The Goo Goo Dolls are just two years away from the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, and of the original lineup, John Rzeznik (Guitar/Vocals) and Robby Takac (Bass/Vocals) are still together. They would become one of the most successful groups of the '90s with multi-platinum albums like A Boy Named Goo and Dizzy Up the Girl containing major hits “Name,” “Iris,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and “Broadway.” These hits and more were performed at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday night (9/7).
Since 1999, Goo Goo Dolls have played the Greek Theater at least 10 times, most recently in 2022. Goo Dolls are currently out on their Summer Anthem Tour—named after their E.P. released just two weeks ago—and are touring with Dashboard Confessional. Goo Goo Dolls added guitar and keyboards to their touring band in 1998, and since 2006, Brad Fernquist has been the band's guitarist (but is currently out after a shoulder injury and Sammy Boller has been filling in). Fernquist has recorded with the band on several albums and was the only guitarist with Rzeznik on Miracle Pill. Following Mike Malinin, who had been the drummer for 18 years, Craig Macintyre has been the drummer since 2014. Macintyre was the drummer on the most recent album Chaos in Blossom. Keyboardist Jimmy McGorman has been performing with the Goo Goo Dolls since 2018, replacing Korel Tunador who had been touring with them since 2006. McGorman has provided backing vocals on their last two albums.
The 25-song set kicked off with “Naked,” followed by “Slide,” one of their biggest hits. Throughout the show, other big hits like “Black Balloon,” “Miracle Pill,” “Here Is Gone,” “Name,” and “Broadway" were performed. Just before “Iris,” the closing song, Mark McGrath, who has performed at the Greek with his band Sugar Ray, came out as a surprise guest for INXS’s “Don’t Change.” Goo Dolls have released a total of 13 albums over the last 38 years with both “Iris” and “Slide” becoming number one singles. Whether you’re seeing them for the first time or tenth time, it is always an amazing show and a band you'll want to see each time they tour.
Photos by Alex Kluft
