When Label SCREWED Him OVER-He Decided to QUIT Music-Suddenly This #1 OPUS Came! | Professor of Rock

Up next iconic singer-songwriter Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls tells the story of one of the worst points of his life. Going through a Torrid Divorce, he had excessive Writer’s Block, and was on the verge of quitting his own band when he ran away to LA and hid away in a hotel… a major movie exec wanted him to write a song for the film City of Angels and poof--Inspiration struck! Then while composing it he broke 2 strings on his guitar, but he just kept playing and out fell a song... Called IRIS. He knew would be a hit… boy was it ever. 18 weeks at #1 on the airplay chart. He beat writer's block with perseverance. Years later he would play Iris in front of fifty thousand fans in New York when it starting pouring down rain. He was told to stop playing by the venue, afraid he risked electrocution. He kept playing making the song even more legendary. Then Taylor Swift asked John to play it with her live. All of these things have made Iris an all time classic. The way he came up with the title is hard to believe. Up next, it's the story of a classic from the man himself.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. If you love the history of music straight from the artists who created them, you’ll want to be a full-time part of this channel by subscribing below. And make sure to hit the bell so you always get our daily features. Also, check out more content at our page on patreon to become an insider.
It’s time for another edition of our new show REVELATIONS, where artists take us on a deep dive into their greatest songs and albums. These are details you won’t find anywhere else. Today we have the story of a song that made history. It was #1 for 18 weeks on the mainstream charts and it wasn’t ever released as a single. But If it had been, it might well have set the record for the most weeks at #1. It was part of the hit movie soundtrack for the 1998 blockbuster film City of Angels, starring Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan.
John Rzeznik and his band Goo Goo Dolls had just come off their breakthrough NAME which dominated mid-90s radio. After busting through, the band found out that thanks to a bad record contract, they didn’t make anything. John was in bad shape. Going through a torrid divorce and experiencing extreme writer’s block, he was so down he was ready to quit the band. He ran away to LA and was met with a challenge.
A movie exec wanted a theme for a major film. He stole away in a hotel and wrote a classic when he was in absolute peril. John Rzeznik tells the amazing story Of IRIS. How he got the title, how he wrote the intimate lyrics, about performing in front of 50,000 New Yorkers in the pouring rain, and how promoters tried to make him stop the show, worried he would get hurt. He walked out and rocked Iris in a life-affirming moment.
As we go into this interview I want to thank our sponsor Zenni Eyewear. The glasses I sport on here daily. If you are looking at getting a new pair of frames or sunglasses, do yourself a favor and go to Zenni.com where you’ll find an amazing variety. You choose, and you can see how you look before you buy when you use Zenni’s mirror feature. Try it today. Here is John Rzeznik with the story.
. Help us keep the music alive. Until next time, three chords and the truth.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest song that went to #1 on the billboard hot 100 in the rock era?

[@stephenbrown4211]

Difficult one for us UK music fans to answer so I’ll go with Iris. But UK charts would have to be Another Brick In the Wall. Such an unexpected No1

[@scottburton9701]

"American Pie" by Don Mc Lean

[@RBS_]

....looooooooaded gun O' a question, Prof.! ...ha-HAA!! ....HMMM, The "Rock" era started in 1954, so, by DECADE... (cont.) The 50's - Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog - Elvis Presley The 60's - I Want To Hold Your Hand - Beatles The 70's - My Sharona - The Knack The 80's - I Love Rock N' Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts The 90's - Iris - Goo Goo Dolls The 00's - Kyrptonite - 3 Doors Down The 2-10's - Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran ....OUCH, this HURT, I had to do research for this! ....off to drink more Coffee...

[@surlechapeau]

tie- Superstition and Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@scottburton9701 THat's a great choice. I need to cover that one.

[@nascarfan824]

My sister suffered from obesity her entire life. She passed away in 2017. Not from obesity but from complications of an opioid overdose. I remember hearing "Iris" shortly after it came out and my sister telling me, "You know this song describes me so much! I don't want the world to see me, because I don't think that they'd understand." My 21 year old self at the time didn't understand either, but I later realized she meant her weight issues was how the world perceived her. They wouldn't understand. She just wanted the world to know who she was. Thank you for this interview, Professor. You brought a good feeling back to my heart.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I"m so glad. This one is for your sweet sister. Thank you for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

As an autistic teenager, this song really defined my 6th grade years, that everyone judged me by my “weird tics”. It was very embarrassing and humiliating.

[@ww7883]

💔

[@larrywilliams7942]

I am touched by your story about your sister . Sorry for your loss .

[@Jamie-lw5sy]

People out there love you, and loved your sister. She knew deep down that you loved her as well.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

John Rzeznik is so real, a real open guy who refuses to take credit for one of the most beautiful songs ever written by saying the universe gifted it to him. That is one cool dude. That was one fantastic interview! My favorite part was when he went to the executive and said I got 4 strings and 2 lines and they said let's do it, lol, classic. Great episode! Definitely one of my favorites!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name. I agree! One of my favorites as well!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It really warmed my heart to see him say that. He’s such a kind man.

[@JulioCesarAriasGomez]

The whole Dizzy up the Girl is a banger. One of the best albums of the 90s.

[@TheBroncosguy]

They don't make ballads like this anymore. Powerful, emotional, and down right heavy, this is what a rock and roll love song should be.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

💯

[@jamescrooke103]

In 1999 I was visiting Israel for the first time. I was in aclub in Jerusalem and this beautiful and swarthy Israeli army girl kept starring at me for about 10 minutes, then she left. I thought that I had missed my chance of meeting her. But she returned and walking up to me with her machine gun slapping her army olive hip she introduced herself and gave me her number. 2 nights later we met up had a few drinks and went back to her apartment. We sat on the floor in her living room just under the sandbags in her window and she played Iris on guitar and sang it to me all the while making eye contact. It's been oour song ever since. We are still very close friends even though we are an ocean away. Thanks John and thanks Adam!

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

Seeing an artist praise and love other artists make me a bigger GooGoo Dolls fan than I already was!! It's so refreshing to know he's a normal, regular guy!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree!

[@bessrock]

I remember when he hosted that battle of the bands tv show(forget the name). He told the winners that they truly had that special quality that he and his band always aspired to. Even he knew the Goo Goos didn't really have "it". From John's own mouth. Couldn't agree more.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s really sweet!

[@mikemcgown6362]

.To tell the truth, I was never a real Goo Goo Dolls fan but I look back and realize that they did have some good songs. Iris is one that I can relate to now. It came out the year I married my first wife. She was everything I thought I needed. Six years into the marriage she decided she didn't want to be married any more. I felt closer to death then than ever. I was in such deep depression that when I would get cut or scraped up at work I would just look at the blood and think to myself: "well, I'm still alive". So when I hear that line in the song I remember that pain she caused me. I'm past that now, but I still remember. I still use that line to this day, 18 years of hurting and healing. Sorry if that isn't what was expected, it's just my connection. I'm still human with feelings and songs for remembering and healing.

[@Miami_tree_house]

Love you brother! life is hard, love seems impossible and yet somehow we make it all work! There is love all around us, and it starts with the love you have for yourself! thanks for sharing, I know that wasn't easy. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. I'm glad to know you're alive!

[@rjh6037]

Eventually as a guy you just begin to understand female nature. By the time they suddenly don’t want to be in a relationship (and crush your soul), we’ll they’re already gobbling other d1ck.

[@rickrickard2788]

"I'm no music monster, I just do what I do... took me a long time to understand that, and that's ok, I'm ok with that" (pp here). Something I've said for a long time... & thought I believed it. But that hit me pretty hard. First time I've ever heard someone have the balls to say such a thing out-loud, with his level of fame. Awesome.

[@RussellRobinson971]

How awesome is it that in practically every interview the artists compliment the Professor of Rock on his knowledge? I know I've learned a lot by following you Adam, thanks for everything

[@RBS_]

.....'cause he's ****THE PROF.**** , Russ!! ...ha-HAAA!! ...Those cats can sniff the THE REAL DEAL, when it's in front of them....Prof. LOVES ROCK!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Russell! Have a great day!

[@baneverything5580]

Check out Tim Pierce on here. He played in the studio on so many great songs. It`s hard to believe. I remember Tim talking about playing on this song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so heartwarming to watch.

[@irismato]

My name is Iris and this song came out when I was in grad school. Needless to say, it quickly became "my song." I have never been so proud to be associated with anything as with this song ... the gut wrenching lyrics and the soulful music just touches me to my core.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Our family used to have a close friend with a daughter named Iris, who had a rare kidney condition. This little girl always reminded me of the Goo Goo Dolls and this masterpiece of pop.

[@Corvidae65]

Be very happy that you didn't grow up in the 80s and have the name, 'Elvira'. LOL!

[@dannysunay4386]

I LOVE YOU IRIS!!! HA ha!😄👍

[@Barrysautospares]

This song is a triple threat: lyrically and musically perfect, and vocally delivered with 100% emotional investment. One of my all time favourites

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No doubt!

[@hikikomicklori9290]

What I love about your channel is you not only give us the backstory about the iconic music that shaped our lives, but that you sometimes surprise the artists with information that blows them away as well.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks! Means a lot.

[@enigmawyoming5201]

Yeah, I agree! Isn’t that cool?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so amazing to watch!

[@geniferteal4178]

every time as the interviewer it's obvious you know what you're talking about.

[@carolharris2357]

@@ProfessorofRock almost every time they say You did your homework, or I didn't know that, etc.

[@damonrudisill6373]

So glad you mentioned Tim Pierce. Every rock fan should know about him.

[@c.e.anderson558]

Tim smiles so big when he plays. He does a breakdown of Steve Lukather playing on a Michael McDonald tune.

[@aieahi1]

Tim also played the solo on the song. I’m pretty sure that he also wrote the solo.

[@robnykulaik7337]

The song Iris was played at my friend's funeral. He committed suicide and the words fit his story/life so much. Still makes me cry everytime I hear it!! Great video, Thanks!!

[@williamskogen9895]

Johnny is incredible. So talented, yet so humble. "Not me, something bigger than me." And you know he means it when he says it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a profound statement.

[@markadams7046]

I always saw it as song about the desire for our real selves to be accepted unconditionally. "When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am." That unconditional love, despite our own flaws, is what we all seem to want.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It think that's a good assessment.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It has resonated with me so many times. I am different from my peers and call for acceptance when there’s a will or a way.

[@jpslaym0936]

Its a universal need of all humans down hear on Earth

[@nukhanlee1618]

"Iris" -- Heartfelt; passionate; melancholic; poetic... Cmon, you name it! 😇💓🔥

[@roblemmon7531]

What a channel. I loved this. I've seen them many times in concert and they never disappoint. This is thier Stairway to heaven. Never get tired of it. It is one of those classic songs that's not dated and even in 50 years it will still hold up. My favorite Goo Goo dolls record is actually Superstar Carwash. I honestly didn't hear it until 2001 and it blew me away. Johnny seems like such a humble guy in this interview. Thanks so much video. You're the best.

[@Joliepinkyswear1]

Such a great interview. I hope you have more with him. I don't really play this song anymore because it got a little overplayed, but I do love it when it comes up on the radio periodically and I can appreciate how beautiful it is. Another song of his I loved was from the Disney movie Treasure Planet, I'm Still Here. This man's voice is gorgeous and he can truly make you feel things.

[@dereksullivan703]

One of the most underrated bands of the last 30 years. A few months ago I started playing their hits off my iPhone on a road trip. The list was way longer than I thought.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ya they can sneak up on you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No kidding, they’re a great band.

[@BlackSeranna]

Wow, Prof, it's so great when the people you interview are impressed with your knowledge. You are definitely love what you're doing and you know the fine details that helps build rapport with the interviewee! Also, I have always loved this song, and it was nice to hear about it! I'm so glad you have a channel and you share your knowledge, I love your style!

[@gr8flyerfan]

One of my favorite songs. Ever. I had no idea Johnny Reznik was such a decent, humble guy.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sounds like the type of guy I love talking to!

[@aaronwhite3298]

Dear Professor, Thank you as always for songs from the 90's. This song is very nostalgic and it came out during my Senior year of Highschool and played it at every dance including my Senior Prom. Thank you again and keep em coming!

[@markhaseley3304]

Nice. Wasn't expecting to get that much out of your interview, but his personal raw "human" approach to all this was amazing and real. Rare these days and much appreciated!

[@johnnieguerra7065]

What an amazing interview. And what a great song. As Johnny mentioned, it was (still is) a gift.

[@jeffmckelvey3265]

I'm glad you didn't forget that concert. It has long been one of my favorite moments in music. The right song at the right place at the perfect moment. Destiny stepped in for that one!

[@steveknight4291]

This is one of those amazing songs from the 90s that takes you straight back there, I don't know about anyone else but some songs make me want to go back there so bad. Great interview too Prof, John seems like such a cool guy too.

[@JanesDough855]

John is a fantastic artist, great tunes, and he realizes there's more to life than just himself.

[@Howdoyoupurr]

My take on this, is the fact you were able to share this story. Was the best gift. I have gotten so far from your channel. Thank You.

[@MBDB666]

Not only was this a monster song, it helped make the movie "City of Angels" even bigger than it was, and lifted Nick Cage back into the damn good actor zone. When it came out, the song made me want to watch the movie. Without this song, I think the movie would have done well, being merely, OK. But, with the song, the lyrics immediately put you into the mind of Cage's character and you felt his pain and longing. This was a perfect placement of a song for a film, that rivaled "It must have been love" for "Pretty Woman" and "Up Where we Belong" for "An Officer and A Gentleman". Classics!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I think this song definitely elevated the movie.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Nic Cage would not have been the icon he is today if not for this!

[@jst25]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 @MB Uh, no, y'all crazy. City of Angels came out directly after Con Air, Face/Off, The Rock and Leaving Las Vegas. The first three were 3 of the most successful movies in 1996 and 1997 making Cage a star, and Leaving Las Vegas was a far better movie than City of Angels, with Cage getting massive critical praise for his performance, including an Academy Award! And of course years after Raising Arizona and Moonstruck where he originally showed his massive range. When City of Angels came out Cage was already a massive star who had shown he could also be a damn good actor. It's a manipulative, forgettable movie that did fine as far as box office receipts and was panned by critics. No one in Hollywood needed to be reminded that Cage, who had recently done Leaving Las Vegas, had chops. And certainly no one considers him an icon today because of that mediocre schlock fest. Ask anyone to make a list of their top 30 best or most important Cage films and City of Angels wouldn't get a mention. It's not a good example of his best dramatic acting, over-the-top zaniness, or ability to headline a blockbuster. It's not even a good example of the shitty movies that he has done for paycheck.

[@MrPhilm00r]

So cool to hear him give some love to Tim. He's phenomenal. Iris came out right after I got out of basic training and I was at tech school in the Air Force. You couldn't escape it at the time. It was all over the radio. Every time that I hear it, in my mind, I'm right back there in Biloxi Mississippi, scared and excited all at the same time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

thanks for sharing.

[@kemlay2451]

great album that came out when vinyl had died. now in reissue on vinyl hope band is getting paid this time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great memories.

[@Sammyzuko]

I was in AF tech school in Biloxi when Dizzy Up The Girl came out and bought it at the BX. Awesome memories

[@stephenbabine3325]

Such an epic song with (like you highlighted) some incredible lyrics! I had always looked at Reznick as a pretty boy with attitude and now have total respect after hearing this. He seems like a down to earth guy who has had his share of struggles in his life. Love how he recognized that you are ‘The Professor of Rock’.

[@bugdr262]

Your best interview yet. Truly enjoyed watching.

[@adderman1950]

Thank you for doing this interview and video. I'm a bit of a senior citizen as I'll turn 74 this year and frankly when I first heard of the Goo Goo Dolls I thought what a stupid name but then I heard some of their songs, I believe Name was the first one I heard and it immediately grabbed me. It just resonated with my soul idf you will. I was exposed to their music by my kids (we raised 5 kids), especially my 2 daughters who were fans of GGD. Well pretty much every single they released I loved. Iris I think is my favorite, especially after seeing the movie and I have to say the video of them performing in the rain in Buffalo Is probably the most touching video I have ever seen by a band.

[@heatherrohde6541]

I really enjoyed this interview! Thanks 💘

[@stanphillips7277]

I was working for Blockbuster Video while the movie was still in theatres but we'd play these "Trailer Tapes" and I was hearing "Iris" 7 times a day. I was really digging "It and told my best friend John who said "It makes more sense once you see the movie" and after a few weeks we got the movie and, it all came together. I subscribe to Tim Pearce's KZbin channel, who played the mandolin and he is one of those monster guitar player's that is probably playing on many songs we all know and love. A session player who's the nicest guy and he's a master of the guitar so now the stuff Resnick was talking about"Tim comes in and lifts everything up" resonates with me because I feel like I know him , he's a huge part of the KZbin guitar community and to know him is to love him. Great interview, Resnick is as humble as they get, sounds like the kind of guy I'd wanna be in a band with. ✌️♥️🎸🎶🙏

[@timeverett7828]

Thanks for dissecting this song... always liked the way the song sounded but never paid much attention to the lyrics until today. It all makes sense now.

[@anthoneyschwoch9104]

This is one of the few songs that rips my guts out every time I hear it. She's the one that got away. Thank you Professor Adam for this interview! And thank you Johnny from the bottom of my black little heart for this song. ✌️❤️🤘

[@TREVAN]

I'm so glad you reposted this! I was looking for it a few weeks back to rewatch it and couldn't find it! You're the man Professor! Thank you so much for what you do!

[@djm4457]

Fantastic interview! Nothing short of fantastic! It's why I come here. Many thanks for this!

[@michaelkiernan1850]

Reminds me of the late 90’s. I was living in Nyack, New York. With my wife and daughter. It speaks to the fragile nature of life. The courage it takes to love and the joy children bring. This was such a transformational time for me. Thank you for brining me back. To such a good time in my life.❤

[@pattisimmons67]

OHMYGOSH!! I could FEEL the energy coming through this video and it had me on the verge of tears all the way through. I love Johnny. He's so humble. He knows what he can do but he is also quick to oint out the others who helped lift up him, the band and the songs. He is everyone I have EVER met from Buffalo and the surrounding area. I have traveled all over this country and man let me tell you as soon as they know you're from Western/Central New York. you have just made a new Gold Standard friend! We are NOT New York City: We are UPSTATE NEW YORK TOUGH! ❤❤🤗🤗😎😎💖💖

[@catherine6653]

The first time I heard this song, I thought it was a masterpiece. "You can't fight the tears that ain't coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything seems like the movies And you bleed to know your alive "

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that part too. Truly INSPIRED!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such jukebox poetry! I have multiple neurological disabilities and when I talk to others and they sound like they do not understand or I feel like they are not handling me correctly, I always refer them to the masterpiece known as Iris.

[@lfd_eng9219]

Johnny is like a Phoenix...from the disaster of his life's status at that point...a shinning pearl of music was created. Awe inspiring...and so very humble. This has opened the door for me to the Goo Goo Dolls. Thanks for yet another great gem of an interview! Adam you are truly THE Professor of Rock! \m/.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Was a great story.

[@LadyCin611]

Your interview just keep getting better and better! WOW! Well done you!

[@laurachavez8789]

Such amazing humility John. I've heard other artists describe songs as a gift. It is an amazing thing to hear time and again. The artist as an instrument of creativity. This song was meant to be. I think that reaching the darkest place of your soul can be the most enlightening. Brilliant song John. Thanks Professor.

[@mooby4]

Thanks for bringing this song back the attention it deserves. Makes me want to see City of Angels again.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

You were so right Adam. One of the BEST episodes EVER! As a singer/musician/songwriter there are a lot of things about John that I identify with very much. I love his passion for what he does most of all.

[@jamesCam69]

Always been a GooGoo fan! The music and lyrics caught my attention, but Johnny's very humble and gracious attitude keeps me wanting the best of everything for these guys! Every interview I've seen of him he is fully aware that he is a vessel and is perfectly fine with not taking credit for what he does with his gift!

[@JayMatt89]

Our professor always asks the great questions!! Love it when the artists are so taken back because Adam is so prepared and thoughtful.

[@Rhonda_Williams]

I was just thinking of Johnny Rzeznik and Iris yesterday, picturing him being asked to write a song for City of Angels. And BAM! you post this video. *mind blown* 🙆🏻‍♀️

[@roblancaster1892]

Love the Goo Goo Dolls, perfect group to transition the 80's glam rock to alternative 90's and modern 2000's. So many songs with great depth, and thoughtful lyrics. Thanks POR for this interview it was great to see!

[@lcruz2783]

What a great interview, again these videos are amazing and always takes you back to moments in time. Great, I am always looking forward to the next video

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@calvinbass1839]

Excellent interview. One of your best one yet. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@jayalldredge6796]

Really great interview, John was really fun and interesting to watch and listen to. I had no idea how cool he was or the great back story Very happy he gave you props for your knowledge. The Professor!! Well done

[@LQOTW]

Wow, brilliant interview, Professor! Learning the context of the songs makes them resonate more deeply. The Goo-Goo Dolls are part of the soundtrack of my life with my love, who sadly passed away last year. Songs like Iris bring a little ache to my throat and I know the tears are not far away. The best time of my life.

[@embracingimage2187]

I just went to see their concert two months ago in Detroit they performed with Blue October and it was an incredible show! I took my 24 year old daughter with me. I was young when she was born and my life was not in a very good place, this song had great meaning to me back then and now being a happy, successful man at 46 years old rediscovering music at a live concert with my daughter by my side meant the world to me, money can’t buy that kind of moment! ❤️

[@cnph7067]

Fantastic interview easily one of your best ! Although I think Mr. Rzeznik has always been a cool/friendly guy, I’ve seen a few interviews with him where he does not seem comfortable. In this interview you really connected with him and it just added that much more to the interview and his openness to share. He was very open and almost willing to share more then you were asking which is a sign of a great interview. Great artist and great songs, thanks PoR!

[@22jockisch]

John Rzeznik is my favorite musician of all time. Thank you for sharing this story❤️

[@cryptoken9064]

I love how humble and appreciative Johnny Rzeznik is! Bravo dude, keep on being who you really are!

[@michael-weiss-cct]

Adam, I'm blown away by the quality of your channel... you really do bring music appreciation up to the next level!

[@squishy312]

As a young adult at 19 years old, I had just moved to Seattle from Montana, when my friend won tickets to see an End session from 107.7 the End radio station. I got to see Goo Goo Dolls do one of these End Sessions with about 12 other people in a small recording studio. It will always be something I remember, sitting there watching them play. It was a magical experience for someone so young as me to experience. I had no idea he had been going through all that, as he was one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Still seems like it! Great interview.

[@JosephHaubert]

This is the BEST interview I have ever listened to of John. Congrats!

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! He Knows! This was a great one man, seriously.. I am so glad i saw this, it;s one of those things. It is super weird to see it from so far away and distant like a spectator . like a person who cannot be seen and is in the wrong time to even if they were there but also to still know that person you just watched is genuine and that he knows! It's sad to know that some don't.

[@kerrypotenza1679]

Love, Love, Love the Goo Goo Dolls! What' s so great about them in concert is their sense off humor. Their shows are massive fun!

[@johnhamilton2588]

What an awesome interview! I feel a very personal connection to this song because of something I was going through when it was released. Iris and Uninvited by Alanis Morissette, both from the same soundtrack, just blew me away. The lyrics on both songs hit me hard to this very day.

[@technicolordreamer]

This is one of my favorite all time songs! One of my favorite bands during high school! Thanks for doing a video about how this song came to be.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're welcome!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Sometimes out of writers block comes great things. Thanks Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're most welcome!

[@matthewchild]

Another incredible video with an amazing artist. Thank you, Prof!

[@paulcallaway71]

Great interview! Great insight! Johnny seems like an extremely humble person, what I'd call a good human. The world loves a good human.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

John is one of the nicest, most humble guys in rock. He’s just a normal guy who also happened to be a decent singer and guitarist…. That people happened to pay attention to.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s very cool.

[@JohnC0356]

What a great interview. I have tears in my eyes and have no idea why?

[@jedw9983]

A truly breathtaking song, a classic, and an iconic album...you nailed that interview and did that song justice. P.S. Saw them at Hammersmith Odeon, London in 2009, brilliant. #dizzyupthegirl

[@taquitopicante5863]

Excellent interview. Beautiful song. I'll tell ya, when the universe wants to work through you, it WILL work through you. Just an awesome body of work. A very emotionally and powerful song. 😍

[@grene1955]

Wow, what a fantastic interview! I was taken aback on how personable John is...and the lyrics are amazing!

[@christianboyd4635]

Boy Named Goo was such a great album too, Long Way Down and Ain't That Unusual are great songs too, I played that album way too much. Johnny seems like a such a cool guy. Great interview Professor.

[@2exarmydrills]

❤️ The Goo Goo Dolls!! Been a huge fan since the 90s. Thnx for this video! Great seeing Johnny! He's gone thru so much over the years but he's Resilient 💯! He and the Goo Goo Dolls will last forever!

[@pinksugarcookies71]

I love your channel. This was such a great episode. If he had this song earlier when everything was all great in his life I don’t think he would have appreciated it as much. Inspiring.

[@latentsea]

Great job professor, bringing things to people that didn’t even know how much they wanted or needed, just like the music itself.

[@geebeeinga]

Saw Goo with Third Eye Blind in 2002, what a show they both put on. Great interview and John’s ability to be raw and sharing his brokenness shows how down to earth he is. Plus, PLUS - he was a fan of Husker Du!!! Props to him and your interview Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s one of the sweetest guys we’ve had on here.

[@_Frumious_Bandersnatch]

Great interview. I so appreciate the extra insight into a classic song I actually had no ones about this movie - guess I see very few but love classic rock

[@cursedfunction]

Wow man! I have watched so many of your videos here and this one... man this one hits so hard!!! Thank you for putting this out there

[@realbigdeals2048]

Your knowledge and preperation for these videos amazes me and I am not easily amazed. What a labor of love to the music community.

[@palm444]

Great song and interview! Well done!

[@todd1606]

This is one of those really top notch quality shows on KZbin. Love this channel!!!!!!!!!!!

[@olegyamleq7796]

WOWWWW!!! what a great interview. Johnny seems super nice!!! thanks. upvoted

[@motownrockerusa]

What a GREAT Interview! 😁

[@crsingh2010]

Man, I was in high school when this song came out, the feels still hit every time I heard it...songs from my youth...what a time to be alive.

[@CrAck-MoNey]

I loved this song the day it came out, and it still gives me chills today. It was the song that taught me alternate tunings. The Goo Goo Dolls played a show in my little hometown, and I wasn't able to see it. That bummed me out, but I still listen to Goo Goo Dolls all the time.

[@ginamcgovern1250]

Love this song so much, it's given me decades of direct connection to my soul. Johnny you are an inspiration, a true artist, just respect to you.

[@scottrichardson999]

Love it when he tells you that you really are the professor! So cool

[@annaprokofieva6274]

Thanks for the video! I love this song but the story behind it is so inspiring and I guess not only for a musician but for all of us. There are so many people who relate to it. Great song that did stand the test of time! Watched the movie only once but I lost count how many times I have listened to Iris....

[@aracellytirado3525]

What a genuine and humble human being. I love his attitude and how he expresses himself. Great interview. I was never a goo goo dolls fan. However I am now a fan of this man. You can tell he has a really good soul. I do like the song iris though but I just couldn’t ever into their music but maybe now I will give them another whirl. 😊

[@billjeffers2273]

Love this channel...I am 56, and grew up in the greatest time musically. This channel is a memory train.

[@grimzadi2480]

I saw them several times at Penn State when I was there. They always put on a great show. Iris is definitely among my favorite 90s songs. Great video!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on! Thanks for watching.

[@marissashelley2362]

Before he passed away, my husband sang this song to me e every day. When I get to missing him too bad, I play this song & it takes me back to happier times!!! THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT!!! 😇😇😇👏🏼😘

[@Rossturnerphoto]

Name was one of my favorite songs from the mid-90s. I worked at a grocery store that played it on regular rotation, and I never got tired of it. I thought Iris was overplayed at the time, but looking back I can see that it was a great song. And it deserves credit for pulling Johnny and the band back from almost quitting.

[@jesselobo3213]

Great interview, kudos to Johnny Rzeznik for the honesty of his lyrics and his words. It was very moving to see his emotional response to your thoughts on his inspiration to others. I forgot how great a song "Iris" is. Thank you.

[@bill0mullen]

Great interview. I grew up in Buffalo, now in SLC. Sadly was living in Florida when they performed at the mentioned free concert. I really related when John Rzeznik said he didn’t come up with those lines. While a decidedly smaller distribution, I have had that experience/feeling with some poetry.