Goo Goo Dolls – Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY – 11/19/2025 concert review

THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.

Goo Goo Dolls hometown shows raise $150,000 for FeedMore WNY

Buffalo, NY – The iconic alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls, led by vocalist/guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac, returned to their hometown on November 19 for the first of two charity concerts benefiting FeedMore WNY. Announced just 10 days earlier, both shows sold out within minutes. The intimate 1,000‑capacity Town Ballroom offered fans a rare close‑up experience compared to their last Buffalo appearance in August at the 16,000‑seat KeyBank Center.

The Goo Goo Dolls organized these shows to support Western New York’s hunger‑relief efforts. Tickets were priced at $150 for general admission and $300 for VIP meet‑and‑greet packages, highlighting the exclusivity of the event.

These concerts came during a year of renewed success for the Goo Goo Dolls. Their 1998 Grammy‑nominated hit “Iris” resurfaced on streaming platforms and has now amassed nearly 3 billion plays on Spotify—making it one of the most popular songs in the world and introducing the band to a new generation of listeners. They also capped off a summer tour that packed venues across the country and released a new EP, ‘Summer Anthem,’ featuring seven well‑crafted songs that prove the Goo Goo Dolls aren’t just living on their past. With only a handful of shows left on their 2025 calendar, these intimate, charity‑driven gigs stand out as a meaningful highlight for both the band and their hometown community.

From the very first notes, it was clear this was going to be a special show—one that lived up to the hype. With the crowd packed into the intimate venue, the Goo Goo Dolls took the stage at 8:30 p.m. and opened to the roar of the audience with their hit song “Naked.” Backed by outstanding musicians Craig Macintyre on drums, Jim McGorman on keyboards, and newcomer guitarist Sammy Boller—who stepped in this past August to replace longtime member Brad Fernquist—Rzeznik and Takac radiated energy as they ripped into “Slide,” with the crowd singing back every word.

Remarkably, as the band prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, the audience was filled not only with longtime friends and devoted fans who have followed them for decades, but also with a striking number of younger listeners—many not even born when the Goo Goo Dolls first started. That mix underscored the timeless reach of their music, showing how their legacy continues to connect across generations.

The setlist closely mirrored what the Goo Goo Dolls delivered on their summer tour, running just under two hours and packed with hits that kept the energy high throughout the night. New guitarist Sammy Boller quickly proved himself a virtuosic presence, showcasing blistering solos on “Miracle Pill,” “Bringing on the Light,” and a fiery cover of Tom Petty’s “You Wreck Me.” His guitar work added fresh intensity to the band’s familiar catalog.

Highlights of the show included a hard‑hitting version of “Broadway,” which had the entire crowd singing along. Sammy Boller tore into a scorching solo that showcased his virtuosity, before John Rzeznik stepped forward with a harmonica part that shifted the mood. He then followed it up with a bluesy guitar solo, driving the band into a powerful crescendo that built to an epic ending and left the audience roaring. Another standout moment came when Robby Takac took the spotlight for his signature song “January Friend.” The band’s 11th most‑played track across all their years of touring, it gave Takac the chance to sing his heart out. The audience matched his energy word for word, a testament to the deep admiration so many fans hold for him.

Before launching into their breakthrough hit “Name,” Rzeznik grew a bit chatty with the crowd. He joked that before the song became a success, the band was stuck playing “shitty bars,” and as he neared his 30s he thought he might have to go back to school and become a responsible adult. Instead, “Name” changed everything, and with a wry smile he admitted, “Sometimes I truly hate being a grown‑up.”

Rzeznik also shared a heartfelt observation about his time back home. He mentioned that he had been in Buffalo for three days, and everywhere he went—restaurants, stores, and coffee shops—he saw people focused on donations for local food drives. “That’s what makes me proud to be from here,” he said. “Everybody knows that we have to stick together.” It was a reminder that beyond the music and celebration, the true reason for these concerts was to support FeedMore WNY during a time of need.

He also took a moment to thank Town Ballroom owner Artie Kwitchoff. With a grin, Rzeznik remarked, “It’s amazing that he even let us in the joint.” He went on to note that Kwitchoff had also managed the Goo Goo Dolls in the band’s early days, joking, “All I can say is I’m sorry, because we were fucked up,” which drew big laughs from the crowd. Robby Takac then chimed in, adding that Kwitchoff’s mother was also in the audience.

The Goo Goo Dolls ended the night with their biggest hit, “Iris” — one of the most popular songs in the world. The performance was nothing short of breathtaking. Even though they have played it every night for more than 25 years, Rzeznik delivered it with fresh emotion, his voice carrying the weight of the song’s timeless message. The crowd’s voices rose to meet his, creating a powerful chorus that filled the Town Ballroom. Few songs can rival this classic live, and in Buffalo, “Iris” once again proved why Rzeznik’s masterpiece remains pure gold.

This concert event was a win‑win for the fans, for FeedMore WNY’s hunger‑relief programs, and for The Goo Goo Dolls themselves. All proceeds went to support this vital cause during hard times in the holiday season. Not only are John Rzeznik and Robby Takac Buffalo’s hometown heroes, but they also proved themselves true philanthropists. As Rzeznik stated during the show, “We should do this every year.” The fans couldn’t agree more. This was a show that many will never forget — a night where music, community, and charity came together in perfect harmony, leaving memories as timeless as the songs themselves.

Goo Goo Dolls setlist 11-19-2025

Naked
Slide
Think About Me
Here Is Gone
Black Balloon
Miracle Pill
Nothing Lasts Forever
January Friend
Feel the Silence
Sympathy (Acoustic)
Acoustic #3 (Acoustic)
Name
Over and Over
Big Machine
Ocean
Stay With You
Run All Night
Life’s a Message
Bringing On the Light
Better Days
Broadway
Let Love In
Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty cover)
Iris