Opening for the hometown Goo Goo Dolls, was Daughtry. He played a solid 75 minute set, covering all his hits from his American Idol days, and top ten hits “Home” and “It’s Not Over.” Daughtry was enjoyable to watch. He has a great stage presence and a great voice. Put that in front of a tight band and you’ve got a time proven recipe for success. As good as he was, and the fans appreciated it, the night was about the hometown Goos, and Daughtry got the crowd at Darien Lake PAC ready for them.
With bassist Robby Takac rushing out on stage ahead of frontman John Rzeznik, The Goo Goo Dolls jumped into a full on rock show, opening their hit filled set with “Dizzy” in front of their home crowd. Having been through town twice recently with acoustic shows, Rzeznik pointed out how nice it was with all the lights, and the big show, but tonight was all about his relationship with the crowd.
Returning to your hometown and playing for your friends and fans that have been there since you cut your teeth has got to be one of the most rewarding experiences of any successful musician. Well frontman John Rzeznik had a slighty different take, stating “it’s more difficult to play at home, than anywhere else, cause I actually give a fuck what you people think.” At one point, Rzeznik stated how much he enjoyed himself being home, and wanted to “dedicate a song to you guys.” Of course, that song was the one that launched The Goos into the spotlight, “Name.” After he struck the final chord, he said “Thank you for remembering that song.”
Rzeznik engaged the crowd all night, telling stories of backstage encounters with fans and his relationship with his wife. Because of that, the show had more of a corner bar gig feel than a full on production rock show. It’s nice to know that amidst all the fame and world travels, even stars are fond of their home in Buffalo.
Goo Goo Dolls setlist:
Dizzy
Big Machine
Slide
Rebel Beat
When The World Breaks Your Heart
Already There
Another Second Time Around
Come To Me
Black Balloon
Stay With You
Here Is Gone
Caught In A Storm
Naked
Name
January Friend
Bringing On The Light
Better Days
Slow It Down
Broadway
Iris
Encore: Sympathy
Give a Little Bit (Supertramp cover)
Daughtry setlist:
Baptized
Feels Like Tonight
Over You
Renegade
Traitor
Outta My Head
What About Now
Wild Heart
Battleships
Home
September
Encore:
Waiting for Superman
Long Live Rock & Roll
We would like to thank Ashley Ball from Live Nation for her assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
