What’s there not to get excited about when The Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October come through your city. I’ve been listening to both these bands for longer than I can remember. From when my mom would put them on in the car on the way to school and in those moments as I got older to keep up with the nostalgia of the 90s rock music era. So many things to be said about this show and I was glad to be there to witness the legend that is John Reznick and the icon Justin Furstenfeld all under the same roof on that rainy Texas night. It had been a bucket list item for me to see Iris live after watching the iconic live performance of it in the rain and so this night sure was special.

As the fans sat and waited very patiently for the lights to go dim and the music to ease in, there was a calm feeling in the pavilion. Everyone had been waiting a VERY long time for this show since it got cancelled due to Covid. An attendee that I was sitting next to told me that The Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October were his favorite bands and that it was a very special night for him. Everyone has a cool story for why they were there and it’s a whole other perspective that we tend to forget.

Blue October was soon to take the stage. The lights began to go down and the crowd started to cheer. We begin to hear the background music play and the band slowly trickled onto stage. We were ready for an epic night of great rock music. They started their set with “Coal Makes Diamonds” and man, it was epic to finally hear Justin’s vocals live. Obviously the two songs I was super excited for were “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean”. Once we got done taking photos of the first three, I was able to get into my seat and take it all in. When I heard the beginning of “Hate Me” I instantly felt the emotion wash over me. The music and the emotion that Justin exuded on stage made their performance all that much better. And of course, “Into the Ocean” was the exact same feeling. We heard new and old songs from them that night and 100% would see again.

And now we sit and wait for the main event, The Goo Goo Dolls. I had to look at the setlist prior to the show so I could prepare myself for when all my favorite songs would come on. I don’t typically do that because I love a good surprise, but I was too anxious to know. Without skipping a beat, John and team come onto stage to get the show started. The first 3 songs went by QUICK. Being able to snap some shots of this band as a super cool experience and I hope it shows in the pictures below! I didn’t know this, but John is 56 and still sounds incredible live. His energy was 100% there and ran all over stage. I’d even say he sounds better live than he does on the record. A talent that I’m truly stoked to be able to experience in person. Through the 23 song setlist, they play ALL the hits and more. New and old to show they still have it and can keep up with the times. I knew that Iris was towards the end so I was counting down the songs until we heard that iconic guitar intro. The moment we heard it, I couldn’t help but yell every word. It was hands down one of the best moments of the whole show. The Goo Goo Dolls are an unmatched act, and everyone should go see them if they have the opportunity one day.

Can’t say I’ve been to many concerts that have shook me like that one but it was an 11/10 show!