Goo Goo Dolls: Live Review

Concert ReviewOctober 23, 2013The Courier Online

It’s Saturday Night and I’ve somehow managed to score tickets to see what my 15 year old dorky self would proclaim as one of the “most totally awesome” bands ever! Being notoriously known for my impeccable knack for arriving late to everything, it comes as no surprise that the crowd is roaring by the time I’ve entered the O2 Academy. The punchy instrumental opening to ‘Last Hot Night’ echo throughout the O2’s reception as I’m bolting it up the stairs to catch the opening number from the electrifying New Yorkers.

After grabbing a much-craved beverage, I’m ready to take in every splendid chord. The stage is incandescently lit with purple spotlights, all of which cascade down on Frontman John Rzeznik as he melodiously sings the oldie ‘Naked’. When Rzeznik’s voice projects itself, it’s as if I’m listening to him on the walkman I owned during my naïve adolescence. Its impressive how flawless Rzeznik’s vocals are, without a croak emanating from the microphone… shame about the locals chiming in with their own horrendously slurred renditions!

‘Slide’ is the first classic to get the room pulsating, where the crowd echoes back the chorus of “I want to be where you are”. Each fan’s devotion to the Goo Goo Dolls is mesmerising and truly overwhelming. With hands swaying in the yellow tinted room, you can see Rzeznik giving his all as he dances across the stage whilst strumming on a Classic Fender.

Another epic melody performed is the beautiful ‘Black Balloon’, where during the performance black balloons are tossed back and forth across the crowd. Whilst all this takes place, I catch a glimpse of a cheeky smile on Rzeznik’s face, knowing instantly that he’s has them in the palm of his hands.

Half way through, Rzeznik appeals to his devotees about playing new material, which is immediately ricocheted by a thunderous applaud. Evidently the Goo Goo Dolls are trained in the art of crowd pleasing. Cofounder and bassist Robby Takac also takes centre stage, performing his own medley of heavy metal records which add a Black Sabbath vibe to the evening. Somehow this addition doesn’t work spectacularly, resulting in an awkward stiffness from the crowd. As the night draws to an end, the Goo Goo Dolls have been breathtaking. Keeping the crowd pumped and demonstrating that 20 years on, they’re still as adored as when Bon Jovi lookalike Rzeznik still had his baby face. Throughout the night, Rzeznik entertains the crowd with his interjections of “I love you too” which is acknowledged with girlish screams, to his backlash at the tech guys for making his face shimmer 20 vivid colours in a few short seconds.

All is not yet complete, as their most iconic song has not yet been executed. Whenever the name Goo Goo Dolls arises, the word ‘Iris’ springs to mind, which is either accompanied by people belting it out horrendously or the stereotypical rolling of eyes. For this crowd, the former applies. As the opening chords to ‘Iris’ play, a passionate cheer overwhelms the playing which is mimicked again as the crowd silence Rzeznik’s voice to the lyrics “I just want you to know who I am”, whereby the microphone is spun around to face the crowd.

The night ends with the bubbly, pop-carbonated ‘Broadway’, accompanied by purple pyrotechnics and flashing white lights that would leave anyone with blind spots. The final note of Broadway ends in true rock fashion, with an incredible guitar solo that reverberates the atmosphere. As the lights start to fade, a purply-pink fog lingers, meaning potential for an encore. Answering the crowd’s prayers, the band finish with one last crowd-pleaser cover of Supertramp’s ‘Give A Little Bit’. A perfect track to end a truly extraordinary night.

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