Almost two decades since their song “Iris” was released and became a huge hit, American rock band Goo Goo Dolls is coming to Manila for the first time for a one night only concert at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2017.

“We’ve always wanted to tour Asia and the only place we’ve toured (there) is Japan so we’re really excited. People have come to the Philippines for shows and they tell us ‘You need to go to the Philippines,’” Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac told Bulletin Entertainment in a phone interview.

Robby and band frontman-guitarist John Rzeznik are behind the smash tunes “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Here Is Gone,” “Better Days” and “Give A Little Bit,” among others though “Iris” seems to have resonated the most with fans.

“‘Iris’ is a pretty special song for us. The time when that song came out, the places we ended up and the way life was at that moment just made that song really, really dramatic. Quite honestly, the song has made a pretty big shadow and set a pretty high goal every time we put out a record. I think it’s one of the biggest drivers in our career. Having a moment like that was awesome,” he said.

“Iris” is from the soundtrack of the movie “City Of Angels.” It earned them three Grammy nominations; 18 weeks on top of Billboard Hot 100 Airplay; and four weeks at number one on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart. “Iris” became a hit across several countries including the Philippines where Pinoys love to sing it in every special occassion or karaoke party.

“It was a magical moment. It’s great to watch the people’s reaction when we play. Obviously, there’s a great connection. When you’re onstage playing the song and people are singing and being part of it with you, you’re actually making it happen in the room,” Robby said.

Genesis

Goo Goo Dolls formed in Buffalo, New York, is celebrating their 30th year as a band, a big feat in the cutthroat industry. They have released 11 albums, including “A Boy Named Goo,” “Superstar Carwash,” and now their latest “Boxes.”

“Our first records were just loud. Punk-rock made by bunch of kids. From all these years that kept us together, we always had to try something new in the next record. We’ll always try to do something different without scaring away the people who listen to us,” he shared.

“Boxes,” which includes the songs “Free Of Me” and “Prayer In My Pocket,” is said to be different from their previous albums, showing how much the band has evolved through the years.

“How do you move forward and keep as many folks who love your band as you can? I think we’ve actually done a pretty great job of that. If you listen to our records from 1986 and listen to ‘Boxes,’ you’d never imagine that we’re the same band,” he said.

Asked what makes Goo Goo Dolls stay strong all these years, Robby cited the good chemistry they have as a band, the foundation they have built with the team that manages them, and of course, their fans.

“I don’t feel like it’s over. It’s the greatest thing, doing this for 30 years. John and I still have many things that we want to do and try. You need to have the right chemistry between the people involved. Sometimes, it’s not just the guys from the band. Sometimes it’s the manager too. We need to have good support from people who are in the band, it’s all about chemistry. If it’s going to work, it’s gonna work. More than anything else, when people stop caring, it’s over. More than anything else, I guess it’s the fans that we connect with. They’re excited to be part of this,” he said.

Many Filipinos have been waiting for this first visit of Goo Goo Dolls and the band is just as excited to perform for them.

“I can’t believe that it has taken this long to see you guys. We’re just so happy. I’m looking forward to playing these songs. It’s for a whole new group of people who haven’t had the chance yet to watch our show,” Robby said.