With more than three decades together and over 12m albums sold, American Rock band Goo Goo Dolls have been touring the UK in support of the release of their 12th studio album Miracle Pill.
Formed in Buffalo, New York in 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the four-time Grammy-nominated band has earned their page in the music history books by achieving the all-time US radio record for Most Top 10 Singles. Their song Iris was number one on the Hot 100 for 18 weeks and was named number one Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.
For the London leg of their tour they played the gorgeous Roundhouse, wrapping up the final date of the run in style with a sold out show.
As soon as I enter the venue, there is a big queue to get into the main room which is already quite packed. Once I reach the photo pit, I can spot some of the most dedicated fans standing in the front row and super excited and ready for a mx of those nostalgic feelgood vibes.
The set features an electric mix of new and old, rock and mellow, showcasing the wide range of talents the group has perfected over the years. They start off by the fun singalong Indestructible as Rzeznik led the crowd into a fun singalong that brings the crowd to that sense of liberation that one feels at a Goo Goo Dolls concert.
Other songs included in the set included Here is Gone, Black Balloon and Slide. But of course, no Goo Goo Dolls set would be complete without Iris which got the entire venue on their feet dancing and singing along to one of the most iconic songs of the late 90s.
For this tour, they decided to use the Cinebody app to allow fans to film the all concert experience; quite cool!
Seeing them live reminded me about why they were at the top of the mountain for a long time. Their songs are catchy, fun and all carry a message of hope that broke generational barriers. The band have still got it and they show that they will continue to have it for years to come.
Review & photos by Selena Ferro
In support was Reading-based Sync favourites Valeras. This four (formerly five)-piece outfit is constantly bothering our Sync Lists over on Spotify, with their catchy melodic pop rock.
Heavy in attitude but subtly in-your-face, Valeras also bring a fresh jangly dynamic to their punky upbeat tunes, with an onslaught of massive tones and great hooks. They have clearly mastered mixing together all the best elements of grunge and punk with sweeter American vibes. The power and grit behind the vocals are monumental, which I think is one of the focal points of the band.
Their unique blend of natural sounding guitar riffs and genuine rapport meant that their performance is sonic quality.
Sync. 