Gaga for Goo Goo

InterviewJanuary 26, 2011Honolulu Weekly

"They’re not gonna play “Iris.” (It would be too weird before a football game, no?)"

Goo Goo Dolls / Lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls John Rzeznik has a lower voice than you expect from the man who asked, “Do you wake up on your own and wonder where you are?” in the hit single “Slide.” That little vocal surprise aside, Rzeznik and the rest of the Goo Goo Dolls will be here for the Pro Bowl pre-performance.

Before arriving on the island, Rzeznik called the Weekly and we learned what exactly a goo goo doll is, his candid thoughts on the canceled series The Next Great American Band and who he thinks is gonna take the Super Bowl.

(The Weekly also managed to provide some vital tour info for him.)

How’s it going?

It’s going good. We’re just driving to the airport right now.

Where are you?

We just did some work in Cancun, that was nice.

Is this going to be your first time in Hawaii?

We’ve been there quite a few times actually. It’s always nice.

What are you planning to do here besides the Pro Bowl?

Probably what we always do. Rent a car and drive around the whole island. Drive to the rainy side of the island.

You got any other favorite activities you like to do here?

No, just chilling out. I love driving around the island and relaxing.

What can we expect from your set before the Pro Bowl?

Before the Pro Bowl? [talks to someone next to him] Are we doing a set before the Pro Bowl? Oh… On the field before? [starts speaking into the phone again] Well, we’re only doing two songs so…umm… [laughs] We’re just going to kinda knock those two songs out pretty hard.

What songs are they?

I think we’re going to do “Not Broken” which is the new single and “Stay With You.” It’s gonna be fun.

What exactly is a goo goo doll?

It’s a toy from the 1950s that they were selling in the back of a magazine.

What kind of toy is it?

It’s like this little doll. You stick your fingers in the back of its head and you sort of make faces.

Time seems to move faster in pop culture these days. Do you think of yourself as a rock veteran?

I don’t know if I’d use that term exactly but I’ve been around a long time. Definitely I’d have to say yes to that question.

You have so many hits. Are there actually songs you’re tired of playing?

I don’t think I have any reason to be tired of playing any of the songs that helped buy my house and helped pay off my student loans. I’m pretty grateful for the hits we’ve had.

The Next Great American Band. Was it weird judging a music reality show?

Yeah, I was really actually pretty happy that show got canceled after that one season. It was the most uncomfortable season in the world. I’m in a band, I’m used to being judged, but having the shoe on the other foot was really uncomfortable for me. I wanted to be constructive but you know… What can I say? It was one of those situations where they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

What would you have done if it got renewed for the second season?

If it got renewed? [laughs] I would have tried to get out of doing it.

A lot of your music has been featured in films. Do you have any other movie music collaborations coming up?

We don’t have anything coming up right now but those are the projects we’re always looking for. Those are my favorite kinds of projects to do, just writing for film.

Your music has been featured on a few MTV shows as well. What do you think of Jersey Shore?

Couldn’t tell you. Never seen it.

Do you have any favorites for the Super Bowl?

Who do I think is gonna win it? I gotta think about it…. Pittsburgh. I’m gonna say Pittsburgh.

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