Goo Goo Dolls Delights Syracuse Fans with Mix of Classics and New Tracks in Epic Concert
Syracuse, NY – The Goo Goo Dolls, led by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik, proved that they’re not stuck in the past as they treated fans to an unforgettable concert at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater on Wednesday night. The Buffalo-based band played an impressive setlist of 25 songs, showcasing their classic hits while seamlessly incorporating tracks from their two most recent albums.
Opening the evening was alt-rock veterans O.A.R., who warmed up the crowd with an energetic performance. The Goo Goo Dolls took the stage for an hour and 45 minutes, leaving no stone unturned in their repertoire.
Kicking off the show at 9:06 p.m., the band started with their hit song “Broadway,” followed by three more crowd favorites before Rzeznik took a moment to reflect on their journey. Reminiscing about their early days, Rzeznik expressed gratitude for their loyal fans. The band then launched into “Big Machine,” thrilling the audience.
The Goo Goo Dolls seamlessly mixed their classic hits like “Black Balloon” with tracks from their latest album, “Chaos in Bloom.” Songs like “Yeah, I Like You” and “Going Crazy” showcased the band’s evolution while keeping their signature sound intact.
The band’s bassist and vocalist, Robby Takac, entertained the crowd with his pink hair and introduced the audience to the “dusty” yet captivating track, “Lucky Star.” The audience couldn’t help but sing along and embrace the old-school vibes.
Rzeznik took a moment to share his anxieties about the future of technology, musing about the potential obsolescence of humans and jokingly comparing having a conversation with AI to talking to a psycho ex-girlfriend. As he spoke, a tape recorder named “TAPEY” was wheeled out, symbolizing the band’s reliance on old-school technology.
The crowd was treated to a unique rendition of the song “Lost,” which featured electronic drums, thanks to Tapey’s help. The band continued to captivate the audience with performances of hit songs like “Name,” featuring a mesmerizing a cappella chorus.
In a surprising twist, Rzeznik welcomed Marc Roberge from O.A.R. to the stage for what seemed to be the grand finale. However, instead of performing their biggest hit, the Goo Goo Dolls and Roberge surprised the crowd with a stunning cover of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The collaboration between the two bands was a highlight of the night, showcasing their chemistry and musical prowess.
Finally, the Goo Goo Dolls ended the night on a high note with their iconic ballad, “Iris.” The crowd passionately sang along, and the band let the audience take over, hearing the entire venue shout the heartfelt lyrics, “Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive.” After a few more choruses, the Goo Goo Dolls bid farewell and brought the unforgettable concert to a close.
The band’s ability to mix in fresh tracks while still delivering the beloved classics pleased the fans. The Goo Goo Dolls showcased their longevity and their commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their roots. This incredible performance in Syracuse stands as a testament to the band’s enduring talent and their ability to captivate audiences after decades in the music industry.
Setlist:
– Broadway
– Over and Over
– Slide
– Big Machine
– Here Is Gone
– Black Balloon
– January Friend
– Yeah, I Like You
– Going Crazy
– Lucky Star
– So Alive
– Dizzy
– Sympathy
– Lost
– Come to Me
– Name
– Miracle Pill
– Run All Night
– Life’s A Message
– Bringing On the Light
– Better Days
– Stay With You
– Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy
– I Won’t Back Down (cover)
– Iris