Review By Darren McIntyre
Photos By Barry Douglas
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Goo Goo Dolls -
John Rzeznik - Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Electric Guitar
Robby Takac - Bass / Vocals
Setlist -
Yeah, I Like You
Home
Slide
Dizzy
Big Machine
Here Is Gone
Black Balloon
Smash
Life's A Message
Miracle Pill
So Alive
Let Love In
Sympathy
Name
Going Crazy
Lucky Star
Bring On The Night
Stay With You
Better Days
Broadway
Not Broken
Long Way Down
Iris