also handled production for the first time. The Western New York rockers rented a Woodstock studio during quarantine to piece this record together. The resulting album dials into the Goos sound to its earliest form. It’s 10 tracks sound like the band playing together in a room, with few bells and whistles.</p>
<p>The opening acoustic rocker, “Yeah, I Like You,” is a driving guitar track that’s urgent and upbeat. Rzeznik’s unique tone and razor-sharp vocals are instantly present. It feels like such an authentic trip to ’90s post-grunge pop nostalgia, but with a freshness and found-again energy. </p>
<p>It doesn’t feel like a “pandemic album,” although Rzeznik wrote some of the lyrics through the lens of isolation.</p>
<p>“War” is a building rocker, the shifts dynamics from a darkly melodic verse exploding to an upbeat chorus. </p>
<p>“I’m not the enemy/ But darling I do believe that you’ll be the end of me,” he sings on the bridge.</p>
<p>“Save Me From Myself” keeps the energy going, but in much more intimate and acoustic setting. It’s infectious and instantly memorable, with Rzeznik singing of the push and pull of relationships. More than once, he sings of the internal war playing out inside his own psyche. “Let the Sun” begins as a fairly folky acoustic ballad until the band kicks in for the song’s waning moments to take it out on a soaring high note. All these years later, Rzeznik and bassist and songwriter Robby Takac are still effective song crafters.</p>
<p>Takac takes over the vocal duties on “Loving Life,” a throwback rocker that relies on riffs and big percussive energy. He has a very classic rock sound on his vocal but the song is a little ’90s grunge mixed with ’70s bombast. It’s a fun change of pace. Rzeznik returns for the upbeat and punky “Going Crazy,” which provides some of the most urgent energy on the record.</p>
<p>“I’m on the inside/ Can you pull me out?” Rzeznik desperately asks of the often uncertain world around him. </p>
<p>“Day After Day” is a little more experimental, built on big beats and heavy reverb-laden vocals that make for an expansive atmospheric backdrop. The song jumps between quiet, sometimes whispered verses to a fist-pumping singalong chorus. Takac returns for “Past Mistakes,” another track that digs into ’80s rock, built on heavy melodies. The shared vocals spices things up and throws in variety.</p>
<p>The first true ballad is the piano-driven “You Are the Answer,” an earnest and intimate portrait with Rzeznik on vocals. It’s not overcooked at all, simply with a few atmospheric additions. Goo Goo Dolls close out the album on a more optimistic note with a mid-tempo acoustic track “Superstar.” </p>
<p>“Love is all around because you’re a superstar,” Rzeznik sings. </p>
<p>Chaos In Bloom is a straightforward collection of well-written songs. Fans of Goo Goo Dolls’ earliest works should find a lot to like with the record; a solid revitalization of a band that’s been getting it done for a long time. </p>
<p>Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/">https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/goo-goo-dolls-chaos-in-bloom/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7031092
2022-08-04T21:45:49-04:00
2022-08-04T21:45:50-04:00
The Oakland Press - Goo Goo Dolls at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 5 Things to Know
<p><strong>By Gary Graff</strong></p>
<p>The down time of the past couple of years was certainly productive for Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>Continue reading at the link - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2022/08/04/goo-goo-dolls-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-5-things-to-know/">https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2022/08/04/goo-goo-dolls-at-michigan-lottery-amphitheatre-5-things-to-know/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7030907
2022-08-04T16:21:58-04:00
2022-08-04T16:21:59-04:00
Dayton.Com - Goo Goo Dolls Rose Music Center Photo Gallery
<p><strong>Credit: Tom Gilliam</strong> </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October played a sold out show at The Rose Music Center at The Heights on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER</p>
<p>Photo gallery here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dayton.com/local/photos-goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-live-at-rose-music-center/AFNAQP43WJCALDMQLOPMAV6LQQ/">https://www.dayton.com/local/photos-goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-live-at-rose-music-center/AFNAQP43WJCALDMQLOPMAV6LQQ/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7030868
2022-08-04T15:30:10-04:00
2022-08-04T15:30:11-04:00
WTMX FM - Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls
<p>Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls chats with Chris & Nikki about the Goo’s new album, heading back out on tour, Encanto, and much more. </p>
<p>Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am – 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix WTMX Chicago. Stream free online at wtmx.com or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.</p>
<p>Listen here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wtmx.com/episode/johnny-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls/">https://wtmx.com/episode/johnny-rzeznik-of-goo-goo-dolls/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7030144
2022-08-03T17:17:15-04:00
2022-08-04T02:43:04-04:00
40/29 TV - Why are they called the Goo Goo Dolls?
<p>ROGERS, Ark. — </p>
<p>The rock band Goo Goo Dolls is releasing a new album later this month and coming to Northwest Arkansas in September.</p>
<p>But frontman John Rzeznik wishes they were doing so under a different name. </p>
<p>"It's kind of a stupid name," he told 40/29's Yuna Lee. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in Buffalo, New York in 1986 by Rzeznik, Robby Takac and George Tutuska. </p>
<p>"We had a gig and so we had to come up with some kind of a name just to play the show," Rzeznik said. </p>
<p>"I don't know where that came from," he continued, "And we just never changed it, which I wish we had." </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls was also the name of the band's first album, released in 1987. The group has sold 15 million records since. </p>
<p>"It just sort of, it doesn't mean anything anymore," Rzeznik said. "It just kind of stuck." </p>
<p>The band is scheduled to play at the Walmart AMP in Rogers on Sept. 18, 2022. The stop is part of their Summer Tour 2002 with Blue October.</p>
<p>Watch video here - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.4029tv.com/article/goo-goo-dolls-name/40798256#">https://www.4029tv.com/article/goo-goo-dolls-name/40798256#</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7029443
2022-08-02T20:28:16-04:00
2022-08-02T20:28:16-04:00
WTTS FM - The Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik on WTTS (8/2/22)
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls frontman talks about their new song "I Like You," and the legacy of their biggest hit "Iris" ahead of their Friday night (8/5) show at TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/hEM6fhw1QP4">https://youtu.be/hEM6fhw1QP4</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7029441
2022-08-02T20:21:44-04:00
2022-08-02T20:21:44-04:00
The Daily Utah Chronicle - Goo Goo Dolls: (A)Live at USANA
<p><strong>By Heather Hopkins</strong></p>
<p>As the sun began to set on July 26, nearly 20,000 eager fans poured into the Usana Amphitheatre in West Valley City. The Goo Goo Dolls show was especially anticipated, as, due to the pandemic, the band had attempted two previous shows at the amphitheater that they were forced to reschedule. Needless to say, long-waiting fans offered the band a warm, belated welcome as the Goo Goo Dolls played an invigorating and enlivening show.</p>
<p><strong>Two Bands Fit All </strong></p>
<p>Something extraordinary to observe during obligatory pre-show people-watching was the kaleidoscope of attendees. As generational tastes in tunes tend to change as quickly as fashion preferences, it is rare to see such a vast age range at a rock show. The Goo Goo Dolls have a career that spans 35 years and have been successful in not only keeping their original fans wanting more, but recruiting new ones along the way. </p>
<p>Another band with impressive staying power with their fans, Blue October, was the opener for the Dolls. With impressive energy and charisma, they were able to get even the most unsuspecting attendees up and moving. Both the Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October are labeled as alternative rock bands, but Blue October leans a bit more toward the heavier side of rock. This heaviness was well-balanced with the band’s short but sweet personal introductions to their songs. </p>
<p><strong>Personal Touch</strong> </p>
<p>These small self-revealing moments were a shared pattern between both bands. While their crew members swiftly exchanged and tuned the artists’ instruments, the lead singers of Blue October, Justin Furstenfeld, the Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik, each had a moment to share bits of themselves with the crowd. </p>
<p>Both spoke to their past addiction struggles, as well as opened up about how grateful they are for their sobriety. Furstenfeld genuinely thanked the crowd before stating, “Man, this is what I live for,” referring to the unique energy of a live audience and invoking the title of their latest album. It was a truly symbiotic relationship between the performer and audience, and a special experience many have been craving since the band’s rescheduling. </p>
<p><strong>This is What We Live For </strong></p>
<p>One of the most unifying moments of the show was near the end of the Goo Goo Dolls’ set, when they played their renowned hit, “Iris.” When Rzeznik got to the chorus for the second go-round, he held out the microphone for the crowd to sing in his place, “Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive.” </p>
<p>As the band, audience and vibrant ASL interpreter came to a unified crescendo, it was a true feeling of being alive. Maybe that is why it’s called a live show, because it has the power to make you feel truly alive. </p>
<p>h.hopkins@dailyutahchronicle.com</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2022/08/02/goo-goo-dolls-usana/">https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2022/08/02/goo-goo-dolls-usana/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7028997
2022-08-02T11:02:20-04:00
2022-08-02T20:16:02-04:00
The Pitch - Goo Goo Dolls’ Monday concert at Starlight was a literal thirst trap
<p><em>This just in: John Rzeznik is still hot, and so is the weather. </em></p>
<p><strong>By Lauren Textor</strong></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls </p>
<p>with Blue October </p>
<p>Starlight Theatre </p>
<p>Monday, August 1 </p>
<p>I have not kept up with Goo Goo Dolls since I first listened to them religiously in middle school, but I am almost offended at how easily I’m able to find a parking spot at their August 1 concert at Starlight. </p>
<p>Blue October opens the show at 7pm. For an alternative rock band, their energy is surprisingly mellow and upbeat. I know them best for their 2018 hit, “I Hope You’re Happy,” and—although I know this will make older readers groan—I was unaware that they were formed way back in 1995. Blue October valiantly sets the mood, but it’s hard to compete with The Goo Goo Dolls. From the moment that frontman and guitarist John Rzeznik steps on stage, the crowd is captivated. Due to their twice-rescheduled tour, many of the orchestra seats are empty. This doesn’t faze the band, who just seems happy to be back live. </p>
<p>My first thought as The Goo Goo Dolls take the stage is, Damn. Rzeznik is pretty jacked. I know that some of you will find this upsetting given that he is 56, although I doubt that anyone who knows me will be surprised, but the plain t-shirt, black pants, and baseball cap look really works for me. And that t-shirt is tight. All my friends agree that I have a thing for older men, but even so. I am taken aback. And, really, can you blame me? If you’re into rock stars and also being an ethical human being, you don’t have a lot of options. He has all the talent and charisma of Steven Tyler, but he’s not a disgusting pedophile. </p>
<p>Anyway. </p>
<p>Kansas City is once again under a heat advisory, and Rzeznik sums it up best when he says, “Holy shit, it’s hot as fuck, but it’s all right.” </p>
<p>It’s better than all right as the band launches into “Black Balloon.” The sun sets and balloons printed with the Boost Mobile logo bump all the way down to the pit. </p>
<p>“Okay, let me make sure I have the right guitar because I don’t wanna fuck this one up,” Rzeznik says. </p>
<p>It’s hard to tell if he’s just being a perfectionist or if he genuinely is having an off night. He asks the rest of the band to pause more than once because he’s plucked the wrong strings or isn’t quite ready. It brings me no pleasure to say this about a man, but Rzeznik’s mistakes do not turn me off. His sweaty t-shirt does not turn me off. His platitudes about how music brings us all together do momentarily turn me off (Like, hello? Do we recall the precarious state of abortion rights?), but only briefly. </p>
<p>He is an exceptional singer and guitarist, he delivers in every sense of the word, and the crowd knows it. When he abruptly stops “Come to Me” because he has “fucked up,” he says, “Just remember everyone deserves a second chance” and then shouts “From the top!” to the roaring approval of the audience. Bassist Robby Takac also brings the heat with “Lucky Star” off the 1993 album Superstar Car Wash, on which he takes the lead. Takac literally grins through the entire set, making it possible to believe that this, like every other show, is the best night of his life. </p>
<p>“War,” a single off the Chaos in Bloom album to-be-released August 12, is a worthy addition to their discography and Takac’s repertoire. In fact, every one of their songs is a banger, with the notable exceptions of “Life’s a Message” and “Bringing on the Light,” which are performed back-to-back. I adore cheesy power ballads and simple melodies, but these two are meaningless, and I cannot excuse them. Even if the guitar riffs are, as usual, totally sick. “Broadway” salvages the rock concert’s denouement with a short harmonica solo from Rzeznik. “Iris,” which I have patiently waited for all night, is unfortunately not a tear-jerker as expected due to some keyboard experimentation that falls short. The final song is a cover of Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” </p>
<p>Now. I am a Tom Petty devotee. I am illogically protective of his legacy and, with a steadfastness that baffles my friends, I reject most reproductions of his work. I love Miley Cyrus’s current sound, but her cover of “Wildflowers” hurts my heart, and not in a good way. Don’t even get me started on John Mayer’s “Free Fallin’.” Several times a month, usually on my way to a rock concert, I listen to a playlist that I’ve named “I Can’t Believe Tom Petty is Dead.” I’m not usually a masochist, but I do pick at the scab of knowing that I’ll never see Petty perform live. Seeing The Goo Goo Dolls sing one of his best-loved songs is maybe the closest that I’ll ever get. Rock legend Rzeznik brings the perfect amount of folksiness to the stage for this tribute and the keyboardist more than makes up for the previous “Iris” twist by staying faithful to the original here. Every single band member brings their all to this cover that has the potential to make or break the show’s wrap-up. </p>
<p>Dripping sweat, The Goo Goo Dolls exit the stage to the rabid screams of their majority middle-aged fans. Rzeznik’s guitar pick disappears into the crowd as someone’s mother begs him to toss his sweat towel to her. </p>
<p>Rest assured, I do have some shame. I only searched for the guitar pick for 10 minutes. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls setlist <br>Yeah, I Like You <br>Slide <br>Big Machine <br>Here Is Gone <br>Black Balloon <br>Naked <br>Miracle Pill <br>Over and Over <br>Lucky Star <br>Free of Me <br>Come to Me <br>Sympathy <br>Name <br>So Alive <br>War <br>Going Crazy <br>Life’s a Message <br>Bringing on the Light <br>Broadway <br>Better Days <br>Iris <br>Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy <br>Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty cover) </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thepitchkc.com/goo-goo-dolls-monday-concert-at-starlight-was-a-literal-thirst-trap/">https://www.thepitchkc.com/goo-goo-dolls-monday-concert-at-starlight-was-a-literal-thirst-trap/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7028846
2022-08-02T05:57:24-04:00
2022-08-04T02:43:04-04:00
Illinois Entertainer; Cover Story: Goo Goo Dolls • “O Lucky Men!”
<p><strong>Tom Lanham</strong></p>
<p>It seemed like an intriguing request, thought Goo Goo Dolls founder John Rzeznik at the time. And one that was impossible for any kind-hearted rocker to resist. Looking out into the crowd as the band’s set built to its signature smash “Iris” — the 1998 single that spent 18 consecutive weeks at #1 on the charts that year —he saw a young girl, standing with her father, holding a placard that earnestly read, “I want to come up and sing ‘Iris’ with you.’ The novelty of it intrigued the vocalist/guitarist — was this kid really a fan? Did she have what it takes to go head to head with his trademark warm, woodsy rasp? “So I was like, ‘Yeah, sure — what the hell? Come on up and sing!’” he recalls with an ironic chuckle. “But I asked her first, ‘Do you really know this song?’ And she said, ‘Yeah, I know it,’ so we brought her up and we started singing ‘Iris’ together and then finished singing it. And then I get a phone call from a guy that works with us, and he said, ‘Dude — that performance is all over the internet, and this is your viral moment! That girl is a TikTok star, and she’s signed to Warner Chappell publishing!’” </p>
<p>Rzeznik had to pause for a minute to take it all in — who was Zooming who in this surreal symbiotic scenario? “I was like, ‘Whaaaaaat? What the hell just happened here?’” he says. “So it’s like, uh, we live in very strange times.” And that’s exactly the topic he addresses in the group’s absolutely brilliant new pop-punk single, “Yeah, I Like You,” culled from a just-issued 13th catalog effort, Chaos in Bloom, which the musician produced himself. </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls started out in Buffalo, N.Y., as a Replacements-scruffy punk band back in 1986, before expanding their sound via 1995’s breakthrough anthem “Name,” then the orchestral Bic-flicking ballad “Iris” three years later. Still workout-trim and in great health, he will turn 57 this December, the same month that Liliana — he and his wife Melina’s daughter — turns six. So naturally, lots of cross-generational thinking has been on his mind, especially when the family was locked down in its rustic New Jersey home. And mortality can take on surprising new dimensions once you realize that not only will your children hopefully outlive you, but your songs — 16 #1 and Top 10 hits (an all-time radio record), and over 15 million albums sold, to date — most certainly will. And if TikTok brings his music to a whole new Gen-Z audience, hey, he’ll take it, Rzeznik says. No matter how unusual it might seem on the social media surface. </p>
<p>Composing “Iris,” the singer elaborates, was “a nice piece of luck because that song literally changed my life.” Without it, he sighs, he’d probably be tending bar somewhere for a living right now, and he’s not joking. It was a mixed blessing; some longtime punk-era fans were displeased with the new pop-savvy sound, missing the point that any decent, ambitious tunesmith should be pushing the creative envelope nonstop, in fear of growing stagnant. “So ‘Iris’ helped legitimize our band in some circles,” he adds. “And I still remember Robby (Takac, bassist/vocalist, and I) were in the studio when that song was being recorded, and we were watching the string section come in and start to play. And we just kind of went, ‘Umm, I don’t know if we should do this.’ And then it was just like, ‘Nah — fuck it! Let’s just do it!’ And now that song is on its second generation of people listening to it, and it’s just overwhelming in that respect because I never thought, with anything I write, that so many people would actually relate to it.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik swears he won’t proffer advice to any younger musicians unless they seriously ask for it. Ergo, he found himself in just such a discussion not long ago. The kids kept praising the relative ease of utilizing social media to popularize modern music, at which point he felt compelled to school them. He hopes he didn’t sound like Abe Simpson, but it was a completely different DIY world back in the ‘80s and ‘90s when you had to fight hard for not only the music you wanted to hear but getting the music you made into the hands of deserving, but disconnected, listeners. “I told ‘em that we used to have this network of fanzines that we would find in the back of magazines, and we used to mail cassettes to all these fanzine people,” he says. Each fanzine had roughly a hundred subscribers, so each package was a big shot in the dark, of course. “But it was so much more exciting — it felt like a very grass-roots thing,” he rhapsodizes. “And I guess the grass-roots version of that now is having a viral moment. So I feel like the internet has splintered, rather than unified, the music scene.” </p>
<p>So while Rzeznik might sound cynical, possibly misanthropic, he’s not, as exemplified by the torpedo-sleek, gruff-but-polished slice of ear candy that is “Yeah, I Like You,” which is poised to be the next entry in his storied saga of monster hits. And at no time does the listener feel max-Martin-manipulated, as if a clever committee sat down in Sweden to sculpt a path of least resistance to pop Valhalla. It’s just a great, instantly memorable morsel, kept down to Earth by not only the vocalist’s instantly recognizable, almost comforting voice but his scrappy sense of humor, which has characterized his work since the beginning. A ching-chinging anthem, it starts quietly, with him noting a make-believe millennial run-in: “Met the queen of generation fame/ I said, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know your name,” which she doesn’t perceive as a slight — she has no idea who he, either, and they agree to disagree. But the narcissistic whelp’s elder has to admit, almost begrudgingly in the chorus, “Yeah, I like you.” And who knows? Maybe at some point in the not-too-distant future, when their careers happen to intersect, as in that recent TikTok stadium-concert summit, they might be able to help each other out. Sly nudge-nudge wink to the gallery optional, of course. </p>
<p>The track’s video, directed by playful provocateur Keenan O’Reilly, hilariously underscores the worst as the sailor-shirted Rzeznik and a now purple-haired, bucket-hatted Takac stumble through some busy paparazzi-peppered backstage event and all the so-called celebrity gadflies such soirees invite. While news cameras giddily film it, chaos blooms, then blossoms into a melee, and even the worst gaffes make extremely good, instantly consumable copy these days, sans any nourishment, for the mind, heart, or soul. It’s not a scathing social commentary, per se, because the Goo Goo Dolls are as puzzled by what lit this brouhaha fuse as the next guy, and they just shrug it off with c’est la vie insouciance in the end, while a nameless young nobody grabs a guitar and just starts thrashing. And why not? There was no adult on hand to tell her she couldn’t. Rzeznik says he loved that scene most of all, especially since the same youngster had assaulted him just a few seconds earlier. But just watching her rock out, completely carefree, somehow wistfully reminded him of that ephemeral punk rock spirit, which many musicians often lose after a few rounds with the Rock-‘Em, Sock-‘Em Robot that is the music business. Dogged outliers like X managed to sustain for multiple decades. And so, one could easily argue, did the Goo Goo Dolls. Because the group — with Rzeznik and Takac as its ole permanent members, is nothing if not consistent. </p>
<p>Because bottom line? For the group to have penned such a winning anthem at this point in its career is remarkable. But the equally-memorable nine other cuts that comprise Chaos in Bloom? That’s a whole new level of competence, the kind that recently earned Rzeznik one of his most treasured kudos, the Hal David Starlight Award honoring his induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. He spent a good 90 minutes a couple of weeks ago discussing his place in both the pop pantheon and a brave new TikTok world to which he’s acclimating fairly fast. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>What was the story with that strange caveat you posted online about the “Yeah, I Like You” video, just as it was coming out? Disavowing all prior knowledge about what its director was secretly intending? </strong></p>
<p>JOHN RZEZNIK: (Chuckling) Yeah — the so-called mega-genius! The so-called mega-talent! That was actually a joke. And the whole point of that was to kind of illustrate what would happen because before 24 hours had passed, there was all this online chatter, asking, “What? What happened?” And I’m getting texts from everybody, going, “What did this guy do to you?” And I was like, “Whoa. So this is how bullshit gets disseminated, at the speed of light, in our modern world!” Because I didn’t tell any of my friends or family — I told nobody. Keenan actually thought it up, and I thought, “Yeah, that’s pretty funny — I’m actually gonna put a disclaimer on my video about you.” It was a little social experiment, but can you imagine if we had a political platform or something? Imagine just how fast you can spread bullshit that people just immediately believe! And I did study social sciences in college, and I learned some pretty interesting things. So I hope that music and art and literature and all this stuff just doesn’t become completely electronic and become completely disposable. But ultimately, the whole point of that song was that it was just supposed to be very tongue-in-cheek social satire, you know? And I thought that the video was a pretty effective statement, but it turned out to be really funny. And anyway, I can’t make videos where it’s like, “Here we see the band. And the smoke. And the lights. And the mirrors. And they are all intense, as is the band’s performance. It’s like, “Uh, no, man.” That song and video were meant to poke fun at everything. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>And it’s a great update on the similar commentary in Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” — “Can we film the operation? Is the head dead yet? Get the widow on the set/ We need dirty laundry!” </strong></p>
<p>JR: Henley is a genius, man. We were just talking about this the other day, and I like his solo stuff as much, if not more, than what he did in The Eagles. It’s awesome, just some amazing music. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>Robby always seems like you could put him in a room with an Etch-A-Sketch and some comic books and he’d be happily content. But you, left on your own, say, during the pandemic, seem like you could go pretty dark and reflective. Did you? </strong></p>
<p>JR: Well, I got anxious. And we all got anxious, I believe. So yeah, it got weird. And it felt like, “What is going to happen?” We were in such an unknown, uncharted sort of place. And I felt like, “Oh, my God — what if I never get to do this again? What if everything that I’ve worked for is just gone because of this?” Because we kept canceling tours, you know? Because you couldn’t tour. So it got a little anxiety-provoking. But we put together the Christmas record, which was a lot of fun, and then the <i>Rarities</i> record. I decided, “Well, you’d better get busy,” so we were creating little bubbles to work in. And we actually ended up having an enormous amount of output in that period of time, and in retrospect, I still have almost a whole other album’s worth of material that’s not finished. But it’s just like…I dunno. I just had this creative burst. And I was only able to finish those 10 or 11 songs, but I still have another 10 or 12 that I’m still working on. But I had to put ‘em aside because it was like, “Yo, man — you need to put another record out, and you need to go work. And I was producing, which I really enjoyed. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>And you know your sound pretty well by now, so why not, right? </strong></p>
<p>JR: And I think I wanted to recapture more of our sound on this record. And one of the things that I really, really wanted to do was get the interplay between the drums and the bass, and either a piano or a guitar, live because there’s a push and a pull in the rhythmic sort of pattern, you know? And most of the time, when people make records now on the computer, you cut everything, so it fits into these neat little boxes. And I didn’t want to do that — I wanted the record to…swing a little bit. And the only way that that happens is when people play in the same room together. So I didn’t want it to be an assembly-line project. And when I said, “Fuck it — I’m gonna do this myself,” it was because I wanted the time and the space and the patience that only I can give myself to create and really get into the DNA of a recording studio And use it like another instrument. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>What I hear in the song “War,” ironically, is U2, and it’s a U2-huge anthem. And “Past Mistakes,” which is Robby’s song, sounds like classic Will Sergeant/Echo and the Bunnymen in the guitar work. </strong></p>
<p>JR: Well, I was listening to a ton of Echo and the Bunnymen and The Chameleons. And that’s where the title comes from — The Chameleons. There’s a line in one of their songs about the chaos in bloom. And I love that band. And I was listening to Oasis and The Who, a lot of old music. You know that guy Alan Price? He did a song called “O Lucky Man,” from the movie of the same name, and man! That is so good. “If you find a reason to live on and not to die, you are a lucky man.” It’s like, fuck! That’s some heavy shit. It’s just so good, and he was a very brilliant guy. And I was listening to some Springsteen, things that just felt…things that just struck a nerve. Old Gang of Four records, like <i>Entertainment</i>. And then the lyrical content </p>
<p>Was really kind of reflective of what was going on. I mean, I have a song that is literally called “Going Crazy.” And what’s that about? It’s about me going crazy! And how I need to get out of my house or I’m gonna lose my mind! I need to interact with other humans again. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>But the riffs on “Going Crazy” are just crunchy, powerchord punk. Your classic old sound. </strong></p>
<p>JR: Yeah. And it was fun to experiment with some old amps and old pedals. I have a crazy collection of old vintage recording equipment, and it’s fun to use that. And we recorded most of the album analog to tape, and it all winds up getting dumped into a computer at some point, just because of necessity. But I really believe that there’s something magical about the sound of analog, you know? There’s not just warmth — there’s noise. It’s mechanical. It’s something that is created mechanically. </p>
<p>IE:<strong> And when you sing “Met the queen of generation fame,” Is there someone specific you had in mind?</strong> </p>
<p>JR: Nah. I just made the story up. I was thinking, “Wow — all these people get famous, and they become influencers, but for what? What are you famous for? But then you get a taste for that life, and the guy in the story becomes sort of enamored with that whole thing, but then he realizes, “This is not the real world. But I want it.” </p>
<p>IE: <strong>And you actually have a cool Taylor Swift connection. </strong></p>
<p>JR: Yeah. We performed “Iris” together. And she is a very smart woman. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>Full disclosure? I’m the outlier — I have no social media presence, no Facebook, no Instagram, and no Twitter. I am not “followed,” and I never saw rock journalism as a dialogue. </strong></p>
<p>JR: I pay a guy to take care of my social media accounts. Because I don’t wanna deal with that shit. I used to deal with Twitter, but then people felt like they had the right to comment on my wife. And my daughter. And it’s like, “Fuck you. No. No, that is not part of the contract that I have with you, with the public. My contract with the public is, I will give you music, I will play my ass off for you live, I will sign an autograph, I will shake your hand, </p>
<p>I will take a picture, and I will thank you truly, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting me. But when you feel like you have the right to discuss my private life? You’ve stepped over the line. And that’s why I got off of there. I had a conversation with a writer who was particularly brutal to us — and this was a long time ago, it was in the late ‘90s, and he was a freelance-type guy. And I said to him, “What do you get paid to write an article about me? Like $200, $300 bucks? I’ll pay you twice that just to leave me alone. Just ignore me. And then I said to him, “Go find things that you love and champion them. Because you’re not challenging yourself as a writer, which takes a lot of creativity. So you should find something to champion because it’s so much harder to build something up than it is to rip it down. So, in my opinion? You’re a fucking hack because you just wasted good paper and good ink on shitting on something instead of championing something you love.” </p>
<p>IE: <strong>Well, not to get too personal, of course. But your daughter’s birthday is pretty close to Christmas. Does she hate the fact that she just gets one catch-all present then? </strong></p>
<p>JR: No, that little girl? She gets plenty of presents. Too, too many. And she was two, two, and a half when all that crazy (pandemic) stuff started, but it was nice that I got to spend a lot of time with her. Because it’s killing me right now, being away from her. Because she’s Mini-Me, my little partner in crime, and she’s actually getting old enough to understand my schemes to drive her mom crazy. She and I are in cahoots, ya know? </p>
<p>IE: <strong>Dare I even ask what these schemes might be? </strong></p>
<p>JR: Well, you know, like, “Okay — we’re gonna hide in the closet, and when mom comes in the room, we’re gonna scare her! Right? Okay, let’s do it!” Just things like that. Or, “Okay — let me pretend that you fell down, and I carry you into the kitchen, and you pretend to cry.” And it’s like, “Oh, my God!” And it’s like, “You’ve fallen for this 40 times!” I dunno. The pandemic was really difficult, but being able to work in any capacity was incredible because we all adapted. So I think we’ve now all changed our perspective on work. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>When and how often did you get away to Dreamland Studios in Woodstock for recording?</strong> </p>
<p>JR: I was living there. We all went up there, and we were living in the house there because it was like, “Dude — we’ve got to stay in a bubble!” And my assistant and I rented a U-Haul truck in California and just loaded it up with all my recording equipment, microphones, and everything, and we drove a truck across America because we wanted to see — “What is life like?” This was before we started doing the album. The trip started in Los Angeles, and we didn’t take Route 66 — we took a more Northern route, and we went through Wyoming and all that. So went through red states and blue states and just seeing it all? It was interesting — you’re in Wyoming? Not one mask. You went to other places, and everybody was masked up. And I’m not judging anybody for the way they decided to deal with it, but it was interesting to see the differences between people and how people were coping with it, you know? It was definitely a learning experience. Because I’m an American. I love America. I’m not sure I’m enjoying what the hell it’s becoming. Because we have the capacity and the power to do so much good for so many people. But I think we’re kind of past the point of no return. Especially growing up in a place like Buffalo, the weather has changed so starkly. And living away from there for a long time, and then going back and going, “Wow — this is really weird. This weather is really strange.” And locals are like, “Yeah, that just kind of the way it is now.” But something is definitely changing. Fire season. The water shortage. </p>
<p>IE: <strong>We’ve systematically doomed ourselves to extinction. Which isn’t easy to say to someone with a young daughter.</strong> </p>
<p>JR: Yeah. And I ask myself, “What is the hidden prize? What is the hidden prize? And why do these people want to hang onto power so badly?” And with my daughter? There are some days I feel like, “I owe this kid an apology! Like, ‘I’m really sorry we fucked you on this one….’ Now every time in L.A., I’m like, “God — it feels like the end of the world here!” I haven’t seen Don’t Look Up yet, but I will see it. But Hey — I’ve been busy! </p>
<p>Appearing August 4 at Huntington Bank Pavilion, Chicago </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://illinoisentertainer.com/2022/07/cover-story-goo-goo-dolls-o-lucky-men/">https://illinoisentertainer.com/2022/07/cover-story-goo-goo-dolls-o-lucky-men/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7028840
2022-08-02T05:35:56-04:00
2022-08-02T20:01:10-04:00
Target Audience Magazine - Photos and Live Review: SOLD OUT Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October at Red Rocks Amphitheatre 7/27/22
<p>August 1, 2022 </p>
<p>by Jenna </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls returned to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a sold out show on July 27th, with support from Blue October. </p>
<p>It was a perfect summer evening for a show at the greatest outdoor venue ever, with the temperature steadily in the 70s and a nice breeze flowing. Fans of Houston’s Blue October got there early to see the band’s set at 7:30, which featured a great mix of songs from Blue October’s extensive catalog. </p>
<p>“Coal Makes Diamonds,” from 2016’s breakthrough album Home, started things off as lead singer Justin Furstenfeld strutted across the stage, a wide smile on his face as he looked out at the 10,000 fans in attendance. </p>
<p>It was Blue October’s well-deserved first performance at the iconic venue, and it was obvious that the members of the band were elated to be there. As a fan since 2006, I was also elated to see them there! The set also included tracks from latest album This Is What I Live For, such as “Oh My My,” “Fight for Love,” “Moving On (So Long),” as well as the title track. Old school fans got to hear Blue October classics such as “Say It,” “Into the Ocean,” and “Hate Me,” with the catchy “I Hope You’re Happy” ending the set, and then it was on to The Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>After a whopping 36 years together, John Rzeznik, Robby Takac and company are still going strong with a new album titled Chaos in Bloom, to be released on August 12th, 2022. The lead single from the album “Yeah, I Like You” started off the band’s set, which continued with hits such as “Slide,” “Here Is Gone,” and the beloved “Black Balloon,” during which many black balloons drifted down over the audience, who had a ball bouncing them back and forth. </p>
<p>Rzeznik and Takac where undeniably fun to watch throughout the night, their camaraderie shining during every song. “Naked” and “Name” took fans all the way back to 1995’s A Boy Named Goo, while “Lucky Star” was a major throwback to 1993’s Superstar Car Wash, with Takac on lead vocals. The band’s biggest hit to date, “Iris,” had the entire crowd singing along, before the night was over much too soon with “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” a Tom Petty cover.<br><br>Link to photos: <a contents="https://tamagazine.com/2022/08/01/photos-and-live-review-sold-out-goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-at-red-rocks-amphitheatre-7-27-22/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tamagazine.com/2022/08/01/photos-and-live-review-sold-out-goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-at-red-rocks-amphitheatre-7-27-22/">https://tamagazine.com/2022/08/01/photos-and-live-review-sold-out-goo-goo-dolls-and-blue-october-at-red-rocks-amphitheatre-7-27-22/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7028021
2022-08-01T05:52:25-04:00
2022-08-02T20:16:02-04:00
Dayton Daily News - Wednesday at the Rose: Goo Goo Dolls produced music in wooded isolation during COVID-19 lockdown
<p><strong>By Don Thrasher</strong></p>
<p>Since forming as a scrappy punk outfit in Buffalo, New York in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls has recorded most of its albums during breaks from tour. The alternative rockers, performing at Rose Music Center in Huber Heights on Wednesday, Aug. 3, took advantage of the unexpected time off the road during the coronavirus shutdowns to record several projects. </p>
<p><br>The holiday album, “It’s Christmas All Over,” was released in late 2020. Goo Goo Dolls’ 13th studio recording, “Chaos in Bloom,” will be released by the band’s longtime label, Warner Brothers Records, on Aug. 12. The lead single, “Yeah, I Like You,’ is out now. </p>
<p><br>“It was cool being home for a little while,” bassist Robby Takac said during a recent Zoom interview from a tour-stop in Missoula, Montana. “I got to spend a lot of time with my family. I grew tomatoes, which I hadn’t done in 30 years. </p>
<p><br>“I was home way more than I had been in decades, for sure,” Takac continued. “It was really nice to have a summer off the road, but we were busy pretty much the whole time. We did some corporate events, and we also recorded a lot.” <br> </p>
<p>The members of Goo Goo Dolls didn’t work with an outside producer on “Chaos in Bloom,” the official follow-up to “Miracle Pill” (2019). Instead, lead singer John Rzeznik produced the sessions at Dreamland Recording Studios in upstate New York. </p>
<p><br>“It was probably 20 years since we actually locked ourselves in a room and made music like that,” Takac said. “We sort of went out in the woods and recorded at this legendary studio we rented in Woodstock, New York. It’s like an old church that was built in the late 1800s and they revamped it into a rustic but very cool studio. We sequestered ourselves there for a couple of months. </p>
<p><br>“You generally make your records in New York or L.A.,” Takac continued. “The sessions tend to be infiltrated by an awful lot of folks who aren’t necessarily part of the creative process. It was nice to have a place where we could just make some music.” </p>
<p><br><br>The wooded isolation and in-studio autonomy allowed the musicians to work undisturbed and at their own pace. <br>“We tend to burn producers out,” Takac said. “John loves to spend an awful lot of time on stuff and rightfully so. When you hire a producer, it’s not the only record he’s doing that year. He’s got to make the best record he can for you in the time allotted and then he has to go on. </p>
<p><br>“John was able to spend a lot of time working on stuff because there wasn’t a time limit placed on us,” Takac continued. “That was the main advantage. There’s also the purity of process. This is the furthest we’ve gotten in the process before we’ve brought some other folks in to help.”</p>
<p> <br>The sessions were successful enough to also yield some unreleased songs Takac is uncertain they’ll take the approach again.</p>
<p> <br>“There are another six songs we recorded during the ‘Chaos’ sessions,” he said. “We didn’t include them on this record but they’re almost there musically. We’re halfway there with another record so that’s pretty exciting. I don’t know if John will produce the next sessions. I guess we’ll have to see how our PTSD is.” </p>
<p><br><br>While Goo Goo Dolls have played private events, corporate shows and one-off concerts and festivals, this summer tour is the band’s first extended outing since early 2020. </p>
<p><br>“As places have been opening, we’ve been doing gigs here and there,” Takac said. “We’ve only done two shows so far but we’re really looking forward to getting out. It’s been almost two-and-a-half years since we’ve been in a routine of doing shows. Some of the folks bought tickets to these shows three years ago, which is crazy because this band plays a lot, man. </p>
<p><br>“In the past five years, we’ve really opened up our international markets a lot,” he continued. “That unfortunately slowed down for us with COVID, so we’ve got to set that whole thing up again. We’re touring in the States this year and we’re in the process of booking dates for next year in Europe, Australia and South America.”</p>
<p> <br>One big difference in 2022 is just how competitive the concert market has become. With an increased number of concerts in 2022 and rising inflation, music fans are more selective about how they spend their concert dollars.</p>
<p> <br>“Musicians had two-and-a-half years to get creative,” Takac said. “They were sitting at home, writing songs and coming up with ideas and not touring. Now, they’re on their way out there and, unfortunately, in this climate, there are only so many dollars out there and so much time. </p>
<p><br>“People are only willing to take X-amount of risk, but I think we’re on our way out of this thing” he added. “I see a little bit of light on the horizon.” </p>
<p><br>Contact this contributing writer at 937-287-6139 or e-mail at donthrasher100@gmail.com. </p>
<p><br>HOW TO GO <br>Who: Goo Goo Dolls with special guests Blue October <br>Where: Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights <br>When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. <br>Cost: Tickets start at $23 <br>More info: 513-232-6220 or www.rosemusiccenter.com <br>Artist info: www.googoodolls.com</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/wednesday-at-the-rose-goo-goo-dolls-produced-music-in-wooded-isolation-during-covid-19-lockdown/XMKPKX6T65F23GRPSYDH5RIRC4/">https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/wednesday-at-the-rose-goo-goo-dolls-produced-music-in-wooded-isolation-during-covid-19-lockdown/XMKPKX6T65F23GRPSYDH5RIRC4/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7027562
2022-07-31T09:40:47-04:00
2022-08-02T20:09:20-04:00
Lincoln Journal-Star: Goo Goo Dolls give fans a smartly constructed show at Pinewood Bowl
<p><strong>By L. Kent Wolgamott</strong></p>
<p><br>Two days short of two years after they had been booked at Pinewood Bowl, Goo Goo Dolls made it to the stage in Pioneers Park. </p>
<p>And as if making up for lost time, guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik, bassist/vocalist Robby Takac and their trio of backing musicians packed more than three-minute pop gems into the 90-minute show. </p>
<p>They started with “Yeah, I Like You,” the first single from their soon-to-be-released album “Chaos In Bloom” — a scrappy rock ‘n’ roll number that’s a slicked-up throwback to the band’s beginnings. </p>
<p>That connection was verified midway through the show when Takac took the mic for the gritty rocker “Lucky Star.” Then came “Slide,” which had the crowd singing as it set the pattern for the smartly constructed set that mixed hits with deeper tracks. </p>
<p>“I’m pretty sure everyone in this space has heard this one before,” Rzeznik said as he strummed the acoustic guitar intro to a gorgeous “Name” — he could have said the same for any of the hits that were scattered through the set. </p>
<p>"Name" was also interrupted by a bug in the mouth — one of the hazards of playing a show in a park. </p>
<p>And the Goo Goos hit all the songs the 4,400 fans who filed the bowl had to hear — mine was “Broadway,” which got an extended work with harmonica and a killer guitar solo from Rzeznik — in a show that sounded great from the start and got even better as it went along. </p>
<p>Of course, “Iris” became Rzeznik leading the Pinewood choir as the band brought the main set to an uplifting ending. </p>
<p>When I spoke with Rzeznik a month ago, I told him they’d probably be playing on a sweltering 90-degree night. I couldn’t have been wrong. For the fourth consecutive night, it was a perfect evening in the park for the best show I’ve seen by the Goo Goo Dolls. </p>
<p>It was more than worth the wait.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/goo-goo-dolls-give-fans-a-smartly-constructed-show-at-pinewood-bowl/article_c6fce759-299a-58bd-a2ef-53adfa4e35b8.html">https://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/goo-goo-dolls-give-fans-a-smartly-constructed-show-at-pinewood-bowl/article_c6fce759-299a-58bd-a2ef-53adfa4e35b8.html</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7024369
2022-07-26T21:07:16-04:00
2022-08-02T20:15:32-04:00
Seattle Refined - Concert Review: Goo Goo Dolls take over Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
<p><strong>by Abby Luschei</strong></p>
<p>Looking up to the sky Saturday night, you could see a hot air balloon floating over Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Likely unable to hear what was going on, the hot air balloon passengers surely couldn't miss the sold-out crowd singing and dancing to the music of a certain record-breaking, multi-platinum rock band. </p>
<p>That band would be the Goo Goo Dolls, who stopped by Woodinville, Washington on their first full-length tour since 2019. The concert was part of Chateau Ste. Michelle's annual Summer Concert Series. </p>
<p>It's safe to say the majority of people have heard of the Goo Goo Dolls, a band that's been together for more than three decades, releasing music and touring all over the world. The GRAMMY Award-nominated band was formed in Buffalo, New York in 1986, and is currently comprised of lead vocalist John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac. Known for songs like "Iris," which spent 18 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart, this band shows no signs of stopping. Their 13th studio album, "Chaos in Bloom," will be released on Friday, Aug. 12, with the lead single, "Yeah, I Like You" available now. </p>
<p>Chateau Ste. Michelle is known for their wine, but they are also known for their epic outdoor concert series each summer. Concerts typically sell out, and for good reason — live music, wine and sunshine? What more could you ask for? This year's lineup featured the likes of Tenacious D, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, and, of course, the Goo Goo Dolls. Concerts continue into September. </p>
<p>Blue October, an alt-rock band from Texas formed in 1995, opened the show — many in the crowd were spotted wearing Blue October concert t-shirts. The Goo Goo Dolls treated the crowd to an electric set of some of their most popular songs like "Come To Me," "Name" and "So Alive." Of course, the penultimate song was "Iris," which brought everyone to their feet, singing every word back to them, just after the sun had set. </p>
<p>They capped off the night with an insane cover of "Runnin' Down a Dream" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. </p>
<p>Overall, from the performance to the venue, seeing a show at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is definitely a summer *must* in the Pacific Northwest. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/goo-goo-dolls-chateau-ste-michelle-winery-summer-concert-series-2022">https://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/goo-goo-dolls-chateau-ste-michelle-winery-summer-concert-series-2022</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7020239
2022-07-22T12:18:25-04:00
2022-07-26T20:39:43-04:00
Musictrespass.com: The Goo Goo Dolls-Release Today of their Brand New Record
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.musictrespass.com/content/goo-goo-dolls-release-today-their-brand-new-record">http://www.musictrespass.com/content/goo-goo-dolls-release-today-their-brand-new-record</a><br> </p>
<p>Is the new Goo Goo Dolls album, the answer to your listening needs?</p>
<p>Four decades into their storied career, Alternative Rock legends Goo Goo Dolls are still discovering new and invigorating ways to make the most exciting music they’ve ever recorded. They have just released 'You are the Answer', the second song to be taken from'Chaos in Bloom' their thirteenth studio album that arrives on August 12th, 2022 via Warner Records. 'You are the Answer' is a melodic ballad that explores the experience of devoted love during times of difficulty, you can listen to the track at the bottom of this page. <br>'You are the Answer' follows 'Yeah I like You', Goo Goo Dolls’ first single from 'Chaos in Bloom' that was released earlier this summer. The band took to the stage to deliver a rousing debut performance of the single on 'Live with Kelly and Ryan' for the show’s July 4th celebration, which can be viewed here. Marking the first album of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, 'Chaos in Bloom'contains ten tracks of biting sarcasm, stadium ready choruses, and the type of spear sharp song-writing that’s led them to become one of the most influential Alternative Rock groups of all time. </p>
<p>While 'Chaos in Bloom' isn’t necessarily an album borne out by the pandemic, many of the tracks reflect on all of the things in daily life that became amplified while everyone was isolated from one another and sequestered at home. To record the album, Rzeznik and Takac retreated to Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, New York during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic Rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for clearing the noise and creating such a record, which carries a true live quality that the band captured by blending vintage instruments and gear with new age recording processes and techniques.</p>
<p>'Chaos is Bloom' tracklisting Below: </p>
<p>01 Yeah, I like You <br>02 War <br>03 Save me fom Myself <br>04 Let the Sun <br>05 Loving Life <br>06 Going Crazy <br>07 Day after Day <br>08 Past Mistakes <br>09 You are the Answer <br>10 Superstar</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7019692
2022-07-21T17:21:14-04:00
2022-07-21T17:21:14-04:00
The Spokesman-Review: It’s “Chaos in Bloom” for the Goo Goo Dolls, who are are no longer intimidated by Washington
<p><strong>By Ed Condran</strong></p>
<p>After writing and recording the aptly titled “Chaos in Bloom,” an album inspired by the pandemic, the Goo Goo Dolls was recently set back by the unrelenting coronavirus. </p>
<p>“I’m convinced COVID is trying to sabotage this tour,” singer-songwriter John Rzeznik said by phone from a California studio. “I just had COVID for the second time and (bassist) Robbie (Takac) just got COVID for the second time. There goes five days of rehearsals. COVID has had such an impact on us.” </p>
<p>After a spin of the band’s 14th album, which drops next month, it’s evident what moved Rzeznik and Takac. Isolation and anxiety are all over the new tracks. </p>
<p>“Yes, this album is a pandemic record,” Rzeznik said. “It definitely reflects where we were and where we are. The pandemic caused a lock down but it’s more than that. We’re more divided than I can ever remember. Why are we at each other’s throats? There’s a lot of bad that’s come out of this period but there’s also some good.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik, 56, was inspired by the social justice movement, and particularly by an experience just after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. “I remember walking out of a recording studio in Los Angeles and I stepped right into this protest” he said. “It was so powerful. I was literally in the middle of it and I just watched what was going on. It was so moving. There is so much going on in this country. There are so many people that are having a hard time just getting by.” </p>
<p>A generation ago Rzeznik and Takac were among those struggling. Broken down vans, bad record deals and a lack of progress marked the first decade of The Goo Goo Dolls. Much went wrong before everything changed a year after the band’s breakthrough album, “A Boy Named Goo” was released in 1995. </p>
<p>“A lot of bad things happened,” Rzeznik said. “But we just persevered.” </p>
<p>What kept the Goo Goo Dolls together is Rzeznik and Takac’s relationship. </p>
<p>“We have a bond,” Rzeznik said. “Even though Robbie and I don’t get along sometimes, we still have that bond and it goes back to those days when we were barely getting by.”</p>
<p>There were times that the tandem thought about giving it up but Rzeznik and Takac continued. “I think part of it was due to the fact that we had no idea what we would do if we didn’t make music,” Rzeznik said. “If you cut my fingers off I wouldn’t be qualified to do anything. I have no marketable skills.” </p>
<p>But Rzeznik didn’t have to worry about a back up plan. The punk band from Buffalo crossed over to the pop realm. The poignant acoustic ballad “Name” reached the top 5 of the Billboard pop chart in 1995. The Goo Goo Dolls reached another echelon thanks to another ballad, “Iris,” which was included in the “City of Angels” soundtrack. “Iris” spent nearly a year on Billboard’s airplay charts, including a mind-bending 18 weeks at number one, and was nominated for three Grammy Awards. </p>
<p>“Slide,” “Broadway” and “Black Balloon,” which was nominated for a Grammy, were also part of the hit parade. The Goo Goo Dolls, who will perform Friday at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, have 19 singles that reached the top 10 and have sold more than 15 million albums. </p>
<p>“We’ve had a lot of failure but we’ve had a lot of success too,” Rzeznik said. “Then we had a little bit of failure followed by some success. You just have to keep on working at it.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik knows on occasion that he wrote a quality song but often has no idea if a freshly penned tune is up to snuff. “It’s a strange thing when you write these songs about what’s good and what isn’t,” Rzeznik said. “I just get a feeling. Sometimes the hair will stand up on my arm after I wrote something. When I wrote “Broadway” I thought that was a good song since it’s a good story and I thought it was something people could relate to. And then there’s “Iris.” I wasn’t sure about “Iris.” It’s odd since it’s the biggest song we have.” </p>
<p>The band enjoys performing in Washington but Rzeznik admits that he used to get wound up when performing in the Evergreen state. </p>
<p>“During the early years I got intimidated whenever I would come to Washington,” Rzeznik said. “It’s the whole state. There’s the whole musical legacy of the Pacific Northwest. The last great movement in rock music happened in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a special place. I like how it is out there.” </p>
<p>Part of what appeals to the Buffalo native is the feeling of community in cities like Spokane. Rzeznik left Los Angeles in 2017 for Westfield, New Jersey, a small town with a neighborhood that is akin to the South Hill. “I love where I live since I can walk to places and just hang out and be part of what is going on,” Rzeznik said. “When my wife and I found out that we were having a baby five years ago, we decided that we had to get out of Los Angeles. It’s not a healthy culture for a kid to live in a city where when you meet people you get their résumé immediately. I’m in a good place, where I live and how I feel. I’m still inspired to write songs. I just wish COVID would just leave us alone. I hope something else inspires me when it comes time to write songs for the next album.”</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/jul/21/its-chaos-in-bloom-for-the-goo-goo-dolls-who-are-a/">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/jul/21/its-chaos-in-bloom-for-the-goo-goo-dolls-who-are-a/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7015162
2022-07-14T22:39:17-04:00
2022-07-19T11:39:20-04:00
Jam Broadcasting - Goo Goo Dolls launch NFT collection — one for each city they’re playing this summer
<p>Buying a t-shirt as a concert souvenir is so 2021 — wouldn’t you rather buy an NFT? Goo Goo Dolls are hoping the answer is yes.</p>
<p>In connection with their 2022 summer tour, the band is rolling out an NFT collection: There are 44 different designs, each commemorating a city they’ll be playing in. Each animated NFT is based on the cover design of their upcoming album Chaos in Bloom, but has the name of the city instead of the title — such as “Chaos in Portland” or “Chaos in Kansas City” — plus the venue. </p>
<p>There are 50 NFTs available per city, and they cost $25 each. You can check them out, or purchase one, at the website Fanaply. </p>
<p>The band’s tour kicks off Friday, July 15 and is scheduled to wrap up September 24 in the band’s hometown of Buffalo, NY. Chaos in Bloom arrives August 12.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/07/goo-goo-dolls-launch-nft-collection-one-for-each-city-theyre-playing-this-summer/">https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/07/goo-goo-dolls-launch-nft-collection-one-for-each-city-theyre-playing-this-summer/</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/18a6b0175d0c3ffebf8d5adbd279eca9b378375e/original/ggdnft.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7014106
2022-07-13T17:31:34-04:00
2022-07-13T17:31:34-04:00
Source Weekly - The Goo Goo Dolls Hit Bend
<p><em>John Rzeznik talks their new album, producing and getting back to the fans</em></p>
<p><strong>BY ISAAC BIEHL</strong></p>
<p>Invading the pop charts with alternative rock like no band had before, The Goo Goo Dolls have made a name for themselves that will live on forever. Songs like "Iris, "Name," and "Slide" will ring a bell for anyone, but their discography is four-decades deep and their fans are die-hard. John Rzeznik (guitar/vocals) and Robby Takac (bass/vocals) just announced their 13th studio album, "Chaos In Bloom," set to release Aug. 12. </p>
<p>Recorded outside Woodstock, New York, at Dreamland Studios—housed in an old church, "Chaos In Bloom" was the first time Rzeznik produced an entire Goo Goo Dolls record by himself.</p>
<p>"I think that I have a tendency to burn producers out. And I like to experiment. I didn't feel like I was able to get my hands as dirty and connect as deeply as I wanted to [previously]. So I went for it," says Rzeznik. "I am a collector of ridiculously old recording equipment. I love that. I wanted to have a chance to experiment to create some cooler sonic textures. And the writing process was really fun. We found an old church about an hour from where we live and just moved the band in there. As far as subject matter, it's pretty clear that the world has gone pretty f*cking insane." </p>
<p>Rzenzik gave it his all producing. </p>
<p>"I write music first. That music kind of triggers emotions in you and then I sort of come up with the melodies. Then a phrase will come out. You chase it. Chase it down the rabbit hole and see what's on the other side. It was fun producing. I blew all the money. I forgot about that part," he joked. </p>
<p>To accompany the announcement the band also released its first single, the sarcastic and witty "Yeah, I Like You," which touches a lot on celebrity culture and social media. "I wanted to write the story about this guy who meets this internet celebrity and they like each other. And he's baffled, like why is she so famous? There's a little bit of envy but also admiration. He's really having fun with it and he realizes his own life is gonna creep up on him." </p>
<p>As for Rzeznik, just staying out of it and avoiding trolls is his approach to social media. </p>
<p>"I hired a guy to do it for me. When Twitter came out they told me, 'You gotta get Twitter!' I'm trying it, and I wound up arguing with everybody. I'm like, I don't care. I'm gonna hire a guy and if I got something to say I'm gonna text him or call him. And when I don't, just post stuff about the band," laughs Rzenznik. "Why? Because I can't stop fighting with people. The vast majority of people are so supportive and so great and just want to say hi. It's amazing to have that sense of community like that. And we have an amazing audience. I feel a bond with them. But there's always some crazy f*cking person." </p>
<p>Other talking points on the album include political division on "Day After Day," societal inequalities on "Let The Sun," and Rzeznik sings about the kind of cabin fever one gets while trapped at home during a pandemic on "Going Crazy." </p>
<p>"I think I really did lapse into psychotic episodes. Or extreme anxiety attacks. It was pretty weird. I found people to work with and everyone was vaccinated as soon as they could be. We created our own little bubble to work in. Truly, just getting to have time with my daughter and working kept me sane," he says. </p>
<p>A big part of The Goo Goo Dolls experience is catching them live, and they haven't toured since 2019. Both Rzeznik and the fans are more than ready for their return. </p>
<p>"I miss seeing everybody! Our audience is so awesome. There's something so great about it. I feel this real sense of pride, standing up and singing a song, then turning the mic to them and they sing it. It's like yeah... we're cool with each other. I get you and you get me. I'm just happy we're here together. That's a powerful thing, man. I'm a lucky, lucky, lucky person." </p>
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls will be joined by Blue October on July 17 at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls w/Blue October </p>
<p>Sat., July 16. Doors at 5:30pm, Show at 7pm </p>
<p>Hayden Homes Amphitheater </p>
<p>344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend </p>
<p>$45 + fees</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/ca98f7e609a3d6448f6ddbf258979b18f5d5a38c/original/ggd2022.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bendsource.com/bend/the-goo-goo-dolls-hit-bend/Content?oid=17300998">https://www.bendsource.com/bend/the-goo-goo-dolls-hit-bend/Content?oid=17300998</a></p>
<p> </p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7013467
2022-07-13T00:04:09-04:00
2022-07-13T00:04:09-04:00
KPAX.com - Montana This Morning Interview: Goo Goo Dolls Bassist Robby Takac (VIDEO)
<p><strong>By James Dobson</strong></p>
<p>MISSOULA - Alternative-rock sensation the Goo Goo Dolls is coming to the Kettlehouse Theater Monday, July 18. </p>
<p>It's their first tour in three years, and lucky concertgoers will hear never-before-released songs. </p>
<p>In a Montana This Morning exclusive, we sat down with Bassist Robby Takac for a preview of the show. </p>
<p>Watch the video below for more.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/montana-this-morning-interview-goo-goo-dolls-bassist-robby-takac-video">https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/montana-this-morning-interview-goo-goo-dolls-bassist-robby-takac-video</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7012429
2022-07-11T17:03:15-04:00
2022-07-11T17:12:17-04:00
New Blog Entry by Robby for InRock Magazine
<p>Hey Hey In Rockers and welcome to The Lobby for this month’s catch up here in the pages of the mighty InRock! Well, where do I start? ….. As most of you probably know if you’ve been following my adventures here in The Lobby for the past 10 plus years, I live in a mid-sized city in NY State called Buffalo. It’s the 2nd largest city in New York State, but with a population of about 350,00 people it’s much, much smaller than the next largest city, being NYC. A week ago, a horrible, violent, deranged, racist event took place in our community as 10 of our citizens were gunned down in a mass shooting attack at a supermarket on the city’s East Side. </p>
<p>The East Side of Buffalo is home to the largest African American community in our city and in a manifesto left online the shooter detailed and outlined the reasons for his attack being due to his radical and frighteningly racist views. It is so hard to conceive that a person would go to these lengths for such a twisted ideology, but it unfortunately seems to be a growing problem in some segments of the population here in the US and around the world quite honestly. Paired with the easy availability of guns and the constant drumbeat of social media pulling these dangerous ideas along as if they were some sort of mainstream ideology rather than the twisted, irrational, and evil notions of misguided and lost souls. The shooter was quickly apprehended and will face justice through the court systems as the victims families are left to deal with the shattered lives and relationships these unspeakable thoughts and actions have left behind. </p>
<p>The community reacted with shock and disgust as it began to try to absorb what had happened in our midst, the worst of humanity had visited the neighborhood that day and the reactions from local leaders and politicians claimed that change will occur to address these scenarios. But we have heard this so many times before as this is becoming more and more of a common occurrence here in our country. I don’t think anyone is quite sure what the right thing to do is, but there are surely too many weapons in this country, and there is also surely a group of people who are scared and threatened by things that they don’t understand. And paired with ignorance and a lack of education this is a recipe for disaster in an already volatile and combustible situation. </p>
<p>In the days and week following that tragic day the community in Western New York showed it true colors, supporting the survivors, victim’s families and friends and their immediate community at large with their prayers, donations of food, supplies and money to try to ease just a little bit of the burden of the moment on the neighborhood. This is a truly special community that I’m proud to be a part of, but as we all learn to be better people and we all realistically and compassionately face some of the uncomfortable, unspoken issues we grapple with every day. In these times it’s just so important to try to put yourself into the shoes of those who are in different situations and circumstances than yourself. </p>
<p>Compassion, understanding and empathy, it’s what makes us human. </p>
<p>I’ll be back next month as my band begins to get back into our normal touring lives, but unfortunately for 10 devastated and shattered families here in Buffalo that “normalcy” will never be what it once was, but hopefully through this tragedy some will awaken to the idea that we need to love each other more, judge each other less, try to understand each other more and take the time to communicate with people who are different than us instead of shutting them out. </p>
<p>Ok….that's it for now, I believe we’ll be back to goofing around and talking about Rock and Roll and stuff next month, but please, please don’t forget what you read here in the column today. Be kind, smile a lot and have yourself a great month til we see each other again in the pages of The Mighty In Rock ! </p>
<p>Peace <br>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7012174
2022-07-11T12:31:32-04:00
2022-07-11T17:12:17-04:00
New! Lyric Video for "Yeah, I Like You"
<p>Learn the words and sing it LOUD!</p>
<p><br>https://youtu.be/U3eIi72OL9A</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7011612
2022-07-10T09:58:41-04:00
2022-07-10T09:58:41-04:00
Idaho Press: Goo Goo Dolls kicking off their tour at Ford Idaho Amphitheater
<p>https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/goo-goo-dolls-kicking-off-their-tour-at-ford-idaho-amphitheater/article_c187cf70-6120-58ad-bd41-5d36a06a74c9.amp.html</p>
<p>By L. Kent Wolgamott For the Idaho Press </p>
<p>Kicking off with a ringing, driving guitar, the newly released single “Yeah, I Like You” revs up scrappy rock ‘n’ roll, skewering meaningless internet and social media celebrity culture with its big choruses and pop hooks. </p>
<p>Welcome to the Goo Goo Dolls in the second decade of the 21st century. </p>
<p>“That song’s a lot of fun,” said singer/songwriter/guitarist John Rzeznik in a late-June phone interview. “What I love about that song is it really is a satirical kind of commentary on fame in the year 2022. I’m sitting around going ‘Who are these people? What are they famous for?’ You used to have to do something to be famous ... some of it is my age and some of it is the absurdity of social media. There’s a girl eating noodles. I eat noodles, why aren’t I famous? Everything is so weirdly random” </p>
<p>‘ Yeah, I Like You” and the rest of “Chaos in Bloom,’’ the album the band will release on Aug. 12, was recorded last summer, when the band decamped to Woodstock, N.Y., living in a house with a studio on the property. </p>
<p>The long-running alt rock band’s 13th album, “Chaos in Bloom” marks the first time Rzeznik has produced one of the band’s albums. He aimed to bring together vintage and contemporary sounds — and to capture the Goo Goo Dolls at their best. </p>
<p>“I wanted the album to have more of a live feel to it,” Rzeznik said. “A couple songs, I used drum machines and synthesizers. That’s a different kind of process. For the rock songs, it was live. The live versions of the songs, to me, always came across better than the studio versions. </p>
<p>“We would do 30 takes of a song. It was interesting. We tried to mix a lot of old techniques with new stuff. We recorded to tape, tried to limit the number of tracks,” he said. “The power of a microphone up to a guitar amp, how do you do that? That just isn’t done today. I wanted it to sound like something that could have been made in the ‘70s, the ‘90s, or today.” </p>
<p>Rzeznik did all the production, up to a point. Then he brought in Gregg Wattenberg to help finish the record. </p>
<p>“I felt like I couldn’t take these songs any further,” he said. “I stepped up in front of the mic and I was going to produce my own vocals. Then I went ‘I don’t know how to do this.’” </p>
<p>Rzeznik, bassist Robby Tacak and the rest of the band were set to rehearse “Yeah, I Like </p>
<p>You,” later on the day of this interview, getting the new song ready for its live debut. </p>
<p>By the time the tour begins, the Goo Goo Dolls’ loyal fanbase will have had a couple weeks to embrace the new song that they will be hearing from the stage. </p>
<p>“Once it’s out for a few days, people will learn it,” Rzeznik said. “We have such a large body of work behind us. You have to play a lot of those songs for people. I love doing that. I like entertaining people. I really do.” </p>
<p>That, of course, means the likes of “Iris,” “Name,” “Slide,” “Give a Little Bit” “Better Days” and “Broadway” will likely be heard on the tour that is set to kick off July 15 at Ford Idaho Amphitheater in Nampa and run through the end of September. </p>
<p>The band hasn’t toured since 2019 and has only played a few festivals and private engagements in more than two years. This meant Rzeznik, in late June, wasn’t close to ready to hit the road. </p>
<p>“I had to do three shows in a row the other day. I was ‘oh sh, I’ve got to get back in shape,’” he said. “t’s really hard to sing for two or three hours. Singing is more athletic than people think. It takes a lot of practice and rehearsing. I have to warm up my voice, do core exercise and sprints to get my wind back. Some people are absolute naturals. </p>
<p>“But I need to do all that stuff, to see my vocal coach, do the exercises,” Rzeznik said. “I can’t smoke cigarettes anymore. It’s like ‘this is no fun.’ I can’t drink anymore. I can’t smoke any more. But I get to do something that’s really awesome.” </p>
<p>More songs from “Chaos in Bloom” will almost certainly make their way into the set as the tour continues – like the protest song “Let the Sun Come Back Again”: </p>
<p>“It’s unfair that there’s one man who has $200 billion and flies on a giant penis into space and one in five kids are food insecure, or that a kid’s got to graduate from college with $100,000 in debt or that someone can’t love who they love and have to be in fear,” Rzeznik said. “That’s so sad. We’re better than that.” </p>
<p>Then there are the pandemic songs, like “Going Crazy.” “That was me lying in my bed going ‘What’s going on. I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t get out of here.’” “Day After Day” is a tight pop song that’s anchored by the same three notes played over and over </p>
<p>“It’s all about the pandemic and the strife,” Rzeznik said. “I’m singing ‘It’s all the same day after day/The more you scream, the less you say.’’’ </p>
<p>Such songs noted, the “Chaos in Bloom” songs are more observational than pointedly political. But they’re rooted in the two years of upheaval, beginning with the COVID-19 shutdown of March 2020. </p>
<p>“It came out of a really crazy time,” Rzeznik said of the album. “I found myself in the middle of a pandemic and in the middle of a Black Lives Matter protest. You’re feeling the intensity of the people…We came out on the other side and we’ve definitely changed. I hope we can find more in common with each other.” </p>
<p>In fact, finding commonality happens during live shows, and it’s why Rzeznik wants to be out playing again this summer. </p>
<p>“That’s what I love about playing live,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what your politics are, what you think about all the things that tear us apart, everybody in that room has something in common. They’re there to hear the band, whoever it is, they’re there for the music. The music is a small thing, but at least it’s something.”</p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7009899
2022-07-07T19:11:45-04:00
2022-07-07T19:11:45-04:00
Jam Broadcasting - Harry Styles, Adele, Goo Goo Dolls and more honored with new RIAA certifications
<p>Harry Styles, Adele, Goo Goo Dolls, Gavin Degraw and Sara Bareilles are now the proud owners of more RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum hits.</p>
<p>The agency noted that only three albums and 13 singles released this year have achieved Gold and Platinum status — and among the handful of acts is Harry’s “As It Was. In a press release, RIAA dubbed it the top digital single of 2022 after selling over two million copies, thus earning double Platinum status. It also should be noted that his 2019 hit “Lights Up” is also two times Platinum now. </p>
<p>Two Adele songs from her 30 album obtained multi-Platinum status with “Oh My God” selling a million copies, while “Easy On Me” went three-times Platinum. </p>
<p><strong>Goo Goo Dolls are celebrating 10 of their songs earning Gold and Platinum status in this latest roundup. Four songs of theirs — “Here Is Gone,” “Come To Me,” “Sympathy” and “Let Love In” — are Gold, with sales of over half a million copies. “Iris” remains their best-selling single, now certified for sales of seven million copies, while their 1998 album, Dizzy Up The Girl, is now five-times Platinum.</strong></p>
<p>The group’s single “Name” sold over two million copies, while “Better Days,” “Black Balloon” and “Slide” have all achieved Platinum status. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Gavin DeGraw’s 2011 hit “Not Over You” is now certified four-times Platinum. </p>
<p>And just in time for the 15th anniversary of her debut album Little Voice, which is officially twice Platinum, Sara found out her breakout hit “Love Song” has been certified six-times Platinum, while her single “Gravity” is double Platinum. </p>
<p>RIAA awards are determined based on a song or album’s sales as well as the amount of on-demand streams in the U.S. </p>
<p>Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/07/harry-styles-adele-goo-goo-dolls-and-more-honored-with-new-riaa-certifications/">https://jambroadcasting.com/2022/07/harry-styles-adele-goo-goo-dolls-and-more-honored-with-new-riaa-certifications/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7008988
2022-07-06T17:50:04-04:00
2022-07-06T17:50:04-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls - Live with Kelly and Ryan
<p>The Goo Goo Dolls perform their new single, "Yeah, I Like You" on July 4th!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kellyandryan.com/videos/?video=6308647729112">https://kellyandryan.com/videos/?video=6308647729112</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/20a1ba8cef1f9a7f4eee5e3b4346e756855fed55/original/artwork-440x440.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7008966
2022-07-06T17:45:01-04:00
2022-07-06T17:45:01-04:00
Nights with Alice Cooper - GOO GOO DOLLS HEADING BACK ON THE ROAD
<p>Set for release on August 12th is Chaos In Bloom — Goo Goo Dolls' 13th album. The group has already dropped the set's lead single, "Yeah, I Like You," and kicks off a major 44-city tour on July 15th at Nampa, Idaho's Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater. Co-founders John Rzeznik and Robby Takac will be on the road through September 24th when they wrap the trek with a hometown show in Buffalo, New York at Keybank Center. </p>
<p>John Rzeznik spoke about the band's new single "Yeah, I Like You" in a statement, explaining, "In a world that is just drowning in social media and internet stars, many of whom are certainly talented, but many confirm that in 2022 you can be famous for doing nothing. Celebrity in this age has a very quick burn. It was hard not to be consumed by it during the pandemic." </p>
<p>Rzeznik, who caught Covid twice, told us the pandemic only made him more diligent in writing the songs for the new Chaos In Bloom album: ["For me, it's like, the pandemic was 'you better do something.' I felt like everything I had worked for my whole life was just (snaps fingers) like, in the blink of an eye, it could just be taken away. So, it sort of, added a sense of urgency: 'Hey man, you better sit down with your guitar and a pencil and some paper and really start working – and work hard' — because nobody knew what was gonna happen. I mean, we cancelled two tours."]</p>
<p>Listen to audio clip at the link - <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nightswithalicecooper.com/2022/07/06/goo-goo-dolls-heading-back-on-the-road/">https://nightswithalicecooper.com/2022/07/06/goo-goo-dolls-heading-back-on-the-road/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7005594
2022-07-01T02:08:11-04:00
2022-07-01T02:08:11-04:00
Goo Goo Dolls - Yeah, I Like You (Official Music Video)
<p>The new Goo Goo Dolls' song, "Yeah, I Like You", is out now!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/RGfHJxvGaLE">https://youtu.be/RGfHJxvGaLE</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/458549/20a1ba8cef1f9a7f4eee5e3b4346e756855fed55/original/artwork-440x440.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/7005593
2022-07-01T02:02:14-04:00
2022-07-01T02:02:14-04:00
The Music Universe - Goo Goo Dolls announce 13th studio album
<p><strong>By Buddy Iahn</strong></p>
<p><em>Chaos in Bloom will be released Aug 12th</em></p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls have announced their new 13th studio album, Chaos in Bloom, will arrive on CD and LP on August 12th via Warner Records. Marking the first album of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, the record finds the band at the top of their game and continuing to constantly evolve just as they have for nearly four decades together. Consisting of 10 tracks, Chaos in Bloom is an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that’s led them to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time. </p>
<p>While Chaos in Bloom isn’t necessarily an album born out by the pandemic, many of the tracks reflect on all of the things in daily life that became amplified while everyone was isolated from one another and sequestered at home.</p>
<p>“Chaos in Bloom reminded us how special this whole thing is and to cherish the relationships that we have together,” says Rzeznik about the album. “Where we’ve been, and where we’re going.” </p>
<p>Oscillating from personal reflections on the state of the world to societal commentaries, the songs on the album grapple with observations about our dystopian modernity while searching for optimism and pushing for a more empathetic world. </p>
<p>“I’ve been trying to have a relationship with the bigger picture,” adds bassist and songwriter Robby Takac, “and refining happiness and what it means from that perspective.” </p>
<p>To record the album, Rzeznik and Takac retreated to Dreamland Studios just outside Woodstock, New York during the pandemic. An environment as remote as it is rich with historic rock music roots, the location proved to be the perfect setting for clearing the noise and creating such a record, which carries a true live quality that the band captured by blending vintage instruments and gear with new-age recording processes and techniques. </p>
<p>Alongside the announcement, the band has shared the first taste of the album “Yeah, I Like You.” As the intro track featured on Chaos in Bloom, the song ignites the record with a rousing acoustic guitar line that hits like a gut punch, with lyrics that effortlessly critique our celebrity culture, and the people who work so hard to look so disaffected while masking insecurities with false self-assuredness. </p>
<p>“In a world that is just drowning in social media and internet stars, many of whom are certainly talented, but many confirm that in 2022 you can be famous for doing nothing,” says Rzeznik. “Celebrity in this age has a very quick burn. It was hard not to be consumed by it during the pandemic.” </p>
<p>For the first time since 2019, the band will embark on a sprawling nationwide tour this summer. Set to kick off on July 15th at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID, the nationwide tour will see the band performing songs from Chaos in Bloom for the first time ever along with other tracks from their complete discography at iconic outdoor venues spanning North America, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. Blue October will provide support for the entire run. Goo Goo Dolls will be partnering with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation for the tour, a nonprofit founded in 2002 by Ali and Joe Torre to provide healing and education services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence including domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating abuse, and sexual assault to help break the cycle of violence. </p>
<p>Goo Goo Dolls’ older songs have actually been seeing this incredible resurgence the past two years too. “Iris” is on track to cross one billion streams on Spotify soon, was recently been covered by Phoebe Bridgers & Maggie Rodgers. The song has been discovered by younger generations on TikTok, which has helped the song reach 7x Platinum status this year and re-enter multiple Billboard charts for the first time in years. </p>
<p>CD | LP </p>
<p>Yeah, I Like You <br>War <br>Save Me From Myself <br>Let The Sun <br>Loving Life <br>Going Crazy <br>Day After Day <br>Past Mistakes <br>You Are The Answer <br>Superstar</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announce-13th-studio-album/">https://themusicuniverse.com/goo-goo-dolls-announce-13th-studio-album/</a></p>
Absolute Goo
tag:absolutegoo.com,2005:Post/6992015
2022-06-11T19:13:10-04:00
2022-06-11T19:13:10-04:00
New Inrock entry from Robby Takac
<p>http://www.inrock.co.jp/inrock/new/robby.html<br><br>Hey hey In Rockers and Welcome to The Lobby, our monthly chance to catch up here in the pages of the Mighty In Rock! I’ve been pulling my life together for the upcoming GGDS tour. I’ve been at home for the past few weeks as our Summer North American tour draws closer and at least here in The US the limitations and restrictions we’ve been living under for the past couple of years are being lifted. </p>
<p>I’ve been traveling a bit for business and holidays as well, I was on a plane flight 2 days ago when a passenger stood up and yelled “You can all take your masks off!”, apparently he had gotten an alert on his phone that the government here in the States had lifted the mask mandates for travel. I looked around and everyone just seemed confused, I think after a couple of years of living and traveling with masks most people (including myself) opted to stay masked and I think that’s probably not a bad idea in such close quarters. Mask mandates are a huge issue of debate here in the US as mask wearing is not really a part of our culture as it is in Japan, I was hoping this experience with the pandemic would change that attitude as we will probably face more of these types of situations as time goes on. But for now, and thankfully, we are on our way to a normal summer of music, friends and celebrations of life. </p>
<p>I spent a little time in the Florida Keys with my family this month, snorkeling, hanging at the beach and just having some vacation time as my daughter had some time off from school for their annual Spring Break. I’ve been to most places here in the US having toured with my band for over 3 decades, but I had never made it to the southernmost point of the US in Key West Florida. the Florida Keys are a chain of small islands off of the tip of the continental US. All of the islands are connected by a series of long bridges, the longest of which stretches 7 miles between the dots of land. It’s quite an experience to barely see the land on either side of your car as you make your way through the ocean….. just weird. We had a great time just eating seafood, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and lagoons and visiting some of the local tourist attractions including an interactive aquarium with stingrays and sharks. One afternoon we went out on a boat into the ocean and went snorkeling on a large reef with my 10 year old daughter. It was her first time ever in deep ocean water and she did great job in the big waves of the Atlantic Ocean, we saw schools of fish a bunch of large tropical fish, we even got to see some dolphins in the wild and caught a glimpse of a shark while we were in the water. </p>
<p>The new Goo Goo Dolls album is done being recorded and is being mixed as we speak in various locations around the country. It’s never easy, but I guess if it was everyone would do it right ? We’re busy doing some private shows this month and have some fun festival appearances coming up over the next month including West Palm Beach’s Sunfest celebration which we’ve performed at many times over the years. Can’t wait to get back on a proper tour, there’s so much time to make up for! Our Buffalo Cherry Blossom festival is next month and I and the Music is Art organization will be helping the planners and performers out at the event, and I’ll be bringing my friends from In Rock right along with me in next month’s edition of The Lobby! </p>
<p>Til then …. </p>
<p>Peace ! </p>
<p>Robby</p>
Absolute Goo