The Audio Perv

By Keehyahtay Lewis

Touring in support of their new album, “Something For The Rest of Us” Goo Goo Dolls made a stop Friday night, 07/23/11 at PNC Bank Arts Center. They brought Parachute and Michelle Branch for support. I wasn’t able to see Parachute’s set, but I did get there for Michelle Branch. She came out with her bass player and a guitar player, no drums, no keyboards, just a couple instruments backing her voice. Branch has been around for about 10 years now, so she had a string of solo hits, as well as a couple songs from her time in “The Wreckers” to choose from. Her vocals were strong, and the crowd was enthusiastic, despite the heat and sun beating down on everyone. She played a couple of new songs and everyone reacted positively. Overall she played a fun set and it kept everyone’s energy high.

A short time after her set the house lights went down and the lazer lights came up. The audience erupted in anticipation of the guys from Goo Goo Dolls taking the stage. Goo Goo Dolls was actually the first band I ever saw live, about 13 years ago, so to be there once again shooting the show was almost like coming full circle for me. For a band who has been playing for about 25 years now, they played with strong energy and a lot of smiles. They seemed to really just be happy to be playing for everyone at the show. Of course they played their hits including “Name”, “Broadway” and others. The new songs were met with strong reactions as well. Goo Goo Dolls are one of those bands that has songs that definitely take you back as soon as you hear them.

The guys played a strong set. By the time they played what might be their biggest hit, “Iris” a lot of the audience no longer had dry eyes. They alluded to the fact that last time they were at PNC they were perhaps a little too drunk to play that song correctly, but this time it was flawless.

I had not seen them since the first time, almost 13 years ago, and it was fun to get to see them again. Made me think of being 17 and looking where I am now. I am sure that for a lot of others at that show, they felt transported back by these songs we all knew so well. It was a great night in NJ under the stars. Another great summer night with friends and some great songs.

Photos by Keeyahtay Lewis of DeadboltPhotos.com

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