u/TechEducator25

This was my 35th Goo Goo Dolls show. Couldn't believe they played "I'm Still Here" at the tour warm up show, so was really jazzed up about this one.

The last time they played the Venue at Thunder Valley Casino, it was one of their best shows I've seen. John was really present and his banter was unique.. Said that he absolutely loved the venue itself. The band was on fire... Based on all of this, I was amped for last night's show... It was my friend's first Goo Goo Dolls show as well. I was excited up to share them with him, he's been a fan since Dizzy Up the Girl.

Outside of "I'm Still Here", the setlist was a regurgitated version of what they've played all summer for the last 15 years. The order of songs broke the momentum of the show all throughout the night. Robby sang the same 3 songs he sings at every show.

John said the same thing he says every time about "Name" - "This was the first song we ever had that was a radio hit" and then when it ends "Thanks for remembering that one. Thanks for keeping this band alive". Same canned banter all night as with every other show before "Sympathy" and "Acoustic #3" as well.

I really miss Sammy Boller. The new guitarist plays with a heavier guitar tone so the band sounds heavier (which isn't a bad thing if they were playing more of their older jams), but his onstage persona felt like a guy playing guitar at a cook out rather than a guitarist that's a part of the band. I know it's only their second show together so maybe they haven't all built chemistry yet, but it just didn't feel good to me. I felt like Sammy really helped to bring the songs and shows back to life, the way his guitar lines soared brought a 1+1 = 3 kind of energy to the shows.

All in all, this is the first time I've come away from a show feeling like the band was just resting on its laurels. The energy, the setlist, the tired banter...

I asked for his thoughts and he said "it was fine, a little boring, wouldn't see them again." I felt the same.

That’s it, that’s the post. Ask for set times and have another drink at the bar before you go in