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Ep484: John and Robby of The Goo Goo Dolls

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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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Phot by Claire Marie Vogel

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About The Vinyl Guide

If you like records, just starting a collection or are an uber-nerd with a house-full of vinyl, this is the podcast for you. Nate Goyer is The Vinyl Guide and discusses all things music and record-related.