The historic Pabst theater was the site of yet another promising venture in the music business. The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their 2011 Fall tour to a respectable crowd in a warm, intimate setting.

Supported by the fellow New York singer, Ryan Star, the Goo Goo Dolls put on a show that did not disappoint. Having recently played a widely attended show at Summerfest back in July, the Goo Goo Dolls were very excited to be back in Milwaukee.

Supporting artist Ryan Star (and band) took the stage shortly after doors opened, commenting on how “nice” the setting was and how great it is to be close to the people he’s playing for. “I can actually see you!”

Having experienced many not so great opening bands in my past, I was not very excited for Ryan Star, but I was proven very wrong. As his set progressed into the second and third songs, Star really got the crowd into his music and had them dancing around. Star had a great array of songs he played, some equally catchy as funny.

Putting on quite a show, Star was energetic and in to his own music. Showing emotion through every song he showed he was very excited to be touring with the Goo Goo Dolls. At the end of the show, Star even invited a fan from the crowd up on stage to play guitar. Finishing out the song in all smiles the band, and fan, put on a great show.

The Goo Goo Dolls never seem to leave fans disappointed. Be it the sweet sounds of their music or the energy of bassist Robby Takac, they always seem to keep fans coming back at every tour. Attendees throughout were kept on their feet most of the night as the Goo Goo Dolls played a slew of their hits, old and new.

The most memorable part about the Goo Goo Dolls performances are the black balloons fans bring to throw around when the band plays their hit, you guessed it, “Black Balloon.” This usually put a smiled on Johnny Rzeznik’s face and this show was no exception. Fan loyalty and interaction with the band has never been a problem for the Goo Goo Dolls showing that their hard work throughout the years has paid off. Interacting with fans throughout the show, Johnny kept fans dancing an singing along with him in the close intimate setting of The Pabst. The show was a great start to a presumably successful tour of the diverse fans of the Goo Goo Dolls throughout the US.

Setlist

Still Your Song – Slide – Here is Gone – Big Machine – Dizzy – Smash – January – Home – Black Balloon – Can’t Let it Go – Name – Now I Hear – Tucked Away – We’ll Be Here – Become – Let Love In – Stay With You – Better Days – As I Am – Iris – Broadway – Naked – All Eyes on Me