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.
By Mike Vulpo
Johnny Rzeznik isn't ready to slide away from the microphone.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
Pack Your Bags
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.
Under the Stars
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."
Rock and Recharge
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."
Treat Yourself
While Johnny spends more time resting in between tour stops, that doesn't mean there isn't some time for fun.
Paying it Forward
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."
Two Paws Up
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?
Sparking Joy
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."
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