After more than two decades as a band, with nine albums, a catalog of songs that have become ingrained in the pop consciousness and countless concerts for millions of fans, the Goo Goo Dolls are feeling particularly good about their new album: Magnetic. The guys have recently hit the road with Matchbox Twenty to share both their new and old hits with fans around the nation!
We got the opportunity to speak with bassist, Robby Takac, about the new album, the tour and their awesome fans! Check out all the cool stuff he shared with us!
Tell me about the new album! What makes “Magnetic” special to you?
Well it’s our tenth album so that’s pretty special; we recorded it between Los Angeles, New York, a little bit in Buffalo and some in London. There are four different producers so it’s a pretty big album and benchmark for our band. I think we are pretty fortunate to be in this position.
You guys are currently on tour with Matchbox Twenty. Have you done anything with them before?
No, we had met once many years ago, briefly, so we are especially excited to get to know each other. They are really cool guys. It’s been a good summer so far!
What is your favorite thing about being on tour?
Playing the shows is my favorite thing about being on tour. The rest of the time the traveling is great.
Do you guys have any pre-show rituals?
We have our 35-40 minutes of vocal warm ups and getting our stage outfits on.
Do you remember the first show that the Goo Goo Dolls ever played?
Um, Yeah it was a bar called the Continental in Buffalo and we were playing a 20 minute or half hour set, whatever, and I remember we didn’t really have any songs, we just wrote chord changes down on a sheet of paper and made up some words. Everything sort of progressed from there.
Is there one show or venue that stands out as the most memorable?
Many years ago in ’95 we got to play at a place in Buffalo that is now called Memorial Auditorium. It’s where I saw all the bands that I loved when I was a kid. We actually got to play there with the band Bush and No Doubt. I remember being like “Wow!” It was cool being able to see the venue from the artist’s side.
Is there one strange fan encounter that stands out to you?
Well there are a few instances where we have filed a restraining order but I won’t necessarily get into what happened. We have had some weird moments, but there have been some amazing moments. There are times when people walk up to you and tell you how your music has gotten them through a difficult time and it’s really special when that happens.
You’re the founder of Music is Art. Are you still heavily involved with the organization?
Yeah, we’re planning a music festival up in Buffalo and that is in September. It’s a program for the schools and community in Buffalo.
What is the plan for the Goo Goo Dolls after your tour?
I think it’s about to be insane for the next year. I think one of the keys to this whole thing is not looking too far ahead and focusing on what you’re doing at that particular moment.
Be sure to grab your tickets to see the Goo Goo Dolls live with Matchbox Twenty at Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood on August 3rd!
