Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls

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! Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8