Review of Goo Goo Dolls live at Leeds Academy on November 9, 2010

Now over twenty years into their career, Buffalo natives the Goo Goo Dolls are currently on an eleven date UK tour that will include two shows in London. The Grammy-nominated act are promoting their 'Something For The Rest Of Us' record, before returning to their homeland for further shows.

Goo Goo Dolls

Beginning their set with the recent upbeat album opener 'Sweetest Lie', the dilemma that faces any band with nine studio albums like the Goos is what to include in a show. It soon becomes evident that the band are more than happy to satisfy their fans than simply promote an album for the next segment of the night is a blissful blast through their more popular back catalogue. 'Big Machine', 'Here Is Gone' and 'Slide' have stood the test of time and thrill the audience, whilst 'Black Balloon' remains spine-tingling. Front man John Rzeznik is in good if not stunning voice and it is only when bassist Robby Takac takes lead such as on 'Smash' and 'Now I Hear' that the momentum stumbles. New cuts such as 'Home' and the epic 'Not Broken' fit in warmly amongst the favourites, but they have some way to go before rivalling a gorgeous rendition of 'Name' and signature anthem 'Iris'. A sing-a-long to match anything ever witnessed at the venue, it predictably ends the main set and is the reason that many are in attendance. However the curtain closer of 'Broadway' shows that the band can party in more than one way, wrapping up an enjoyable celebration of the Goos past and present.

Alex Lai


Site - http://www.googoodolls.com

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