Concert review: Goo Goo Dolls at Pier Six Pavilion
Sun sports editor Ron Fritz was at last night's Goo Goo Dolls show at Pier Six Pavilion. Here's Ron's review:
To be honest, it was my first time seeing a concert at Pier Six, but it won’t be the last. Not only is the venue impressive, but last night the weather matched it, with a cool breeze coming off the water.
Then the bands took the stage and raised the temperature a few notches. The Spill Canvas from Sioux Falls, S.D., was the opener and they played a tight, 30-minute set that included two new songs, "Dust Storm" and "Our Song," and ended with fan favorite "All Over You."
I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of the group and have seen them four or five times in the Baltimore area and each time they seem to get a little better. Touring with Switchfoot and a veteran band like the Goo Goo Dolls definitely agrees with them ...
The Goo Goo Dolls clearly know how to put on a show and the group did not disappoint the huge crowd. I'm not sure the attendance, but it looked close to full. When lead singer Johnny Rzeznik said before the third song the band was going to kick it up a notch, it did with "Slide."
Out promoting a new album, "Something for the Rest of Us," the group played some of the new material. "Home," and "As I Am," have the potential to be hits. The Goo Goo Dolls didn't leave out some of its biggest hits, either. The band filled the show with "Name," "Iris," "Black Balloon," and closed with "Broadway."
Just a great night of music, and the atmosphere could not have been better.
(Handout photo by Kurt Iswarienko)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Yes.... that show was Amazing! Pier Six rocks to see a show and the Goo Goo Dolls always know how to rock it!
Posted by: Nic | August 4, 2010 2:35 PM
Show was great! It's the first time in a while that I've been to a show where ALL of the performers put on a heck of a show!
Posted by: FoodBooty | August 4, 2010 3:32 PM
I'll admit it ... I'm surprised Goo Goos have that many fans still
Posted by: Anonymous | August 4, 2010 4:35 PM
GREAT show. Switchfoot was fantastic.. Lead singer sang the first 2 songs while standing 10 rows deep in the crowd on a chair.
Goo Goo dolls are a true talent and sound even better live. Rzeznik is just 'one of the guys' and came out after hugging fans and taking pictures in front of his bus. Hops on his bus & sits in the front seat next to the driver.. what a cool dude.
Posted by: BJ MATSON | August 4, 2010 8:29 PM
We were actually impressed with Johnny Rzeznik as a person when we met him during our trip to Vegas for "Next Great American Band". While the other judges ripped on us because they knew we were clearly there for sideshow purposes, he actually listened to our music and appreciated it for what it was. Even said he'd buy our album!
Cool dude, and he writes catchy pop songs, which is a hell of a lot harder than it seems. He definitely deserves his success.
Posted by: Ryan Graham | August 4, 2010 11:32 PM
Glad you were able to experience a Switchfoot show! In my opinion, they put on one of the best live performances I've ever seen. While I was mainly there to see Switchfoot, I am a fan of Goo Goo Dolls too, and was impressed by their portion as well.
Favorite part of the night - after the concert, the lead singer of Switchfoot, Jon Foreman, treated fans to an "aftershow" - just him & his guitar, sitting on a bench across the pier, playing some solo stuff, as well as some old & new Switchfoot songs (even a few yet to be released). Great night overall :)
Posted by: Lauren | August 6, 2010 3:13 PM