Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls

The Vinyl Guide Interview - For Record Collectors & Music Nerds

John Rzeznik and Robbie Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls discuss their early punk rock roots, record labels, writing unexpected mega-hits, their harrowing plane crash, vinyl reissues and lots more.

Topics Include:

• John recently recovered from pneumonia and multiple hand surgeries
• Goo Goo Dolls were heavily influenced by punk rock
• They listened extensively to The Replacements and Hüsker Dü
• Band started by renting VFW halls for shows
• First record cost $750 on Mercenary Records
• They signed contracts despite lawyer's warning not to
• Metal Blade discovers and signs band
• Learned touring lessons watching mistakes of other bands
• Being rejected by their favourite labels – SST & Twin Tone
• Band's sound evolved away from early punk style
• "Name" unexpectedly became their first big hit
• Legal issues followed success of "A Boy Named Goo"
• John retreated to LA hotel during difficult period
• "Iris" and the "City of Angels" soundtrack
• "Iris" released year before "Dizzy Up The Girl"
• Taylor Swift later covered "Iris"
• Survived plane crash in Sicily during USO tour
• Pilot attempted landing multiple times in storm
• Band got drunk to fly home next day
• John took up skydiving to overcome flying fear
• Initially feared appearing on Howard Stern's show
• Relationship with Stern's show improved over time
• John doesn't collect vinyl or music memorabilia
• Robbie runs Good Charamel Records label
• John collects vintage recording equipment instead
• Band criticizes Spotify's payment model
• Few B-sides exist because John discards incomplete songs
• Covered Lime Spiders song – will be on upcoming release
• Record store clerks were important musical mentors
• “A Boy Named Goo” 30th anniversary edition coming
• Australian tour planned for February
• Playing seven Australian cities on upcoming tour
• John grew up on greatest hits albums
• Learned to appreciate Led Zeppelin at age 50

Tickets and vinyl available here!

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