Iconic 90s Front Man Tells Story of #1 Rock Song That CHANGED His Life | Professor of Rock

Up next the story of one of my most haunting songs of the mid 90s as told by one of the most iconic bands the last 25 years Goo Goo Dolls. With speculation having run rampant of the meaning of this number one alternative rock song we get the straight story from the bands front man and songwriter John Rzeznik in an exclusive and personal interview next on professor of rock.
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​#90s​ #RocknRoll​ #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 90s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there.
It’s time for another edition of our new show, breakthrough, where we breakdown the singular, song, album or event that kicked open the door to an artist or band’s career and gave them the momentum to rocket to long term success.. And today’s a great one, as we get the story from John Rzeznik the iconic front man , guitarist and songwriter from one of the biggest bands of the last quarter century ,
Goo Goo Dolls. who’s #1 airplay hit IRIS from the 1998 movie City of Angels rocketed the band to the highest levels of global stardom. Iris was perched at the top spot of the airplay charts for a record 18 weeks, since it wasn’t commercially released as a single it wasn’t allowed to chart on the billboard hot 100, which was strange but it’s become on the biggest songs of all time.
The band was ready for the major success because their 1995 album a boy name goo put them on that fast track. Our break through story begins where a rough and ready punk would scratch and claw it’s way from Buffalo New York to get a record deal. the trio of guitarist Johnny Rzeznik bassist robby takac and drummer george Tutuska would choose the name Goo Goo Dolls as a temporary fix and Rzeznik wasn’t even the singer on the first few albums,
After fighting their way through releasing three early albums, and having the opportunity to open for Rzeznik’s heroes the Replacement on their final US TOUR Goo Goo Dolls released the LP superstar car wash that was in 1993 where Rzeznik’s collaboration with the Replacements revolutionary leader Paul Westerberg helped them get play on MTV’s 120 minutes and alternative rock stations, as well as an appearance on the paul shore movie soundtrack Son In Law, the pump was primed and the band was ready to make it’s climb. Their breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of a Boy Named Goo.
Although the song is about many different things that are very personal and which Rzeznik talks about in the interview. It’s a very fascinating and vulnerable story from Johnny, about a song that pushed the GOOS over the top. Name was a true crossover hit. Going to #1 on Mainstream rock charts, and the Alternative airplay charts #2 not eh Mainstream top 40 and #5 on the AC Charts and the pop billboard Hot 100, as well as #2 in Canada,.
For all of you chart geeks out there.

[@ProfessorofRock]

As the rock era wound down, what was the best song of the mid 90s (95-96)?

[@flavellinator]

Although released in 1994, "Something's Always Wrong" by Toad the Wet Sprocket was played in 1995 around SoCal, but didn't get the recognition it deserved- IMHO... Great song!

[@isbjorneliassen]

"Lakini's Juice" by Līve. Really anything off of "Throwing Copper" (94) or Secret Samadhi (97) captures the rock vibe of the late 90s.

[@RawOlympia]

anything by Beck ~

[@Houlgravely]

'Masquerade' by Radakka or maybe 'I Wanna Go Where The People Go' by The Wildhearts.

[@brianpetty6323]

Two songs really stand out for me: Interstate Love Song by Stone Temple Pilots and Selling the Drama by Live

[@bunda713]

"When you bleed just to know you're alive" Great line.

[@lhart99]

God! I love that line, its one of my all-time favorite lines in a song. It's so universal. Everyone can relate to that line. :-)

[@zacharycollins6548]

Rez "They put you on a pedestal to get a better shot". Dude spits out killer lyrics when he's just talking.

[@gristlevonraben]

"....They put you on a pedistal just to get a better shot, Damn the den of vipers, damn the whole lot, Damn the stoney hearted, all they've stole is all they've got...."

[@footnotedrummer]

That is a great line.

[@jitsroller]

I thought I'd steal that line.

[@lindatalledo8962]

That Could be the line of a killer song!

[@toms4363]

I was thinking the exact same thing....well done!

[@davidbell5433]

Jon Bon Jovi was quoted saying that Rzeznik was one of his favorite songwriters. That says it all. This man is a severely underrated songwriter and "Name" has to be one of the best songs of the '90's.

[@ProfessorofRock]

High praise to be sure.

[@joeybagadonuts4496]

Surprising because John Bon Jovi hates Buffalo

[@georgebarry8640]

@@joeybagadonuts4496 Not exactly..he was going to buy a sports team ..and the other guys who wanted it to happen started rumours that bon jovi hated buffalo. Nice attempt at slander. to stop the sale. Jon Runs soup Kitchens where poor and homeless people can eat free or at low cost...if you think he's a jerk go down to one and tell him so. I don't think you'll get any traction.

[@jonvisser1509]

They opened for Bon Jovi after they fell off in 2000's. Hmm okay Bon Jovi blew them away for a boring mumbled singer the songs better than other 90's crap compared to Counting Crows. There was no doubt who the crowd was there to really see Jon Bon jovi and Ritchie Sambora are epic. So sick of some music critics who rip Bon Jovi they belong in rock and roll hall of fame and deserve everything they got. Goo goo dolls are good opening act.

[@charlie-obrien]

@@georgebarry8640 This ain't really the place for the discussion, but Bon Jovi wanted to buy the team with his Canadian partners and move it away from Buffalo. Doesn't make him a terrible guy....just not loved in the Nickel City.

[@dard4642]

The "scars-souvenirs" line can be felt by every person on the planet. It's very potent. It has zero fat and TONS to unpack. The line is so customizable for each listener it easily allows you to make the song all your own. It's why this song will always be on the radio.

[@blaircj69]

Listen to GHOSTS by Big Wreck. Similar imagery. Then listen to ALL their songs.

[@edwardgutierrez3218]

the past is never far

[@rosegoldhalo]

"Don't it make it sad to know that life is more than who we are." That line runs through my head all the damn time.

[@randysell5127]

And don't it make YOU sad to know that life is more than who we are.

[@beautifulwreck7296]

@Soy Orbison So true....never thought about it that way!!! John did experience alot of loss in his young teenage years....he lost his father first and I think just a year later lost his mother and his older sister's raised him until he left home. So maybe that is reflective in the lyrics he writes....especially this song. Black Balloon another song I love of his....he lost someone to heroine addiction....at the time I was dating an addict and totally related to that song too.

[@koolkitties8552]

Great band I used to play Name on guitar

[@julielea8344]

@ghost mall How the hell did James Taylor write Fire and Rain, I listen to it looking back on life & grieving for those lost too young, & find out he was 19 yrs old! Jackson Brown is another criminally underrated songwriter, Running on Empty, if you change the 6 to a 8, he just wrote my entire life literally word for word in a song! With the exception of " the friends that I used to look to to see me through, looking into their eyes I see them running too" Only one is running, the other 2 or dead. ( I had 3 friends since I was a kid, so the ones who know everything about me & still love me!!) Other than that, my life in a song. I don't think I am the one who relates to that song, everyone does on some level I think. The truth is the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Bee Gee's (2nd greatest songwriting team, after Beatles), Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Rznick so many others etc are totally gifted writers of lyrics & music, that we don't fully understand nor can I fully explain. It's like channeling, when Richards wrote Satisfaction in his sleep & some other writers have written great things in a altered state.Most of the songs in the 60's were probably written in altered states, lol, though that's not exactly what I mean, Much Love

[@beautifulwreck7296]

@ghost mall He seems to finally be happy with his current wife and his adorable little girl. I LOVE seeing him smile ❤

[@liquidSpin]

Dude is one of the most underrated song writer/singer of all time. Because they became a house hold name and they crossed over they were disregarded by many as being just another pop rock band. The truth though is that Rzeznik is a musical genius. His song writing skills is unbelievable and the sound of his voice is the icing on the cake. Wish one day they will get the credit and respect they deserve.

[@denistuohy2535]

John has such a unique voice and style honestly one of my favorite vocalists ever

[@overrotate]

💯

[@mAjeStic.716]

Ppl are haters. Johnny is VERY VERY under rated and 6nder respected in the music industry. He taught hisself how to play at a young age cuz he wasn't good at sports and needed a way to pull woman. Is despicable how they've been so cruel to 2 of the sweetest, most loyal, talented guys. They give back to their hometown Immensely and are proud to be born and raised here. What many don't know is they were about to give up on the band and then Iris exploded I think that's why Johnny regrets his game at times. He accepted and resigned to the fact that the sex maggots would be no more. Plus he is EXTREMELY private . He hated the name goo Goo Dolls also and was now stuck w it 😂😂😂they were about to go on and the bar wouldn't use sex maggots to intro them so they saw these folks for sale on a magazine so he used their name 🤣🤣🤣 as long as they have us)their home town Buffalo) and ppl like you and others that recognize their talent, they don't care about anyone else.

[@richlisola1]

Well said.

[@stevenmcwilliam6945]

Agree 100 “The past is never far “. Name “I want to wake up where you are “ slide “1000 other boys could never reach you , how could I gave been the one “ black balloon. I just love these guys. Saw them in buffalo two months ago Fantastic. Sold out 25 000 buffalo.

[@ericrawlins8444]

No matter how many times I hear it, "Name" gives me chills.

[@rgs8970]

"Name" came out when I was a senior in high school. I was only 17 when I left for college and, though I'm not an orphan, I did grow up without my mother. This song captured for me the way a transition or a love or something big can reawaken those past transitions, loves, big somethings. "Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far" -- those words, that song, touches on a complex grief I've rarely heard expressed so poignantly

[@julielea8344]

I'm sorry you had to grow up without your Mom, no one should have to go through that. I'm a very in touch with complex grief and it being triggered. Much Love

[@GringoLoco1]

"People put you up on a pedestal just to get a better shot at you" That's some rock wisdom! Thanks!

[@stormfield9431]

Oh, that's good!

[@michaelrochester48]

Black balloon will always be my favorite song of theirs

[@bethshadid2087]

Another good one 👍

[@Gene601]

Mine too

[@driftwood8613]

I agree! One of my favorite songs of all time

[@ciccaroni]

Also slide❤

[@I_Fight_Instacart]

black balloon matters

[@John_Hudson_922]

Goo Goo Dolls is an insanely underrated band.

[@clightning9703]

better than any crap singers of today

[@hampusbjork8490]

I agree. Many times, I am still surprised that they aren't the icons they thought they would be.

[@IkechiUkazu]

They are legends to the people they are legends to and I think that’s all that matters. Screw what popular opinion says

[@Kudo716]

A Boy Named Goo is such a kickass punk rock/alternative album.

[@dmitryowens]

More like overrated - Urge Overkill is an underrated 90's rock band.

[@rosemariemerritt5035]

For me, "Name" reminds me of all of growing up being the first disabled student in my Catholic School. I was always identified by my shortcomings, not my merits or accomplishments. I was always either "Oh, you're J's sister. Why aren't you as smart as she is?" Or "Oh, you can't do that because you're blind." Hearing stuff like that made me give up my dreams and not really know who I was beyond "J's not-so-smart sister" or the blind girl who couldn't do anything. I felt very alone and like I didn't fit in anywhere. "Name" (at least the way I hear it) is about not knowing who you are beyond how others see you and that feeling of being lost and alone because of that lack of a real identity.

[@julielea8344]

I'm sorry you felt that way growing up. That is a fascinating insight into the song. It shows how great the songwriting is. I always felt like it was someone being protective over someone else "you could hide behind me, maybe for awhile, & I won't tell no one your Name, I won't tell em your name" & I think it's the WAY it's sung that makes me feel that way. No doubt it is a sad song, the person who was always protective of me was killed & life was violent for a while. It's hard to be young (or not) & identified by your shortcomings, or PERCEIVED shortcomings, my family thinks I am less than them because I am different (shortcomings) than them, but I accomplished more than all of them put together before I was 18, as a result I had very very low self-esteem. Whether the outside world or your family, EXTERNAL PEOPLE CAN NEVER DEFINE YOUR SELF WORTH, you are unique, as we all are, don't ever give up on your dreams, or yourself! I'm can't understand your experience, but I can understand what it feels like to be made fun of for being different, & not having a safe home, I hope all your hopes & dreams come true and you don't let this define in spite of it being in the developmental years. I hope I don't sound preachy, I'm a therapist & I feel your pain. Much Love

[@lensquires8466]

Beautifully written Rosemarie. The song means so many things to so many people. With myself the "orphan" part hit me and scars and many other of the lyrics. Many of Johnny's songs do that. He's won many song-writing awards he's rightly deserved and in one interview said it "comes from above". Its a God-given gift. 🙂 🙏 ❤

[@jamesmoy1214]

Thank you for sharing Rosemarie!☮️

[@jordanjmdjmd74]

You seem pretty cool to me 🙂

[@aieahi1]

Jon Reznik was an orphan, which provides a perspective of being different by no choice of your own.

[@Donegal62]

John is so humble. This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched.

[@chrisrj9871]

It's a good thing for a rock star to be as a human.

[@footnotedrummer]

I remember exactly where I was when I hear this tune for the first time. My wife and I were laying in bed, and the alarm was set to wake us up to a local radio station playing music. This song was right at the beginning, and we just laid there listening. When it was over we said.... "we HAVE to go buy that CD". That song started our Goo Goo Dolls journey and I hope I never forget it. Funny how songs can touch you in such a way that they formulate memories.

[@blasty290]

I love the way that Johnny gives proper respect to Husker Du and The Replacements. Both bands paved the way for many bands that went on to have huge careers and it's cool to see these bands show so much reverence for them

[@ProfessorofRock]

Both bands should've been in the ROCK HALL ages ago. How do Foo Fighters go in when the bands that inspired Dave Grohl are not in? It's 30 shades of ridiculous.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I swear I've seen John Rzeznik in an interview basically call himself a Paul Westerberg wannabe or that his band was just "ripping them off" and it came across as very genuine, humble, and endearing. The Goo Goo Dolls never seemed like a Replacement's rip off, they actually embraced using producer's and studio musicians' ideas and made some really great, memorable songs doing it.

[@TommyRibs]

The Replacements are one of the great bands that have ever been formed. They never got their just due. Their lack of recognition is criminal.

[@two3D]

I’m 53. I grew up in Minneapolis. To hear The Replacements, Husker Du and Soul Asylum (early named Loud Fast Rules) as inspiration is pretty cool. The 80s music scene here was them and Prince with First Avenue/7th St Entry as the epicenter. I lived in DC in the 90s and the Goo Goo Dolls bring a lot of memories to those days.

[@jj8716]

Bummer he don't give proper respect to his songwriter from 2008-2021 while he is covering up embezzlment and money laundering.

[@nathanr5825]

all the people that sh!t on these guys can go kick rocks. GGD are a fantastic band and they wrote music that speaks to people. They were a huge part of the soundtrack of the 90’s and I for one thank them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree wholeheartedly. Any songwriter would give their right arm for Iris and NAme.

[@erikkroll2154]

I am kickin rocks. Never liked them. To poppy to me.

[@thefaceoffuzz]

@@erikkroll2154 as a 32 year old music lover, calling a band "too poppy" was the mindset I had in my early teens. Over time I was able to learn how to be comfortable with myself and not have to pretend to fit in to some box or something, which allowed me to appreciate every type of music. Goo Goo Dolls have so many wonderful and deep songs. If you consider them too poppy, what do you listen to? Because they represent the same sort of sound as a lot of rock had at that time.

[@erikkroll2154]

@@thefaceoffuzz Death Metal.

[@Thought0Ninja]

@@erikkroll2154 I enjoy death, tech death, stoner, thrash, and groove metal but I also enjoy the Goo Goo Dolls. I don't see a problem with this. Just to throw it out there too early GGD is actual punk. Not pop punk but real punk. They were dirty, loud, and raw. I'm not saying you have to dig em or anything but check that material out before passing complete judgement on them. Though I can totally understand viewing them as mainly a mid 90s and on pop rock band as that's what they are best known for.

[@m2858]

I think John really appreciated the professors observations. He seems like a genuine person who is still grounded and real after all these years.

[@mAjeStic.716]

He honestly is . And he went through hell as a child from his dad😢 being the only boy too made him a target for him. He loves and respects him and their death impacted him hard but his sisters showed him love o believe u can find it on YT but they did a free concert for us July 4th 94 and it downpoured for hours. Their manage was shutting the concert down but Johnny REFUSED , made them start uwrapping everything and getting set back up. Him and Johnny stood their with electrical instruments mics earpieces the whole 9 and performed the entire album. The rain stopped when they were almost done but THAT IS THE BEST MEMORY of my life and I've been to plenty of their shows. But Johnny standing there kind of pissed at his manager for trying to stop it irritatedly yelling for them to turn his guitar on a terrential rain pouring on them I mean POURING on an open stage singing iris to the ppl that NEVER gave up on them, FOR FREE, in the middle of downtown Buffalo. He got the most loyal city in the world in a place where we would never not be a loyal fan that day

[@kman8749]

@@mAjeStic.716 wow what a story! My girlfriend loves that video clip. It's her favorite performance. I bought us tickets this past Christmas and gave it to her as a gift. I made a PowerPoint presentation and used that clip of iris in the pouring rain to reveal we were going to see the goo goo dolls this summer. Lol

[@mAjeStic.716]

@@kman8749 you're a good man to do that. And I'm sure you were showed much appreciation lol. So you do know of the concert. Yes it was one of the best versions of all his songs on black balloons. Man I miss the feel of that word and era the music, style, and scene were so different than now. I believe it speaking on the close and personal tour thingy around Christmas. But who knows lol 7k they get home almost every year to do a concert

[@indigos290]

More than 25 years later I still fight tears when I listen to or play/sing it. Incredible.

[@randysell5127]

I loved Name so much the first time I heard it that I went to a local pawn shop, bought an $89 acoustic guitar with a learn to play rhythm guitar book, taught myself to play and Name was the first song I ever played.

[@charlie-obrien]

What an awesome start to a playing journey.

[@I_Fight_Instacart]

​@@charlie-obrienNot Journey. Goo Goo Dolls.

[@mistac5299]

This song was playing at my bother's memorial service, and now when my daughter hears 'Name...it reminds her of the fond memories of her uncle. Now when I hear it or play it, I have the same feelings. I miss you brother.

[@julielea8344]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@RuvickAlbino]

Rip brother

[@chrisg1948]

My best friend from college is a composer. He’s in the Buffalo music hall of fame with these guys. They were his interns once upon a time. He went to see them and when he went back stage and they saw him... (he’s 6’5” so easy to see), they shouted his name and makes him feel totally welcome. That says volumes.

[@charlie-obrien]

When John mentions bands "bubbling under", I believe you could relate that to the whole Buffalo music scene even going back to the Tin Pan Alley days, one hundred tears ago. So many Greats from the Queen city, but many had to head out of town to get recognized and get a record deal.

[@macsnapon]

Johnny’s got a poet’s heart, so, when he writes, he reaches that part in you that you sometimes neglect. That’s what he meant by certain lyrics are meant for certain people. And everybody in Buffalo loves Robby because he is so generous with his time and gives back so much to the community. Robby is a genuinely unassuming guy to talk to off stage, and he is a monster bassist, but he’s got such a love for music and gives great advice to fans. I’ve been a fan of the Goos since 1988, my junior year of High School, when they hung out at the college radio stations and the Elwood Strip in Buffalo, right before their breakout.

[@anthonyamato6367]

I’ve seen the Goo Goo Dolls live 48 times and the part where the tempo speeds up at the end is always one of my favorite parts of the show. Great band.

[@benhammond6393]

I remember being one of those stupid fans who thought The GGDolls sold out for a radio friendly hit...then I realized that maybe there was hope in the world because a huge chunk of people were digging an awesome song by an awesome band and I needed to get off my high horse and quit acting like I was cooler than other people cuz I was into underground music...This full interview BTW with Rzeznik is AWESOME.

[@ericrawlins8444]

"Radio hit" doesn't necessarily mean "soulless" or "corporate shill"-this song proves that and then some.

[@avestuart]

I interviewed Johnny via telephone in 1987 just after their very first record came out on Mercenary Records. The label eventually went out of business and the record went out of print for a while. I was 16 and had started a fanzine. Johnny and I talked for a long time, he was very nice, eager and seemed very willing to chat for quite a while. I was living along the shoreline of Lake Michigan at the time, when he found that out he asked, "do you ever walk down to the lake and think 'wow, the Great Lakes are incredible?'" He talked a lot about how much he liked The Replacements. "Jed" is probably my favorite GGD record. Interestingly, it was released on Metal Blade Records, an underground thrash metal/hardcore label at the time which had Slayer on their roster. I met GGD again around 1993 or so during the "Superstar Car Wash" tour. It was like a Tuesday night or so, not many people there. I got talking with Robbie and he invited us to hang-out afterward and we ended-up on their bus. I asked Robbie, "how come you guys are changing your sound?". He replied, "well, we're evolving, but we also need to make money. We've been at this for a while". Today, I feel really bad about asking that question. I was young and had never endured the hardship of indie labels, touring and surviving. For some reason I expected them to always be my little secret. Robbie gave me his phone number, I never called him. Seems as though they still are pretty nice guys.

[@jjlwis]

guy's like that are honest...they never forget moment's shared.. give Robbie a Ring.. I'm positive he'll remember

[@christinewittmann1806]

They are. Robbie is still incredibly approachable and does so much for Buffalo. More than anyone realizes, actually.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

This was a song I regularly turned off because it was so overplayed. 25 years later I have much more reverence for it and despite getting tired of it, I always did like the lyrics. "Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far" is absolutely brilliant.

[@catherinefox3466]

I’m dying to get that line tattooed. It holds such literal and emotional meaning to me. My favorite line ever by an artist.

[@bradbo3]

They came home to buffalo and opened for Bon Jovi on the Bounce tour....JBJ came out after their set and called them back out for a 3 song encore. It was phenomenal....great home town band that made it big!!!!!

[@coolnegative]

I also love "I'm still Here." Such an amazing songwriter. A genius with lyrics. Some of his lyrics.....man, just feels like he is ripping what I feel out of my soul and showing it to me with elegance. I don't care if I get crap for that.

[@julielea8344]

You put words to how I have always felt about Name. It's the mark of an exceptional songwriter, & you described it so perfectly. Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far....meant a lot to me when Name came out, but today it feels much more like he ripped the words out of my soul, but the entire song is amazing. Much Love

[@coolnegative]

@@julielea8344 thank you so much Julie. It means a lot. Sometimes the way I express myself comes across as too much or melodramatic.........but for whatever reason, a song with amazing lyrics that nail me can almost be like experiencing Jesus for the first time. "Name" is an exceptional song. It is also the reason that we got so much more from these guys. I mean they started as punk, transitioned to (sort of) glam metal, but if that DJ had not played "Name".....let's just say the music world would have lost some great songs. Thank you again for your kind words. Sending love and blessings for a happy holiday season, and rest of your life! 🖤

[@fitfogey]

Great interview. Never forget how big of an a-hole Sting is. Early on a star struck John Rzeznik met him and told him that he was an inspiration for his music. Sting looked at him and said “Don’t blame me.”

[@rasputinsbeard3899]

It seems to me that John was very appreciative and touched by your observations on this very personal song. It's nice to see appreciation from both sides of the music. This is why I watch your videos. Well done.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

It’s “Iris” that does it for me. “And I don’t want the world to see me. Cause I don’t think that they’d understand. When everything’s made to be broken. I just want you to know who I am” hits me on so many levels. I LOVE the Goo Goo Dolls.

[@TVoltG]

This November will be 7 years since the love of my life died. I died it seems that day as well. I haven't been the same since that day. The one song that gets me is Come To Me by the GGD. That was our song. Every time I listen to it. It floors me. I miss her daily. That song is so personal to me.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

@@TVoltG I’m so very sorry for your loss. 🙏😢

[@charlie-obrien]

@@TVoltG You can't express pain without knowing pain. John's songs mean the most to us who have felt it. Always honor the love you had and it can still grow.

[@beth6582]

When everything is made to be broken That line hits hard. The truth is in it fully. JR keep writing.

[@justinpaskell7262]

My all time favourite song . I have a tattoo of the name Iris and another of the lyrics I just want you to know who I am.

[@manualgearshift4965]

I never listen to the songs the same after these videos. Thanks Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@jeffreytoole2719]

Adam is the consummate fan and ardent student of this era of music. He has the good sense to let the musicians tell their story with only enough lead in to draw out a true answer - and lets that answer take on a life of its own undirected by the interviewer. Best of all, he obviously appreciates the personal emotional impact of the musicians' work, paying the greatest compliment for their heartfelt work. I believe the artists respond so positively because they get to see the true fans aren't necessarily the screaming crowds at concerts - but those who immersed themselves in the music and found deep personal meaning in it. It seems that many of his interviewees are astounded to find that after all these years there were so many of us who "got it" after all.

[@alancraley8273]

John is looking full of life in this interview

[@bb-gc2tx]

the two most underrated songwriters of last 40 years john rzeznik and billy squier. both have distinctive voices and write great lyrics

[@gregl9175]

Don’t forget Rob Thomas from matchbox 20

[@thiagowallkicker7735]

The 90s always hold a special place in my heart, and of course "Name" is one of the key songs of my upbringing. 90s rocks!

[@erick.6330]

I remember scooping up the issue of Guitar World that had the tabs for this song. I adjusted my strings to the open tuning that was laid out in the issue. Got the first part down okay. Then I flipped the page to the bridge and thought "Yeah, no." It's a pretty impressive arrangement to say the least.

[@brienbenjamin]

This song always seemed to be deeper than most radio songs from the mid 90s. I always respected the catchy gritty depth it embodied- I could feel it.

[@BranOfSteel]

I was very young, sitting in a Fashion Bug playing with a transformer toy waiting on my mom and grandmother shopping when I heard this song for the first time. I only remember this specifically because it became my first "favorite song" and afterwards I used to sit in front of MTV for hours hoping the video would play. It was the song that made me pay more attention to music. An obsession I carried the rest of my life and I still love the song to this day.

[@JJNITROFAN]

Being from Buffalo I was already a fan when “Name” came out, and I certainly never thought less of the band for it. I never knew what it was about but always loved the song. Great band, great songs, cool dudes. Thankful for all they’ve given us over the years!

[@charlie-obrien]

Johnny chokes up, "God, it's just so hard to put into words..." He puts it into a song instead and the whole world feels exactly what he feels. Damn good John, damn good!

[@rgoob4045]

❤‍🩹💯💢

[@5jr.racing982]

Living 50 miles from Johnny's home town his music and lyrics are special to me .....GooGoo Dolls aren't just music... they are a "feel"....

[@cardbored_]

"People put you on a pedestal to get a better shot" is such a brilliant phrase. It stands true today more than ever. The masses love talent until it gets so recognized that they no longer feel special for knowing about it. People want to lift you up, BUT not too much. The lifting people up just to tear them down is such a toxic way to treat artists.

[@Kudo716]

I grew up in Buffalo and was a young boy at the latter half of this band's peak (about 2003-2006.) If you're not familiar with how the city was doing especially around the time of the Great Recession, Buffalo was in dire straits. The steel plants along the coastline of Lake Erie had all shut down, and the job market was horrible. As a young man who had always loved music and had dreams of being on stage, the Goo Goo Dolls were my heroes. They were proof that you COULD make it out of this city that had become a shell of its' former self, a city where every year was met with disappointment from the only thing that unified us as a community, our sports teams. I know it's common to consider the Goos "mom rock" and to some point I agree, but man, they were my heroes growing up. Absolute superstars. While John Rzeznik lives in California, the band's bass player Robby Takac is still very local, and really does a great job of giving back to his community. He likes to be amongst the people, and I've run into him quite a few times at his annual Music is Art festival. Say what you want about the band objectively, but they will always be Buffalo's hometown heroes. Long live the Goos.

[@eatmanyzoos]

slide stands up as this song's equal, sometimes i get teary watching the music video. this guy obviously wrote many great songs and is so humble about his success. what a pro.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. He's a great guy. He was a fun interview.

[@davidpayne2363]

@@ProfessorofRock you should do an episode on marmalade, reflections of my life! A very emotional song relating to the Viet nam war! The lead singer eventually did some work with Alan Parsons!

[@chuckhutton5087]

Johnny did an outstanding webisode on Daryl Hall’s show “Live at Daryl’s House”. What a great guy, outstanding singer/songwriter.

[@lensquires8466]

That was great Chuck, right down to his cooking the "Buffalo Style Chicken Wings"!

[@leroyjenkins3895]

I saw the Goo Goo Dolls at Roseland ballroom in maybe 2002 in support of Gutter Flower and I really liked the band but what I was amazed at with the show was how many songs they had that were so good that you had heard on the radio. They are one of those sneaky bands that you wouldn't put on a list of bands with a lot of hits, yet they have a ton of songs that you know without having to be a fan. The thing that makes Rzeznik's song so great, apart from having good melodies and some catchy hooks, is the fact that he is able to capture feelings that we all have or have had, WITHOUT creating an image to go with them. Bon Jovi writes songs that create imagery, very easy to put an image in your head about the song. Rzeznik tells a story of emotion but doesn't create a story. I love this aspect so much more because it allows every person listening to create their own story of what they think its about, or they can relate it to their own story. That is incredible regarding lyrical talent.

[@matti72033]

That's a great perspective on John's writing.

[@mattlinkous4356]

"..put you on a pedestal just to get a better shot." Hell that's a lyric right there. Possibly the most accurate description of fame ever uttered.

[@Canady117]

"We grew up way too fast, now there's nothing to believe" always struck me as almost like a Pink Floyd line. Something you could have heard on Time or Comfortably Numb or High Hopes. Name has always been my favorite Goo Goo Dolls song. Rzeznik is a really criminally underrated songwriter.

[@diviningrod2671]

Since your a floyd fan Check out scissor sisters version of comfortably numb, very trip hop like My metal buddies look at me like I'm crazy when I play it for them

[@JoeVideoed]

@@diviningrod2671 That's because you are crazy. I saw them play that on SNL & it was horrible; had to turn the TV off it was so bad.

[@diviningrod2671]

@@JoeVideoed that is the general consensus among those who know me...lol although it has more to do with chasing women and midnight mountain biking rides . I'll have to find that performance on snl. I could see their songs being extremely difficult to pull of live. Speaking of snl , check out skid rows appearance. They do ' piece of me' and monkey business ( honestly almost better than the original) AND find the skits that Dana carvey and keifer Sutherland ( dressed as Axl and slash) do with sebastian and Rachel . heavy metal nursery rhymes & ABC's for kids

[@westernnewyorkangler4273]

This song reminds me of life, how you have big dreams when you’re a child and they don’t really come true. One of the best songs ever created. Reminds me of my childhood, and simple times, and times people were alive we cared for that aren't around anymore

[@siorai1]

That’s exactly how I feel about it as well.

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

"Name" causes you to drop your inhibitions and take a hard look at your life, and I feel that's why it's so loved.

[@seansmith5826]

These guys are my pick for best band of the decade that never really got the recognition they deserved. So many incredible songs. You have to listen to the albums to realize how good they are. I have an affinity for great yet underappreciated songs with amazing lyrics (music from The Fixx and Rick Springfield comes to mind as well), and these guys are the epitome of that attraction.

[@MikeM.1971.GenX.]

But in that genre, that time, think about all the great bands:smashing pumpkins, Bush, red hot chili peppers, nirvana, foo fighters, and the list is literally endless...

[@ET-df2xz]

This was such a spectacular era, looking back. I feel the same way about "hey Jealousy" by the Gin Blossoms. Just so, so deep.

[@HellcatCustoms]

I grew up and still reside an hour South of Buffalo and saw the Goos at the Aud for the Boy Named Goo album (along with Bush and No Doubt). Amazing memories and albums. "Long Way Down" is one of my favorites from the Boy Named Goo album. That entire concert from that night is miraculously on KZbin BTW

[@ProfessorofRock]

Long Way Down is really good. Thanks for watching.

[@tombargerstock3419]

Long Way Down was fantastic!

[@charlie-obrien]

Also look for the 4th of July in Buffalo outdoor concert, where they played on, in spite of a downpour that cancelled all other activities that night. It is epic.

[@joshuamcneal]

Saw that tour in SLC, what an iconic trio of 90s bands.

[@woodwilling291]

"Long way Down" sounded SO badass to me I spent days learning that tune. "Name" I could never make sound right because I didn't know about alternate tunings until years later. (No youtube in the mid 90's you spoiled millennials!) This made me listen again and the whole album STILL holds up. Great interview!

[@ClickToPreview]

Yep, that is a killer track!

[@RR-vu3ol]

Naked was my jam.

[@jamesstauber9348]

Dude, you really do a great job in these interviews. It seems like you always manage to get these guys really talk about the song and the experience. They don't just give you the rehearsed cookie cutter answers. I love your channel.

[@PollyGammy]

And even though the moment passed me by, I still can’t turn away. Probably my favorite lyric of all time. I’d love to hear about Black Balloon too.

[@jennhurl]

This is insane! I swear on my life I was listening to "IRIS" on Pandora when the notification pop up. I clicked over and OMG this video is about Go- Go's "Iris"! 😍 That's CRAZY meant to be! ❤🎵✌

[@ProfessorofRock]

Oh wow!

[@jennhurl]

@@ProfessorofRock Right? ✋Promise you I was right in the middle of that song. The minute you popped up the album cover my jaw dropped. I love cool moments like that. Thanks Professor! ✌🎵❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@jennhurl You are so welcome! Thank you for your support!

[@cougar24]

I think she meant to say Goo Goos!

[@jennhurl]

@@cougar24 Hahahhaa!! My phone auto-corrected! I was typing out to a friend who is in the RRHOF this year. Thanks for catching that! 🤣

[@Ernie1978]

Sonically, "Name" is nostalgia itself. I absolutely love it and many of their songs.

[@adamesposito3662]

To this day, this band has been my favorite. GGD is the blue collar, working people's Playlist. To highlight Name as a crossover and game changer is absolute truth. They are most noted for Iris. They have numerous songs that speak to everyone in every way possible. They will be musical icons for eternity. Thanks professor this was a much needed sit down with John.

[@JeremySeanA]

"Don't it make you sad to know that life, is more than who we are." That line shakes me every time. Sad, beautiful and pure.

[@bryangarringer5503]

I was in my 20s and on deployment with the Navy when this came out.. Suddenly my childhood made sense. Thanks for the song John and thanks for an amazing interview Prof.

[@HAUNTED-DOLL]

I remember seeing them in the mid to late 90s when they opened for No Doubt and Bush. GGD blew them both out of the water. I've been a huge fan ever since.

[@DeniseVeronica]

Me too. I can't believe he likes Husker Du. I love them and only 1 person I know knows what band Husker Du is.

[@hotwings757]

This is my favorite song by them. You are an INCREDIBLE interviewer

[@geetarbube]

Oh, man, Superstar Car Wash. Great album. I remember hearing We Are the Normal for the first time on 99.1FM WHFS. ‘HFS broadcasted in the Baltimore/Washington area and turned me on to so many alternative bands. I’d listen all day while driving a delivery truck out of Frederick, MD through several counties around the metro area and Annapolis. Good times the 90s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@michaelrochester48]

Fallin down is an awesome song

[@markbock3027]

HFS was such a great station. Damn shame it got bought and destroyed.

[@geebeeinga]

Grew up in PG County listening to WHFS - Damien was my favorite DJ. Post Punk Alt and New Wave were staples at the 'Vous at UMD in College Park. Good times...

[@lisamorrison2149]

I watched the tv show The Voice last night, and one of the contestants sang "Iris". Thankyou for talking about this song, and The Goo Goo Dolls. Love them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@arthurdrolet3693]

One of my favorite bands of all time. I've always enjoyed the songwriting and melody of their music. Rzeznik is masterful. A Boy Named Goo doesn't have a bad song on it. My favorite song from them though is from Dizzy Up The Girl called Black Ballon. Stunning Period.

[@diego5262]

I love that quote "It's nice when you don't know what your doing!" Damn, that kind of hits, man.

[@pgrothschild]

Spot on about that line, "..scars are souvenirs you never lose," that one line would make me think about my past in an instant, the heartbreaks, everything..

[@PoppyJ1419]

Thank you for celebrating the genius that is John Rzeznek and the Goo Goo Dolls! They are, as many stated, highly underrated and recognized! Beautiful soul touching talent that forces uncontrollable body movement and out loud vocal reactions. Love them and the joy they've given me.

[@coreynorton4544]

I grew up south of Buffalo and went to college in Buffalo at the time the Dolls were just a local band, love that they "made it", love that they go back and give back to the area. Name when it came out didn't piss me off thinking they had "sold out" bands are creative and need to get things out, and the song said so much to so many people, all i can say now, all these years later is Thank You for sharing it with us.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing your comment. More to come.

[@charlie-obrien]

Both Robbie and John still have homes in Buffalo...and the Supermarket he tells the story about is Wegmans. I have run into him while I was also "3 am shopping".

[@wmg1958]

I saw these guys perform at the Fillmore. They were great, but by then "Name" was big and you could tell the band was feeling the weight of the song at that point. People were going bonkers during the pause in the song towards the end, so you hear the singer say "Hey, if you all hold on we can get through this together." At that moment it was easy to believe "Name" had become the "tired song" for the GooGoo Dolls. It was a good show, you could tell they had paid their dues. They were tight!

[@andyzar1177]

First time I heard "Name" I was living back in my home country of Colombia, we had a couple of alternative rock stations that took over our traditional tropical and salsa music scene! Name became my personal anthem , it was the ballad version of Smells Like Teen Spirit in my eyes.

[@pyrodiscoflash6115]

This song hit a Resonating Harmonic Flow and a magic mid 90s Vibe that is In Timeless feedback loop, i hear shades of Gin Blossoms interwoven

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love your comment. I can see how you hear that...

[@davidwise3426]

The Goo Goo Dolls made part of the '90s soundtrack, Iris being among the decade's best. Their music video is top-notched, helped me through a severe medical crisis actually, also part of a favorite movie. I really appreciate John Rzeznik's comments about leaving the song's interpretation to the listener. It's obvious to me that song lyrics can mean different things to people, in some cases it's a vast difference. Wonderful band, classic songs.

[@rip8564]

Some songs are timeless. You can listen to this song then or 20-30 years from now and it’s beauty and perfection still elicits the same response. He calls it a “happy accident” but that’s the creative discovery and that’s the gift.

[@js0U812]

I was stationed in Italy and living in a hotel at our Southern detachment when I first heard it. The "scars are souvenirs you'll never lose" stuck as I had a failed romance at the same time, and the harmonics of the guitar always stood out. Nearly 30 years later I keep my first guitar usually tuned for this song (DADAAE).

[@cconcannon5145]

Such a strong and achingly beautiful track...there's enough ambiguity in the lyrics there for us all to make a personal connection...and I think that's why its so enduring, its always so personal and so relevant.

[@Capt.Gagan.Boparai]

Somehow missed realizing how lucky you are Adam...to sit next to such great artists and squeeze out deep emotions behind the amazing songs they wrote and even get chocked sharing the stories that inspired them..!!

[@jerrypayne9332]

One of my all-time favorite songs is "Name". Every time I hear it, it takes me back to that time period. The 80's and 90's were the golden age of rock(and really - all music). I haven't heard a song lately that rises to the level of quality and feeling that most of the music had back then.

[@blazestrama9052]

Forever one of my favorite bands and truly an amazing band to see live. They leave it all on stage and I have seen them 12 times live over the years and they never disappoint!! Keep rocking guys

[@tomcoryell]

As a guy from the ‘70’s, I wasn’t real crazy about the level of songwriting happening at the time just before this song. Then I heard “Name” and it elevated the songwriting in pop again. I don’t understand people not being happy for a band that works hard and becomes successful. If that’s selling out, then I’m glad the GooGoo Dolls sold out. John, if you read this, thanks for the inspiration man!

[@bane1240]

This song always catches me and makes me ponder life’s memories when I hear it. Has done that since it first came out in 1995 and still does it to this day. Rzezniks lyricism and voice are stellar, always.

[@scoobysnax3139]

I LOVE John and GOO GOO Dolls. JUst saw them for the first time this summer and when he started singing I melted. I have been listening to them for 30 years ❤

[@Green28142814]

Saw the Dolls open for the Replacements on their "final" tour, in Toronto. They slayed with I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man(Prince), ably assisted by the legendary Lance Diamond. Great night.

[@lawrencecongdon8882]

Ah, Lance Diamond! Legendary in Buffalo indeed.

[@KevinConlon69]

I really don't know how you can make 15 minutes go by so quickly.. The strongest memory of one of their songs was "Iris". I was in the Navy and just about to be transferred to Greece, leaving my girlfriend behind. The last evening together, "Iris" came on and I fell apart. FFWD a few weeks, standing watch on the Quarterdeck, "Iris" comes on the AFRTs station and the memory of that evening rushed back to the forefront of my mind. Tears began to flow. I'm not sure if you've ever had to leave someone behind for what could be years, but it makes you hate Airports. Every song and scent brings you right back to those moments as does "Iris". I wonder if the artists realize how much of an impact even one line of a song has on so many people.

[@BrownEyedGirl1367]

Your comment made me cry. So gentle and sweet.

[@tmr3513]

"Every song and scent brings you right back to those moments" Great line for a song.

[@CronoXpono]

Name is a track that legit just holds you in your place when you’re least expecting it. “And don’t it make you sad to know that life…is more than who you are?” That. Fucking. Line. Gets me every single time.

[@nigellablossom]

I got to see Goo Goo Dolls in concert for my 18th birthday.. it was the Dizzy Up the Girl album tour. I remember being so captivated by him back then haha. Theirs was my first live concert. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@jennhurl]

Hi Professor! Watching this now! I miss when the thumbnail told you the artist or song! I try to get my friends to watch but they never wanna click on a 15-20 minute video without knowing who they are gonna watch. Just some feedback here. I always watch No matter what.

[@ProfessorofRock]

If you look at the description right below the title it always says the artist and song. I will start putting it in bold.

[@jennhurl]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank you for your reply! I will pass the word on to my friends that have subbed your channel now. I always ask - Did you see this video or that video & they say no because of that. To be honest, I missed that as well and I watch every episode🤦‍♀️. (Blonde moment?🤣) Good deal, Professor! Thanks for telling me!

[@jennhurl]

@Anna Trail Me too Anna! I'm that "music junky" he always mentions. 🤣 Learning all the little details of songs & artists is a passion of mine. ❤ I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!

[@crispypickles8466]

I feel the exact opposite. I start watching his videos to find out who the thumbnail is referring to and then continue watching because of the insight. If it just said who it was, I probably wouldn't click on as many videos.

[@wilburyarchive6251]

Thank you for the Goo content! Keep it coming! They’re my favorite band and there aren’t enough videos diving deep into their songs!

[@goldenlarry]

I saw them on their first ever tour "Cram The Van". They were really nice to me and my friends, we got posters shirts and post cards autographed and hung out with them for a while, I always appreciated that!

[@randypaul5427]

Gosh, I remember seeing There You Are” on 120 minutes on MTV in 1991. I immediately purchased the album the following day, Hold Me Up. I was lucky to see them play for 50 people in the mid 90’s.

[@jasonhpekinildashcam]

“Name” will always be a special song with me. This song was playing on the stereo in the background when I was having relations for the first time. Every time I hear this song, I think back to that magical day. It’ll always have a special place in my heart.

[@johnopdahl1246]

Another great one POR. Love how he gave you cred for your observations. You truly are a master at bringing the essence of a song/band/era to life. Thank you!

[@sherozie]

This song helped me through a very difficult change in my life. I will never forget what I was doing. I played this song over and over. I don't think I will ever tire of it.

[@podcavepodcast5579]

This is a fantastic song. Huge hit. If people don’t like it, or if they send hate mail, it’s truly because they hate that they love it and won’t admit it. I can more than understand that because I used to be the same way. I then got older and thought to myself “why shouldn’t I just admit that I like this stuff”. Free yourself people. It’s much better to love than to hate.

[@jasonwhite7452]

I briefly lived in Orchard Park,Ny after Graduating in 1995. Met a lot of cool people up there and the music scene was unreal! I’m not only talking about The Goo Goo Dolls who were by then a household name..I’m talking about the high school and college kids who were forming garage bands and following in the footsteps of the Grunge Revolution that was taking place! I’ll throw in a few..see if any of you O.P kids remember. Deadlock…Counter Clockwise and Fulcrum!

[@jackjohn2242]

I can remember seeing them open up for The Dead Milkmen at Buff State back in 1986. They were just a loud crappy punk band. It was nice to see them improve so much. They earned their success!!!

[@sarzbeth]

I LOVE THE DEAD MILKMEN! I wish i coulda seen them!!

[@bprathe3205]

He’s one of the best artists to interview. He listens and is always humble to observation of his craft. I STILL REMEMBER EXACTLY WHERE I WAS WHEN I HEARD IT THE FIRST TIME. I’m a 61 year old navy veteran, I work in a very rough occupation still. That song brought me to tears in a grocery store parking lot while sitting in my car. For whatever reason, it touched the wounded child inside of me that was always chasing my identity. That’s the only way I know to explain it. Name is a song of healing.

[@overrotate]

That is wonderful. Thank you for your service. The Goo’s are 100% the soundtrack of my life. There has always been something about them that is genuine and it comes through in the music!

[@bprathe3205]

@@overrotate agree 100 percent and thank you. It’s my pleasure to serve.

[@lhart99]

Man, songs like this saved my life, and continues to save my life.

[@brianshaffneraclc]

I always liked Rzeznik. Seems very down to earth, authentic, just a guy doing what he loves to do. Got a free ticket to a show that included the GGDs, a few years back, and they played a terrific set. The rock & roll spirit hasn't waned at all.

[@fernandogonzalez3242]

What an amazing interview. I was never a huge Googoo dolls fan, but they definitely have my respect.