Singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips (and American Idol Season 11 winner) served as their opening act, and he delivered a killer live set, thus getting the fans excited for the Goo Goo Dolls.
They kicked off their set with “Tattered Edge / You Should Be Happy,” which ironically enough is the opening track on their latest EP, released on Warner Bros. Records. They immediately broke into “Home” and such infectious classics as the upbeat “Slide,” and “Big Machine,” where everybody in the crowd was singing along.
After “So Alive,” they took their fans on a trip down memory lane to 1999 with “Black Balloon,” which was sheer perfection. Johnny Rzeznik’s voice is still smooth as silk. It was great to hear bassist and co-founder Robby Takac sing lead on “Lucky Star,” and give a well-deserved break to Rzeznik. Takac subsequently showed his soft side on the liberating tune “Free of Me.”
Other fan-favorite songs of the evening included the upbeat “Come to Me,” the mid-tempo “Better Days” as well as their smash singles “Name” and the youthful “Broadway.”
After “Long Way Home,” they closed with their signature ballad, “Iris,” which felt like the national anthem of the night, earning the band a huge standing ovation.
For their encore, the Goo Goo Dolls for one final performance of “Boxes,” which had a fun, summer vibe to it, especially with the beach balls bouncing around the venue.
The Verdict
Overall, Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac rocked at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh. They deliver at every show that they headline in New York. This is a band that belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their classic hits have molded the 90’s musical decade. Well done guys.
Read More: Digital Journal chatted with Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.
