Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls

Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls

Author: The Vinyl Guide February 3, 2025 Duration: 51:07

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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Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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