For over four decades, John Rzeznik has been the voice and soul of the Goo Goo Dolls, an alternative rock band that has not only weathered the ever-changing music industry but has also consistently produced hits that resonate across generations. From the raw energy of their early work to the polished anthems that have dominated airwaves, the journey of Goo Goo Dolls is intrinsically linked to the evolution of Rzeznik himself. With their thirteenth studio album, Chaos in Bloom, the band, fronted by Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac, delves into the complexities of the modern world, offering listeners a thoughtful and often candid perspective on the anxieties of our times.
In a recent interview, John Rzeznik shared insights into the band’s latest work, their enduring legacy, and his personal reflections on music, community, and the state of the world. His words offer a glimpse into the mind of a seasoned artist who remains deeply engaged with his craft and the world around him.
The Essence of Live Performance and Connecting with Fans
When discussing what fans can anticipate from a Goo Goo Dolls show, Rzeznik emphasizes the fundamental role of entertainment. “I’m a huge proponent of being an entertainer,” he states, highlighting his commitment to delivering a memorable experience for concert-goers. He firmly believes in honoring the band’s extensive catalog of hits, acknowledging the deep connection fans have with songs like “Name,” “Iris,” “Slide,” and “Black Balloon.” For Rzeznik, playing these beloved tracks is not just a duty, but a way of showing gratitude to the audience that has supported them throughout their career.
He understands the dynamic of summer tours, attracting both casual listeners eager for familiar tunes and hardcore fans seeking deeper cuts. Rzeznik skillfully balances the setlist to cater to this diverse audience, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling satisfied. This dedication to his fans is a cornerstone of the Goo Goo Dolls’ enduring appeal.
Embracing Creative Freedom: Producing Chaos in Bloom
Chaos in Bloom marks a significant milestone for John Rzeznik and Goo Goo Dolls as it’s the first album he has produced himself. This decision stemmed from a desire for greater creative control and the opportunity to fully explore his sonic vision. Rzeznik, a self-confessed collector of vintage recording equipment, saw this as a chance to “dig into the sonics and use the studio like an instrument.”
He acknowledges the constraints of modern music production, where tight budgets and schedules often limit experimentation. By taking the production reins, Rzeznik aimed to break free from these limitations and craft an album with “more teeth and some more weight to it.” While he embraced the freedom of self-production, Rzeznik also recognized the value of collaboration. Enlisting the help of Gregg Wattenberg for vocal production, he ensured that the album reached its full potential, benefiting from an outside perspective to bring the project to completion.
Goo Goo Dolls cover art
The album title itself, Chaos in Bloom, was inspired by a line from a Chameleons song, encapsulating Rzeznik’s perception of the current global climate. It reflects the unsettling times we live in, a sentiment that permeates the album’s themes.
Reflecting on Anxieties and Observations of a World in Flux
Lyrically, Chaos in Bloom serves as a reflection of John Rzeznik’s observations and anxieties about the contemporary world. While he steers clear of overt political statements, the album grapples with the pervasive sense of unease and division that has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Themes of societal fragmentation, the aftermath of the pandemic, and a general feeling of instability are woven throughout the album.
Rzeznik describes his songwriting process as organic and intuitive. He sees himself as an observer, allowing ideas and emotions to “unpack themselves” in the studio. The songs evolve through a dynamic interplay between his intentions and the direction the music takes him, resulting in lyrics that are both evocative and deeply personal. His lyrical style, honed through years of reading and listening to music and poetry, resonates with listeners seeking to make sense of their own experiences in a chaotic world.
Goo Goo Dolls 2
Photo by Claire Marie Vogel
The Enduring Power of Music and Community in a Digital Age
Looking back at the origins of Goo Goo Dolls, Rzeznik reflects on the evolution of their sound and the values that have kept the band together. Starting as a self-taught musician in a blue-collar environment, his initial musical aspirations were rooted in a desire for connection and belonging. Sharing a similar working-class background with Robby Takac, this foundation of shared values and hard work has been instrumental in the band’s longevity.
Rzeznik emphasizes the importance of real-world community, especially in an age dominated by digital interactions. He notes the growing realization that online connections often lack the depth and substance of genuine human relationships. For him, music, particularly live music, offers a powerful antidote to this digital isolation. Concerts create a space for shared visceral experiences, uniting people in a way that artificial intelligence and virtual realities cannot replicate. This sense of collective belonging, fostered through music, remains a vital human need.
Despite acknowledging the increasing political polarization in society, Rzeznik finds solace in the unifying power of music. Even in moments of societal division, music serves as a common ground, reminding us of our shared humanity. This belief in music as a form of connection and even “medicine” has been a driving force throughout John Rzeznik’s career and the journey of Goo Goo Dolls.
Goo Goo Dolls Tour Dates (Remaining 2022):
- August 10, 2022 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
- August 12, 2022 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
- August 13, 2022 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Pavilion
- August 14, 2022 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
- August 16, 2022 – Boston, MA – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
- August 19, 2022 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- August 20, 2022 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
- August 21, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts
- August 23, 2022 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheatre
- August 24, 2022 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
- August 26, 2022 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
- August 27, 2022 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
- August 28, 2022 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
- August 30, 2022 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre
- August 31, 2022 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
- September 2, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
- September 3, 2022 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
- September 4, 2022 – Palo Alto, CA – Frost Amphitheater
- September 12, 2022 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater
- September 13, 2022 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre
- September 17, 2022 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre
- September 18, 2022 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
- September 20, 2022 – Doswell, VA – After Hours Concerts at The Meadow Event Park
- September 21, 2022 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
- September 22, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
- September 24, 2022 – Buffalo, NY – Keybank Center
