Just two short decades ago, the Goo Goo Dolls released “Dizzy Up The Girl”, an album which propelled the band into the stratosphere with hits Iris, and Slide charting in the top ten domestically. To celebrate the 20 year milestone, the Goo Goo Dolls are touring, playing Dizzy Up The Girl in it’s entirety as well as some “deep cuts” from throughout their expansive catalog.
At Portland’s Roseland Theater, packed from floor to ceiling and wall to wall with fans of all ages, the crowd pulsed with anxious energy. Well prepared fans inflated a handful of black balloons which bounced around the venue to kill the time. Although start time was scheduled for 8:00, the band didn’t hit the stage until nearly 8:40.
There was no opening band. The Goo Goo Dolls opted instead for a longer set, giving us 24 songs. Despite the marathon set length, the crowd stayed engaged from the beginning all the way through the finale. In fact, much of the night played out like one huge sing-along. Midway through the set, lead singer Johnny Rzeznik performed a duet with… himself. After wheeling a life-size screen onto the stage, Johnny and “Virtual Johnny” traded off playing guitar or singing. Rzeznik then did band introductions, committing an atrocious mistake and forgetting to introduce bass player and co-founder of the band, Robby Takac. One could easily dismiss it as intentional since he and Takac founded the band, but the look of shock on Takac’s face was visible even from the soundboard. Touring with the band are Brad Fernquist on guitar, Jim McGorman on Keyboards/guitar, and Craig Macintyre on the drums. Takac didn’t seem to hold a grudge for too long though, shaking it off and grooving right along.
If you’re looking for some nostalgia, some rock and roll, and a huge rush of endorphines, be sure to get out and experience Dizzy Up The Girl all over again.
