The BIGGEST #1 Song I EVER played on "IRIS" | The STORY | Goo Goo Dolls

[@DrProgNerd]

For 37 years, I've been calling myself a musician. After watching this - I discovered that I'm just a guitar-owner.

[@Drumit22]

DrProgNerd best comment ever!

[@grggr18]

same. i just burned all my guitars

[@brexxebender1204]

Everyone is a musician is their own way... Thats what makes each and every artist different... Dont short yourself... What one person does great ,you may do your own thing better...

[@radofficial4672]

Agree !! Don't be phased by other musicians sound or ability.. follow and enhance your own direction and style.

[@ryandinosaur]

yep, another newly realized "just a guitar owner" here too....d'oh.......

[@jwandhistools]

Between this guy and Beato, I think I made the right move getting a job as a mechanic 30 years ago. Now I live out my dreams in reverse through these guys. That probably made no sense to anyone.

[@MehYam2112]

I’m guessing on average, mechanics have much better/simpler lives than musicians

[@stephendawg1]

Actually, I completely understand. I studied Guitar Performance for a year before going back to the farm and factory to make my living. I have lived vicariously through a handful of friends from school who became true professionals in the business. Interestingly, they have commented on how they would trade places with me to live a simpler home life with family. Pro life is a hard life. Glad these cats make such awesome music though. They’re glad I grow their food and build the machines they depend on to move from point A to point B.

[@jwandhistools]

@@MehYam2112 Not really, but I did a session one where the engineer rearranged the solos I played, and actually punched me in off 1/2 beat. I wanted to kill the guy. He turned a decent, thought out, well phrased solo into unmusical garbage. I can't handle that crap.

[@emfraridades7261]

@@jwandhistools That's why I hate the Idea of a "producer engineer". They have no right to do that. Giving ideias, seraching for tones, sound, that's Fine. But to mess with someone's creativity is ridicoulous

[@nealm6764]

I totally get it. I had the same experience with Cycling. Raced as an amateur but decided not to pursue it as a career. Riding with some top level guys later totally confirmed that I had made the right choice. Some people are just on a different level in something that you will never reach.

[@ccmusic2249]

"People go their entire lives without making a mistake in this room". I've told people countless times that the greatest musicians in the world are never seen, they're heard.

[@cleftturnip7774]

You mean Whores and mercenaries

[@eduardoritos]

@@cleftturnip7774 Bands need help; musicians need some money. Everybody wins.

[@heybuddy6794]

some are smelled

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

@@cleftturnip7774 No - people who are sufficiently competent that they can make a living - anywhere, any time, any place. Good luck with your ramen noodles.

[@jumpkeys]

I often say something similar about our FOH. If I didn’t notice them, they did great.

[@richardryandaguit9493]

The cassette recording is one hell of a relic.

[@PaulDavids]

Great video Tim, awesome story!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks Paul, Loved your new Fleetwood Mac video...

[@paso193]

Damn! I was waiting for Tim to play that sweet looking 12 string!

[@finnacide]

awesome video tim, great job!

[@troyhenjamin1144]

Tom I'm just now realizing that you are a World Class Artist. Thank you this was a great story

[@txlespaul30]

The level that Tim is on is absolutely unattainable for us mortals. The song with the most airtime total since it's release??? I've got goosebumps.

[@mikefigueroa4075]

So did I! Man. I stopped at that part. I felt happy for him.

[@dchristo10]

My son was an infant when this song came out and it became the song he had to listen to when he was in the car. As soon as it started, he'd relax and start to fall asleep. If it ended and he hadn't quite nodded off yet, he'd cry until I could rewind the tape (this was back when cars had cassette players) and restart the song. Now, he's in college and he still loves the song.

[@yyulius77]

What's tape?

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

Wow, Awesome Story, thank you for sharing.. New Dad here

[@tomthx5804]

Tim's playing is well known for putting people to sleep.

[@sicnarf423]

and then everyone clapped

[@diafenix]

i'll be honest with you, the mandolin intro and the slide solo have always been my favorite parts of the song. very heartfelt.

[@AnimationByDylan]

Next week’s video: At Woodstock Tim secretly played backstage while Jimi Hendrix played air guitar. According to Jimi, “The performance had to be perfect the first time. Tim was the obvious choice.”

[@georgebarry8640]

Animation...I hope you intended this as a joke.

[@AnimationByDylan]

GtrGeorge Barry I think it’s pretty clear I was joking. What about it seems serious or malicious?

[@georgebarry8640]

@@AnimationByDylan Just couldnt tell if you were being snarky. Tim, probably COULD have played for Jimi in a pinch!

[@georgebarry8640]

@B.D W Dude, you don't need to spike your comments....it only unravels your first statement. In fact, you make snarky comments. No need for more hate online. It's all good.

[@tomthx5804]

Scuse me, while I kiss the sky

[@savethofel8952]

I'm starting to notice a trend here, if I like a song, invariably, Tim was somewhere playing something on it. Tim, your joy, talent and brilliance are inspiring!

[@Jaysteenn]

You are so humble, I never knew you played on this epic track!

[@TheReubenKincaid]

I saw a recent interview with Rzeznik about Iris ands he brought up Tim’s contributions. And because of Tim’s channel I knew

[@DavidDiMuzio]

This is possibly the coolest video I've ever watched on KZbin. Thank you so much Tim!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks so much

[@getulioprates]

For sure, this video is a pearl, as we use to say in Brazil. Thanks Mr. Pierce!

[@bro7269]

It always amazes me how many band members didn't play on their own records.

[@alexzandersupertramp693]

Yes, but encouraging. There's no way 4 guys could create that sound. You hear that demo and imagine how something so simple with a little collaboration can create something so huge. We rarely see behind the curtain and have high expectations from a band or artist. It takes so much work from so many artists and performers.

[@NickGranville]

Some try to then realise they should just get in session players cause it’ll be quicker and better 9x out of 10.

[@MrAletube]

when its studio work,you don't want to play 1000 times over and over the same song to catch maybe a couple ones good,you call guys like Tim and a drummer like Vinnie and they give you all good first takes with a perfect sound,time is money.

[@DarkoP9.13]

@@alexzandersupertramp693 Kings X - 3 piece The power of expression is within,Not outside(instruments/gear) not necessarily using ("too") many different guitar parts or whatever "tricks" many do to fill the spectrum. I only write this comment cause ye said THERE IS NO WAY... Not sayin yo completely wrong, i enjoy michael jackson (just 1 example) music that was mostly collaboration(far as i know) with many driferent artist, known or not well known, seen and unseen(studio musicians)

[@mudwiser1391]

Most of the time it comes to efficiency in the studio, a pro like Tim can do his parts fast and perfectly, while it would take the actual band much longer.

[@westside1912]

There's roughly 25 notes in that nuclear guitar solo. An absolutely stunning lesson in how restraint is often the most important tool in the artist's toolbox. Tim could have gone out there and noodled all sorts of guitar fireworks in the hopes of trying to impress these guys in the hopes of landing future work, but instead he knew exactly what the song was meant to be and put the music before himself.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Back seating and letting the guest shine is perhaps your most elegant talent Mr. Pierce.

[@lestergreen9524]

These behind the scenes videos of how songs are made, with the producers, are so fascinating to me. Thanks Tim!!

[@johnnyringo8174]

My two favorite songs in the world are "Iris" and "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. Thanks for helping to make the song what it became! Much respect to you!

[@markroberts392]

Dude yes - The World I Know is a top 3 for me, for sure

[@victorpradella]

One of the greatest stories I've heard in recording history, thanks for sharing Tim, it's really amazing!

[@blueishxx]

every time i come back to this video I'm blown away

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

That cassette demo was everything. We really peaked in the 90's as a civilization. Just enough tech to make the best movies and music ever but no social media to ruin everything.

[@CornholeNetwork]

That opening solo is mind blowing!

[@bkauff00]

Wow... this means I actually learned a Tim Pierce Solo note for note.... I'm so proud of myself.

[@less_concerned1221]

No learn the new part of the solo he added at the beginning of this youtube video!

[@Dug6666666]

That song had hit written all over it right from the warblely tape. It had the right people on the job not to mess with its chemistry.

[@rickelliott6946]

Theses guys a what I refer to as self-effacing. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they take their craft very seriously. It’s should inspire all of us. “ Let’s distort the reverb” is a mindset that expresses a freedom of movement and then comes the inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

[@EfEmDee]

I'm late to the comments, but I remember when the GooGooDolls were a garage band from Buffalo. This video is inspring for the fact that a garage band from Buffalo can get to the point that they're hiring Tim, and orchestrating parts from an alternate tuning noodling demo tape for a film score.

[@JDChicago]

It was that half step tension on the top of that slide solo.....Legend. Just straight outer space. No one does that who is not a guitar genius. Forget about playing it..."you had to hear it." So bravo genius.

[@urge_it]

When you can play the whole song with no fear of getting copyright cause you're sitting with the producer.

[@AidanXavier1]

Yeah oof this is the WB guy... Someone tell him to chill out with the KZbin claims Someone tell him about fair use That said, this guy produced one of my all time favorite songs so... nice

[@Chrissummerill]

The record label probably owns the rights to the recording anyway, the producer is just a sub-contractor. I’m sorry I had to be that guy. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

​@@Chrissummerillboo-boo!!! Booooo!!!!

[@IraLive1]

@@Chrissummerillthe record label would upload it to youtube and they'd STILL get a copyright strike from youtube 😂

[@davidtomkins4242]

Copyright doesn’t quite work that way in practise. Big companies will farm out the collection of publishing money collection to specialist companies who will look after all territories around the world. That company has paid for the right to collect publishing and take a cut. If an artist/producer starts undermining that by waiving it, the collection companies get pissy because they are losing out on income. Even artists need to ask permission from the publishing/royalty collectors to waive it for their own songs. Of course, the artist has some leverage - “waive it or i’ll use a different company” but the point is that it’s not the artist who can just wave a hand and waive the copyright. It’s the publishing collectors who have the initial say in the matter

[@songsfromspringcreekave821]

IRIS is such a hauntingly beautiful song. It really is a masterpiece. I love to watch these conversations about creating these great songs, but they always make me think... God I hate my job, lol! What an incredible thing it would be to be talented enough to do what these guys do.

[@Kieorasama]

I was lucky enough to get to see goo goo dolls live last year. This is one of my favorite songs. That slide solo is incredible!

[@JM-co6rf]

impressed with how well fleshed out the demo was. respeckt

[@bobsmith1965]

I'm a hard rock/metal guy but I love this song. Ears are full of sounds and it all ties together so well.

[@piperpilot26]

This song, along with many other 90's alternative hits, defined and shaped my teenage years. It's great to finally put a face to this memorable solo.

[@FloridaManRacer]

Being a guitarist from Upstate NY, I ALWAYS looked up to the Goo Goo Dolls for having made it big from the not-so-popular part of NY state (anything not NYC) seeing your video was a great insider's look at the creation of this song and I've played your piece about a million times. Thanks for writing it. (I love the internet, 30 yrs ago I couldn't write this)

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks so much!!

[@jonmarbach1]

Me too! In my teens I saw the Goo Goo Dolls playing all sorts of local shows around Buffalo and I was so proud of them for making it big. Now hearing the back story really brings it all full circle. Love this video!

[@Geno5]

There have been some great session players, but we have never seen the behind the scenes like with we have with Tim. He is a legend.

[@ltdlp21]

you should do a compilation of favourite tunes you did - favourite song,favourite solo,riff,tune in general,etc... Great stuff,btw!

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

This depth of knowledge and how the sausage is made is such a gift.

[@zac3392]

Next video: Tim co-wrote and played mandolin on Beethoven’s 5th...

[@WickedJester77]

I KNEW THAT WAS HIM

[@Rogueshiva]

XD

[@MrScogmo]

Yeah bc the goo goos are like Beethoven

[@alex0589]

Ahahaha

[@sunnysoleil8176]

I for one am glad that Tim put extra solos for fun in the KZbin videos. 0:40 - that smile (and the playing) makes me smile too. Great stuff Tim!

[@markwarhill]

That solo in the beginning. Wow! Just wow!

[@julesbaghouls]

I replay Tim’s intro solos like 10 times on all his videos.

[@JumpStop1]

This is just so epic. It is unattainable now, these kind of records will not happen again. Damnit. These guys are royalty

[@rjtkoh]

Wow you guys really lifted the song to another level. It was so interesting hearing the original demo and comparing it. The slide solo and orchestra just makes it

[@RJRonquillo]

This is awesome, great to hear these stories, and great to see Rob! I vaguely remember another session we did with them at Rob's house, we had a great dinner, and for dessert he ordered like 10 pies from Coco's ....and i had one slice of each lol.

[@timpierceguitar]

Yup , I remember the pies! We’re you there when he got the soft serve ice cream machine ?

[@RJRonquillo]

@@timpierceguitar I don't think so, I would've remembered that!

[@riffism]

R.J., the fact that you can utter those words...you were at Rob's house with Tim doing a session...I hope you know how awesome that will be to recall 25 years from now. Amazimg stuff for one of my favorite session/tour guys. Good for you man.

[@spacejamgoliath]

@@riffism just another day for RJ

[@MikeSuttonXerox]

An absolute iconic song like a “Let it Be” and this is the best story ever especially how Tim showed up with a truckload of equipment.

[@NWLee]

I knew producers had big roles in the music we hear, but on large productions that is just the beginning. So many talents behind the scenes, Thanks Tim for this amazing showcase.

[@TheReubenKincaid]

I've been listening to Tim since the 80's and didn't know it.First Bon Jovi, Then Crowded House!!!, then-if that weren't enough Iris...I love guys like Tim , Studio Cats...versatile, and absolutely creative and integral to those hits. After seeing this, I thought about Louie Shelton after hearing Lionel Ritchie's Hello which has a that fantastic solo, and then realizing he was the guy that played the guitar break on The Monkees Last Train to Clarksville.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I love Beato’s channel and many others but this guy just takes the cake as the king of cool shit.

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

As a person who has been on both sides of the glass for many years, these are the stories I love to hear, the behind the scenes (ie:real) stuff. Thanks for all the great and interesting content. Peace.

[@RC32Smiths01]

This is my Dad's favorite song from them! Meant a lot to him then, and is still relevant to him now. Amazing to have seen play you on this track man! Looks like you've become more of a Hero to him and me!

[@tigertigerpantherfox3714]

What a time to be around in the 90s!! Nostalgic music.... Thank God for session musicians!

[@westoncolins9107]

This guy was the man who made that solo, legendary.

[@JorgePrates1]

Turn a relatively simple arrangement into a beautiful harmony with the strings strolling over the melody like a ballerina ... This requires much more than all the musical knowledge you have shown, this is pure magic! And you only get something like that who has been a master at what he does, and does with pleasure, joy and competence. Thank you so much for sharing this creation and these magical moments!

[@kickbiker7920]

I gotta say I love hearing anecdotes like this, told with enthusiasm from people that were ACTUALLY involved

[@mars6433]

"B-D-D-D-D-D" No wonder I couldn't figure out that stupid song !!!!

[@charlie-obrien]

Johnny has been long known to do experimental tunings on his guitar, That's a big part of the Goo's success.

[@coolramone]

Too many chords ... j/k :)

[@nkyryry]

He’s notorious for that.

[@dlvox7415]

Quentin James I play it on acoustic (Eb tuning) as follows: D-A-G D-A-G D-A-G Bm-A-G Check it out. Sounds good for coffee shop gigs, etc. the Eb tuning helps me hit the vocals.

[@arcywafu]

You should have an extra guitar to play this song 😂😂😂

[@spleefdowny]

Amazing, amazing, amazing how many insanely talented people are walking this earth.

[@smokingun397]

You are a legend Tim. Thank you so much for showing us this world that most of us can only dream about

[@swooshcdl]

it is a true gift to hear this story and understand how the layers (of artful genius) came together. It’s easy for forget how any amazingly talented group of multiple people had to work together to create a singular product to stand the test of time.

[@swooshcdl]

I also love the story of the transformation. Where they were skeptical of your amount of gear and perhaps what would come of it ... and then you produce your magic and instantly all concerns are through aside and there’s this euphoria that ensures. So good. Precious stuff man. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@steve-from-toronto]

These guys are incredible. At the top of their profession.

[@MrPetersmm]

Still the number one played song since it came out. Congratulations Mr. Pierce, you made it POP!

[@patrickhogan8828]

Tim, I admired you before but now I'm just in complete awe!! Iris is on of my favorite song! Keep rocking!!

[@catherinemacleod4985]

When you get sailing away on a waterfall of notes, and it all comes together, you get the most beatific smile on your face; that's what I come here to see. As well as the music.

[@davidanthonychilds4460]

I've never given that guitar solo a second thought - but I was missing out. Great work. I'm going to learn from this one.

[@TheNewRevolution]

Your parts made this track Tim. The mandolin and the slide solo are fantastic. There's no way this song would be the hit that it is without those parts.

[@LegionDe75]

These videos are so infectious because they're so genuine.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

That second "just-for-fun" solo. Damn.

[@steveg6199]

Thanks Tim for taking us to these places that a whole bunch of us aren't privy to! So awesome to learn about these things.

[@mikemb123]

This is like seeing the "man behind the curtain" these parts you played on these records hold important memories in my life, they are like parts of my soul, now I see it was just this guy playing it.

[@r-tyomfrolov4211]

This video is breaming with knowledge and great mood, whoa, what a delight! HUGE love your way, Tim!

[@lessthanraj]

I was lucky enough to make a record with Cavallo in 2001. Dude is so rad, so smart and so talented... i learned so much, Thanks Rob!

[@CiaoGibson]

Some guys just have it and you Mr. Pierce definitely do! ❤

[@frankblunt2482]

The solo you play after the slide part is sublime. I listen at least eight times a day. Out and out genius. Thank you.

[@sammathis]

That solo jam at the beginning was phenomenal.

[@aeynghus]

I love Tim's face when he is playing. He truly enjoys the wonderous noise he is making.

[@javierolmedo4927]

That distorted reverb at the end of the solo is a great touch - going to steal that trick!

[@HenrikKleist]

Amazing story. What a great way to tell history of the song and the history of the two of you.

[@jordank5975]

I've kept an acoustic in this tuning specifically for this song for months at a time

[@roachzero2952]

That song has a feel that absolutely CANNOT be ignored ... I'm not really a GooGoo Dolls fan but that song just has so much feeling that you literally need to be dead to not feel its emotion & unless you lived in a sewer , you could relate in some way or another .

[@phil42069205]

“Tim bring your sh*t, back this truck up.” Had me laughing for a bit.

[@BridgeGuitar]

Less than a minute in and this is getting saved and shared! So, so amazing!!!

[@Job.Well.Done_01]

So darn good 🌟

[@michaelkozma5929]

Tim your guitar playing is incredible, the voice leading in the beginning of that slide playing is some of the best ever recorded in popular contemporary music on a guitar. That entire solo is just beautiful to listen to, almost as if it's divine intervention which climaxes the song to the fullest. You're such a nice guy too and have so many great questions when asking the other engineers/producers/composers. As somebody who has worked in NYC as a small assistant audio engineer editing on a National Geographic episode I can definitely say this is some of the most valuable behind the scenes content uploaded for a musician i've ever seen on the internet. Aspiring musicians/producers/engineers watch the entire video and pay attention. Thanks for the great video Tim!

[@HawaiianGuitaristWRITENDRA]

One of my favorite songs. Thank you for sharing the story behind it.

[@powerfuran]

Give this man an award for the best guitar face ever, that smile at 0:40 is priceless

[@joeb3590]

Done but, he's gonna have to send it back to us, so we can re present him with it.

[@giovannifarinacci4533]

Monster playing! Wow, thank Tim for sharring.

[@g_and_kikos_studio]

I don't know how I missed this video til now. You are a legend Tim. And it was interesting to see all the details behind the orchestration....😎

[@PC-je4es]

This is one of my favorite guitar solos. The slide solo was insanely sublime. There is beauty in simplicity and complexity but always serving the song. Thank you.

[@th3gr81]

You should call this: How to be a Professional studio musician. So much knowledge is in this video.

[@80s4sure]

This is the most fantastic thing I've seen on KZbin in years! LOVE that they have John's demo. This is priceless. He's maybe the most under rated, talented songwriter to this day.

[@justsaying9913]

Someone remind Adele that Tim had a part in a great #1 song called Iris and the Wah wah pedal rocks 🤙🏼

[@mikeomatic9905]

Fun fact I learned not long ago: the main guy from Semisonic co-wrote Someone Like You.

[@riphdy1]

@@mikeomatic9905 and ryan tedder of one republic wrote beyonce's halo

[@mikeomatic9905]

Riphdy Phiroze TIL!

[@justsaying9913]

michael burkman “Closong Time” is a classic and a must listen 👂

[@transparent4847]

You truly have a gift Tim. I have always enjoyed this song and you're right it is a classic that has stood the test of time. The slide part could not be more perfect for the song. You are blessed to do what you love and the orchestration was brilliant. So amazing to see how you guys create these timeless moments with inspired artists.

[@bluematrix5001]

Cavallo is a REAL Producer, wish can meet this guy! .... and what a great work you did Tim, that song defied an time! thanks for this awesome video!

[@AndyA1234]

Hats off for mentioning all the musicians and recording team. A record is a team event.

[@fiddlefolk]

Tim, thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed every segment of this show from start to finish. Really inspiring!

[@ramspencer5492]

Just listened to it again. So well produced. Really masterfully sculpted and raised the song to it's full potential.... You and Rob totally killed it there! 😎

[@seandaniel23]

What a legend.

[@steve-from-toronto]

The CAREERS these two have had. Unreal. Amazingly talented multi-instrumentalists, technicians, and artists. Fantastic video.

[@arottie4097]

Hi Mr Pierce. Can you make a video of all The Beatles songs you played on? Ha! As always thank you for all the time & effort you put in, creating these Awesome gifts you share with us!!

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

that is an iconic, modern classic pop rock tune, and TP is an iconic musician. countless players have insane chops these days, but innate musicality is a rare commodity.

[@baimun]

Bless You Tim... I remember how floored I was when I found out that you played the "Runaway" Solo for Bon Jovi (which has always been my favorite Bon Jovi solo), and then you played the solo for "Please Come Home for Christmas". And now "Iris"?!?!... I'm going to check your Wiki and find out how many other songs from the soundtrack of my life you've played on.

[@PHLCoffeeSnob]

wait, Sambora didn't play that?

[@baimun]

@@PHLCoffeeSnob Nope. That song carried over from the Bon Jovi demo from before the full lineup existed... with Tim''s solo intact!

[@PHLCoffeeSnob]

@@baimun nice!

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Oh Man!! It's Christmas time in my soul!!! What a fantastic video. I only "discovered" Tim Pierce a couple of months ago and he continues to blow me away on every level. I love everything Mr Tim does.