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Buffalo, NY- It was the hottest ticket in town, but you couldn’t buy them anywhere. Only a few hundred lucky radio contest winners were allowed in to witness the return of the Goo Goo Dolls. The enthusiastic crowd cheered so loud at times that it seemed as if there were thousands more. This was the Goo Goo Dolls first major show in Buffalo since their notorious rain soaked July 4, 2004 performance on the steps of City Hall, which was captured and released on DVD. This was one of last stops on the bands three week promotional tour, in which the band played smaller venues. 
The Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage at 9:00 pm. They concentrated mostly on material from their new release “Let Love In.” The band stormed through a set that was less then 60 minutes.
The band kicked off the show with their new single, the passionate and rockin’ “Stay with You.” While some people have complained about the slickness of the production on the new tracks, live these songs are a whole different monster. Singer/songwriter/guitarist John Rzeznik, decked out in a pin striped suit, sang with much emotion during the evening. He couldn’t hide his proud grin as the audience sang back to him almost every song. Quite the accomplishment, since the new CD just came out on Tuesday.
Goo’s bassist Robby Takac was a bundle of energy as he bounced around the stage, shaking back his multi-colored hair. He took over vocals for a revved up version of “Listen,” from ‘Let Love In.’ This song featured a tasty, melodic solo from Rzeznik. Takac also rocked out hard to his trademark show favorite “January Friend” from the multi-platinum album ‘Dizzy Up The Girl.’
Although the Goo Goo Doll’s played a nice mix of hit classics, such as “Slide” and “Broadway,” it was the new tunes that were the focus and highlight of the evening. The top 10 hit “Better Days” and future hit singles “Let Love In,” “Feel the Silience,” “Become” and “Without You Here” were played with incredible energy, passion and emotion. ‘Let Love In’ will go down as The Goo Goo Dolls ‘Joshua Tree.’ This CD is an incredible progression for the band and hearing the songs live really hits it home.
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This performance ended with the encore “Iris” in which tour guitarist Brad Fernquist played an amazing note for note perfect slide solo. Fernquist’s performance was flawless throughout the evening. He is a sure future guitar star.
This was another chapter in the amazing legacy of the most successful band ever to come out of Buffalo, The Goo Goo Dolls. You must see them live. The band kicks off their major tour with the Counting Crows on June 21. Check out my interview with Robby Here.
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