On Wednesday night, the ill-fated Gibson Ampitheater hosted one of its last major concerts. Kate Voegele and Matchbox 20 graced the stage; however, it was the Goo Goo Dolls who commanded the audience’s attention.

Finding success over twenty years ago, the Goo Goo Dolls have a lot to show for their fortunate career. The band has earned 14 top ten singles, as well as having their latest album, “Magnetic,” debut at #8 on the Billboard charts.

Needless to say, the Goo Goo Dolls have been showcasing their talent for quite a few years and their experience proved to be able to win over the sold-out crowd.

Whether it was the 13-year-old decked out in a Johnny Rzeznik shirt, or the slightly older fans who were actually able to go to the Goo’s concerts in the '90s, dedicated fans knew every lyric. 

The performance began with a new song from “Magnetic,” titled “Last Hot Night.” A much older “Naked” followed. Then the well known guitar solo circa 1998 got the audience’s attention in the song “Slide.”  Applause roared, as “Here is Gone” and “Let Love In” soon followed.  

When playing the new single “Rebel Beat,” lead singer Johnny Rzeznik asked if the crowd was ready to learn a new song. However, it seemed as though most fans already knew this latest hit.  

The fact that the Goo Goo Dolls still make “Black Balloon” sound so innocent is a miracle in itself. The music video also played in the background of the performance, adding a visual to the story about a recovering drug addict. There was even a black balloon surfing the crowd like a beach ball at a sporting event.   

The eccentric bassist, Rob Takac, even sang a few songs (“Now I Hear,” “Second Time,” “Bringing On the Light”). Though these are not exactly their mainstream hits, it was nice to hear a change of sound and showed that the Goo’s are a band where everyone contributes to the music.  

“Come to Me” is one of the most promising songs on the new album. Rzeznik encouraged the crowd to sing along to the new song, even displaying lyrics on the screen. For a sweet, acoustic ballad, “Come to Me” could be considered as picking up where “Iris” left off.

Rzexnik explained the song was about two people who lost each other, but reconnected because they realized they loved each other too much to ever pat. While “Iris” describes the reluctancy of affection, “Come to Me” dealing with past fear and moving on with love. 

Of course, however, “Iris” accumulated the most riveting applause. If you have turned on the radio station in the past 15 years, no doubt the lyrics are engraved in your mind. Virtually every person at the Gibson was singing along. Trying to make the song as dramatic as possible with long pauses and extended guitar solos, fans were head over heels. Sometimes it pays to have writer’s block. 

Rzeznik described the moment he knew the Goo Goo Dolls could officially say they were professional musicians. One night he was grocery shopping at three in the morning when he heard “Name” on the radio. After that, it was history.

Seeing them perform this song, all jamming together in the middle of the stage with smiles from ear to ear, it was obvious that the Goo Goo Dolls still love what they do and will hopefully keep it up for their loyal fans in the future. 

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.