For the first time since 2019, The Goo Goo Dolls made a triumphant return to Manchester. Fans were left mesmerised by their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and electrifying songs, fanning the flames of nostalgia whilst welcoming in a new era of great new offerings. The renowned American rock band proved why they have maintained a dedicated fan base for over three decades.
Opening the night, Those Damn Crows wasted no time in igniting the atmosphere with an infectious performance. The Welsh rockers’ relentless energy and enthusiasm quickly won over the crowd. Tracks like “Blink of an Eye” and “This Time I’m Ready” showcased their hard-hitting sound and impressive vocal prowess.
Their final song “See You Again” had the whole crowd singing in unison and served as the perfect warm-up for the main event. Fans won’t have to wait long who are wanting their next fix of Those Damn Crows either, they’ll be returning in October, so don’t miss out on tickets!
The anticipation for the Goo Goo Dolls’ return was palpable. Taking centre stage, the band wasted no time igniting the atmosphere from the get go. They launched into their set opening with ‘Yeah, I Like You’, instantly setting the tone for a frenetic crowd as they transported fans through time with an impressive back catalogue of hits from an illustrious career. Classics such as ‘Slide’, ‘Name’ had the crowd bellowing out every word whilst newer tunes such as ‘Miracle Pill’ and ‘Fearless’ showcased the bands continued evolution, striking the perfect balance between introspective ballads and high energy anthems.
Unsurprisingly, the piece de resistance of the night belonged to the iconic anthem; ‘Iris’. A fitting and euphoric ending to the night. The audience bellowed out every single word without missing a beat, making for a beautiful moment of unity that could have blown the roof off Manchester Academy. It’s one of those songs that needs to be witnessed live at least once in your life.
John Rzeznik and bassist Bobby Takac remain engaging as ever as they had the audience holding onto their every word and whim and even after all these years, they’ve still got it. Which leaves us with no doubt that they remain at the forefront of the alt-rock scene and one of the best live bands around. Hopefully it’s not too long before they’re back again!
Words and Those Damn Crows photos by Ellie Dawson
Additional Photos by Chris Ryan
