Photos and Review by Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro
Goo Goo Dolls show photos HERE
Daughtry show photos HERE
It was a three hour trek to the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT but well worth my time. The Oakdale is a fantastic place to see a show. My drive, while lengthy, was easy and the venue is just off the highway with plenty of free parking. Once inside the staff was cordial and lines for snacks and spirits were short and moved quickly. I liked the idea that they had an outdoor area to enjoy cocktails and food as well. Perfect for a warm summer night. The theater itself was clean and seating was comfortable. There doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house.
I was pretty excited for the show to start as it was to be my absolute honor to shoot Daughtry and Goo Goo Dolls as they took to the stage for the opener of their 2014 tour. Oh what a show it was! The lighting and stage were vibrant and crisp and the show itself moved flawlessly throughout the evening. This was the best concert I’ve seen in a while. From the power packed energy of Chris Daughtry to the completely zen presence of John Rzeznik the experience was akin to musical orgasm as both bands brought us up and down that metaphorical mountain. Wow!
Chris Daughtry has some serious energy and that energy washed over us like storm waves at the shore. He commands the stage as he struts with purpose from right to left and left to right all the while belting out tunes with a voice equally as energized as his physical presence. That voice is strong and powerful and richly toned. Great, great performance and the perfect opening act for Goo Goo Dolls.
Fan energy remained high during the quick intermission so when lights and sound came crashing through the darkness we were ready to rock and rock we did! John Rzeznik emerged from the shadows, guitar in hand and the crowd went nuts! As he started to sing a slow smile spread across his face and you could almost see the warmth spread across the crowd and that warmth was coming from him. This guy is totally zen and you can feel it from him. He commands the stage and embraces his audience. Robby Takac was equally as appreciative of the fans that came out and they both greeted them and shook hands with them throughout the night.
John’s vocals are warm and earthy. They’re buttery brown sugar. He opens his mouth and awesome floats into the air. They played fan favorites (aren’t they all fan favorites?) and the crowd danced as they sang along. A fantastic performance from both bands and a show you don’t want to miss!
Goo Goo Dolls
Daughtry
Setlist
Lazy Eye
Dizzy
Slide
Big Machine
Rebel Beat
When the World Breaks Your Heart
Already There
Bringing on the Light
Come to Me
Black Balloon
Stay With You
Here Is Gone
Caught in the Storm
Feel the Silence
Flat Top
January Friend
Another Second Time Around
Notbroken
Better Days
Slow It Down
Give a Little Bit
(Supertramp cover)
Iris
Let Love In
Encore:
Name
Broadway