“I promised we had a big surprise for you today,” said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle to the camera, shielding the hit-making rock star sitting on the stoop behind her.

It was John Rzeznik, famed Goo Goo Dolls frontman and Westfield resident, who played a 15-minute Facebook Live “porch performance” Friday to raise money for the Union County town’s new We Love Local fundraiser. Money earned by the fundraiser will support independently owned Westfield businesses impacted by this coronavirus outbreak, which has forced thousands of restaurants, bars, salons and gyms to close or reduce staffing across New Jersey.

Rzeznik, who formed the Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo in 1986 and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, sang and strummed his acoustic guitar, running through the band’s apt hits “Better Days” and “Give A Little Bit” among other tunes. The rocker also urged viewers to support his town.

“Donate some money, as much as you can, that will help out local businesses through this hard time. And order some takeout!”

Those interested in supporting Westfield can donate at Westfieldunitedfund.org. The fund will match the first $15,000 in donations.

Rzeznik hasn’t been the only famous musician helping out New Jersey lately. Jon Bon Jovi pitched in at his JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank Wednesday, washing dishes with the staff.