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The Goo Goo Dolls

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Band Timeline

1986

Formation of the Goo Goo Dolls

The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in Buffalo, New York in 1986. The original lineup consisted of John Rzeznik on guitar and vocals, Robby Takac on bass and vocals, and George Tutuska on drums and percussion. The trio met through local music circles, with Takac and Tutuska being longtime friends. The band initially started as a cover band before developing their own punk-rock sound.
1987

Release of Debut Album 'Goo Goo Dolls'

In 1987, the Goo Goo Dolls released their self-titled debut album on Mercenary Records. Featuring Takac as the lead vocalist, this album marked their entry into the punk rock scene. The band's early music was rooted in punk but was still in development, setting the stage for their future evolution. In 1988, the album gained broader distribution when picked up by Celluloid Records.
1989

Second Album 'Jed' Released

The band released their second album, 'Jed', in 1989. During this period, they performed extensively on the Buffalo underground music circuit and toured nationwide opening for other punk bands such as Gang Green, SNFU, and Bad Religion. This phase helped the band consolidate their punk rock reputation while starting to experiment musically.
1990

Release of Third Album 'Hold Me Up' with Rzeznik as Lead Vocalist on Several Tracks

In 1990, their third album 'Hold Me Up' was released, featuring John Rzeznik taking lead vocal duties on five tracks including the single 'There You Are'. The album continued to blend punk rock with elements of pop and heavy metal. The band also recorded 'I'm Awake Now' for the 'Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare' soundtrack in 1991, further expanding their reach.
1993

Success of 'Superstar Car Wash' and Media Attention

The 1993 release of 'Superstar Car Wash' was a critical success and received significant media attention. This album benefitted from a bigger budget and better production, partly recorded at Metalworks Studios in Ontario. Its singles, particularly 'We Are the Normal', co-written with Paul Westerberg, helped get college radio and MTV airplay, increasing the band's profile considerably.
1994

Lineup Change: George Tutuska Replaced by Mike Malinin

Just before the release of their breakthrough album 'A Boy Named Goo', founding drummer George Tutuska was fired following a payment dispute. He was replaced by Mike Malinin. This lineup change marked a turning point, with Malinin bringing new energy to the band as they prepared for mainstream success.
1995

Breakthrough with Single 'Name' and Album 'A Boy Named Goo'

In 1995, the band achieved mainstream success with the album 'A Boy Named Goo'. The breakthrough came with the hit single 'Name', which received widespread radio play and introduced the band to a larger audience. This album marked their transition from punk roots to a more mainstream rock sound.
1998

Massive Success of 'Dizzy Up the Girl' and Hit Single 'Iris'

The 1998 album 'Dizzy Up the Girl' solidified the Goo Goo Dolls as major rock stars. Their single 'Iris' became a cultural phenomenon, spending 11 consecutive months on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 weeks. It was later named the top pop song of the 1992–2012 period by Billboard. Other hits from the album included 'Slide', 'Black Balloon', and 'Broadway'.
2002

Release of 'Gutterflower' and Continued Success

The Goo Goo Dolls released their sixth studio album, 'Gutterflower', in 2002. It featured the popular single 'Here Is Gone' and demonstrated the band's continued relevance and ability to produce hit songs. The album reflected a more mature sound and maintained their presence in mainstream rock music charts.
2006

Release of 'Let Love In' with Hit Singles

In 2006, the band released 'Let Love In', which included successful singles like 'Better Days', 'Give a Little Bit', and 'Stay with You'. The album showcased their knack for crafting catchy rock ballads and further increased their fanbase. This period also saw the band receiving multiple Grammy nominations, reflecting critical as well as commercial success.
2012

Recognition for 'Iris' as Top Pop Song of the Previous Two Decades

In October 2012, the band's iconic single 'Iris' was recognized by Billboard as the number one pop song of the period 1992 to 2012. This accolade underscored the lasting impact of the song on popular music and culture, highlighting the band's significant contribution to rock music in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Present

Ongoing Career and Influence

Over the years, the Goo Goo Dolls have sold over 15 million records worldwide and produced several top-40 Billboard hits, including three top ten singles. The band's lineup has seen some changes with Mike Malinin eventually departing, but core members John Rzeznik and Robby Takac have remained constant. Their mix of punk, pop, and rock has influenced countless artists, and they continue to tour and release music, maintaining a loyal global fanbase.

Albums

the-goo-goo-dolls_1st_album
Goo Goo Dolls
14 tracks
1987
the-goo-goo-dolls_2nd_album
Jed
14 tracks
1989
the-goo-goo-dolls_3rd_album
Hold Me Up
14 tracks
1990
the-goo-goo-dolls_4th_album
Superstar Car Wash
14 tracks
1993
the-goo-goo-dolls_5th_album
A Boy Named Goo
13 tracks
1994
the-goo-goo-dolls_6th_album
Dizzy Up the Girl
13 tracks
1998
the-goo-goo-dolls_7th_album
Gutterflower
12 tracks
2002
the-goo-goo-dolls_8th_album
Let Love In
11 tracks
2006
the-goo-goo-dolls_9th_album
Something for the Rest of Us
14 tracks
2010
the-goo-goo-dolls_10th_album
Magnetic
13 tracks
2013
the-goo-goo-dolls_11th_album
Boxes
11 tracks
2016
the-goo-goo-dolls_12th_album
Miracle Pill
11 tracks
2019
the-goo-goo-dolls_13th_album
It’s Christmas All Over
10 tracks
2020
the-goo-goo-dolls_14th_album
Chaos in Bloom
10 tracks
2022
the-goo-goo-dolls_15th_album
It’s Christmas All Over (Again)
13 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

John Rzeznik

1986

Guitar

Lead vocals

Robby Takac

1986

Bass guitar

Craig Macintyre

2014

Additional

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

George Tutuska

1986
1994

Drums (drum set)

Mike Malinin

1994
2013

Drums (drum set)

Story of The Goo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls: From Buffalo Basement to Global Hitmakers

The Goo Goo Dolls, hailing from Buffalo, New York, are a rock band with a story as dynamic as their music. Born in 1986, they've transcended their early cover band days and punk rock beginnings to become a household name.

Their breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of "Name," a single that catapulted them into the mainstream. But it was their 1998 hit "Iris" that truly cemented their status as rock icons. Spending an astonishing 11 consecutive months on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 weeks, "Iris" became a global phenomenon. In 2012, it even took the top spot on Billboard's "Top 100 Pop Songs 1992–2012" chart, proving its enduring power.

The Goo Goo Dolls have a knack for crafting catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, as evident in other notable hits like "Slide," "Black Balloon," and "Broadway" from their 1998 album Dizzy Up the Girl, "Here Is Gone" from Gutterflower (2002), and "Better Days," "Give a Little Bit," and "Stay with You" from Let Love In (2006).

Their impact is undeniable: seven top-40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including three top-ten hits, and over 15 million records sold worldwide. They've even received four Grammy Award nominations, further solidifying their place in music history.

The Goo Goo Dolls' story is one of perseverance and artistry. From humble beginnings to global stardom, they've proven their ability to connect with audiences through their music, leaving an indelible mark on the rock landscape.

Origins and Early Music (1986–1993)

The band's original lineup consisted of John Rzeznik (guitar, vocals), Robby Takac (bass, vocals), and George Tutsuka (drums, percussion). Takac and Tutsuka were childhood friends who met Rzeznik while he was playing with the band The Beaumonts, which featured Takac's cousin Paul and their close friend Michael Harvey (who would later inspire the band's name).

According to a 1999 Rolling Stone article, the trio chose their band name from a True Detective ad for a toy called a Goo Goo Doll.

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