Photos and review by: Aidan McCarthy
Show photos HERE
The Otis Midnight Sessions is something a little different. Performing at 13 venues across the US, The Goo Goo Dolls will be taking more of a ‘Story Tellers’ approach where they play an acoustic set at smaller, more intimate venues. We headed along to The Ridgefield Playhouse, CT to check them out.
Los Angeles-based Korean-American musicians ‘Run Rive North’ are along for the tour and is a great match for this round of acoustic sets by the Goo Goo Dolls. Their opening set had the crowd in continuous applause.
Like most children of the 80’s, The Goo Goo Dolls became a defining sound in my life through much of my late teens and early twenties. Hits such as Iris and Slide propelled them onto the radio and into fans hearts.
Johnny then strolled onstage to the expected screams from fans and opened the night with Sympathy from their 2002 album ‘Gutterflower’. Robby joined him a few songs later to yet more screams, and the night grew from there. Playing a mix of their favorites and some lesser-known songs this acoustic set really was something special. Both Johnny and Robby took time between songs to regale the stories behind the music and provide a rare insight into the men that make up the band. Sharing various experiences and influences, the band lifted the veil and closed the gap between the fans and themselves. Johnny even admitted to completely forgetting how to play Iris that very morning!
By the end of the night, everyone was on their feet and most had made their way down to the front of the playhouse to be closer to the band that come in search of intimacy. A stellar performance all round. If this show is coming near you it is a must see. For the latest dates click HERE
Goo Goo Dolls at The Ridgefield Playhouse – CT
