The Goo Goo Dolls performed close to home on Saturday, October 30, 2010. Originally formed in 1986 in Buffalo, NY, and still going strong, the Goo Goo Dolls’ tour made a stop at the Events Center inside the Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel in Salamanca, NY. The “almost” hometown crowd gave the band a warm welcome as they took the stage at 7:11 PM with “Sweetest Lie.” The house looked pretty full as fans stood and cheered throughout the show.
Vocalist/guitarist Johnny Rzeznik belted out note after note and changed guitars for nearly every song. Johnny’s voice got a break as bassist Robby Takac took over on vocals for “Another Second Time Around” and “Smash.” Being Halloween weekend, several fans were wearing costumes and Takac told the audience that he likes being in this part of the world around Halloween because he knows whether or not people are actually wearing costumes. Takac was sporting a new look with shorter hair and he was his usual energetic and animated self on bass guitar. Drummer Mike Malinin played a flawless set.
During “Black Balloon,” a variety of black balloons were being tossed about among the audience and as a few balloons made their way to stage, the band playfully tossed them back into crowd. Next, Johnny announced the first single from the new album and “Home” was performed. Later, there was some banter with the audience as a fan held up a sign “Went to DMV for GOO GIRL license plate.” The DMV would not honor the fan’s request because GOO GIRL was apparently considered offensive by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Robby took the sign and held it up. He mentioned Buffalo and said they know people at the DMV. It was a light-hearted moment where the band really acknowledged their roots. Robby took over on vocals again for “Now I Hear” and “Tucked Away.”
Johnny played a variety of acoustic guitars for the next few songs, including “Name” and “Let Love In.” The crowd sang-a-long and clapped-a-long. During “Iris,” the final song of the regular set, touring rhythm guitarist Brad Fernquist played the mandolin. That name may sound familiar as he played most of the lead guitar on Paul Stanley’s (KISS) “Live to Win” album. Johnny got a bit horse singing this one, and at one point, he even did a “do over.” The audience did not seem to mind and he did a fine job the second time around. The Goo Goo Dolls returned to the stage for a two song encore, wrapping up the night with “Broadway.” It was a grand finale as keyboardist Korel Tunador took center stage on the saxophone.
This was a fun concert and it’s particularly special when you have a chance to see a band in their hometown area. The 85 minute performance flew by and almost seemed too short. Wherever this tour takes them, if they come to your town, you will only be disappointed if you miss them.
Set List:
Sweetest Lie
Big Machine
Slide
Dizzy
Here Is Gone
Another Second Time Around
Smash
Can’t Let It Go
Black Balloon
Home
Better Days
Stay With You
Now I Hear
Tucked Away
Name
Let Love In
As I Am
Iris
Encore:
Not Broken
Broadway
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Allegany Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
