09/29/10 - "We didn't really expect to be successful. We just wanted to make the music we wanted."

Every so often, hardship produces something other than pain and depression. Sometimes, it acts as a catalyst for change, providing the necessary drive to seek a view not marred by abandoned factories and rusted machinery; to look at the hollow shell of what was once a thriving town and decide that your destination reaches far beyond its city limits. This is what Goo Goo Dolls founding members, Johnny Rzeznik (lead guitar and vocals) and Robby Takac (bass) did in the mid '80s, deciding that music was their only way out.

"What most of the country is feeling right now, Buffalo felt in the '70s when the steel industry left," Robby Takac explained to me in a phone interview yesterday afternoon. "I think growing up in a place like that makes you take a look at the things around you and makes you take note of the positive things in life."

Formed in 1986, the Goo Goo Dolls began as a punk band, inspired by the rough and piercing sounds they heard on the radio and at local shows. "We listened to what we heard on the radio during the late '70s early '80s." Takac said. "It was then that we discovered punk rock and dabbled in that for the first 10 years of our band. Shortly after that we made a couple records that had more of an across the board appeal and that's where we are now."

The concept of evolution and constantly changing styles has always been important to the band. Being dynamic has been able to keep them fresh and new throughout their lengthy career.

Takac spoke with me about their musical progression from the formation of the band in the '80s, through the '90s, until now.

"The change from the Goo Goo Dolls in 1986 to the Goo Goo Dolls in the 'Iris era' seems fairly obvious if you listen to the music," Takac said. "I also think that the change from the 'Iris era' to Something For The Rest of Us (the band's newest album) is pretty evident as well. That being said, I think it's going to take a while for that reality to manifest itself."

Having a huge hit like "Iris" appears to be both a gift and a curse for the band. On the one hand, "Iris," along with songs like "Slide," helped shoot the band into super stardom. On the other, it is a song that will follow the band around for the rest of their careers and makes their newer work harder to sell to 'Iris Era' fans.

This is unfortunate as their newest album, Something For The Rest of Us, does a great job of incorporating classic Goo Goo Dolls styling with new, inventive sounds and lyrics. Something For The Rest of Us is certainly one of the best albums of the fall.

In addition to bringing instruments and music across the country, Takac and the Goo Goo Dolls have something else in tow.

They have been working with USA Harvest, an organization that helps the band collect food for shelters in the cities they travel to.

"We've been doing it for about 13 years now, and have raised more than 9 million meals since we started.

The band will be collecting food at tonight's show and the person who brings the most food will get a chance to go backstage with the Goo Goo Dolls, hang out and take pictures with the band.

The Goo Goo Dolls have withstood the test of time. If you grew up in the '90s, their work from that time brings you back to your childhood where things seemed infinitely more simple; I'd be lying if I didn't say that "Iris" and "Slide" bring me back as well.

As my final question and custom when doing interviews, I asked Takac what his favourite kitchen appliance was. "Above all else, that would have to be my espresso machine," Takac said.

"We (Takac and his espresso machine) have a relationship that I don't have with any other object in my kitchen and maybe even my house."

Tickets for tonight's show are still available through URI or Ticketmaster. Come out and show these guys your support. While you're at it bring as much food as you want to donate. Who knows, you may be able to wish Robby Takac 'happy birthday' in person.