Iconic 90s Front Man Tells Story of #1 Rock Song That CHANGED His Life | Professor of Rock

Up next the story of one of my most haunting songs of the mid 90s as told by one of the most iconic bands the last 25 years Goo Goo Dolls. With speculation having run rampant of the meaning of this number one alternative rock song we get the straight story from the bands front man and songwriter John Rzeznik in an exclusive and personal interview next on professor of rock.

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Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 90s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
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It’s time for another edition of our new show, breakthrough, where we breakdown the singular, song, album or event that kicked open the door to an artist or band’s career and gave them the momentum to rocket to long term success.. And today’s a great one, as we get the story from John Rzeznik the iconic front man , guitarist and songwriter from one of the biggest bands of the last quarter century ,

Goo Goo Dolls. who’s #1 airplay hit IRIS from the 1998 movie City of Angels rocketed the band to the highest levels of global stardom. Iris was perched at the top spot of the airplay charts for a record 18 weeks, since it wasn’t commercially released as a single it wasn’t allowed to chart on the billboard hot 100, which was strange but it’s become on the biggest songs of all time.

The band was ready for the major success because their 1995 album a boy name goo put them on that fast track. Our break through story begins where a rough and ready punk would scratch and claw it’s way from Buffalo New York to get a record deal. the trio of guitarist Johnny Rzeznik bassist robby takac and drummer george Tutuska would choose the name Goo Goo Dolls as a temporary fix and Rzeznik wasn’t even the singer on the first few albums,

After fighting their way through releasing three early albums, and having the opportunity to open for Rzeznik’s heroes the Replacement on their final US TOUR Goo Goo Dolls released the LP superstar car wash that was in 1993 where Rzeznik’s collaboration with the Replacements revolutionary leader Paul Westerberg helped them get play on MTV’s 120 minutes and alternative rock stations, as well as an appearance on the paul shore movie soundtrack Son In Law, the pump was primed and the band was ready to make it’s climb. Their breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of a Boy Named Goo.

Although the song is about many different things that are very personal and which Rzeznik talks about in the interview. It’s a very fascinating and vulnerable story from Johnny, about a song that pushed the GOOS over the top. Name was a true crossover hit. Going to #1 on Mainstream rock charts, and the Alternative airplay charts #2 not eh Mainstream top 40 and #5 on the AC Charts and the pop billboard Hot 100, as well as #2 in Canada,.

For all of you chart geeks out there.

[ProfessorofRock]

As the rock era wound down, what was the best song of the mid 90s (95-96)?

[davidbell]

Jon Bon Jovi was quoted saying that Rzeznik was one of his favorite songwriters. That says it all. This man is a severely underrated songwriter and "Name" has to be one of the best songs of the '90's.

[zacharycollins]

Rez "They put you on a pedestal to get a better shot".

Dude spits out killer lyrics when he's just talking.

[bunda]

"When you bleed just to know you're alive" Great line.

[liquidSpin]

Dude is one of the most underrated song writer/singer of all time. Because they became a house hold name and they crossed over they were disregarded by many as being just another pop rock band. The truth though is that Rzeznik is a musical genius. His song writing skills is unbelievable and the sound of his voice is the icing on the cake.

Wish one day they will get the credit and respect they deserve.

[dard]

The "scars-souvenirs" line can be felt by every person on the planet. It's very potent. It has zero fat and TONS to unpack. The line is so customizable for each listener it easily allows you to make the song all your own. It's why this song will always be on the radio.

[ericrawlins]

No matter how many times I hear it, "Name" gives me chills.

[rgs]

"Name" came out when I was a senior in high school. I was only 17 when I left for college and, though I'm not an orphan, I did grow up without my mother. This song captured for me the way a transition or a love or something big can reawaken those past transitions, loves, big somethings. "Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far" -- those words, that song, touches on a complex grief I've rarely heard expressed so poignantly

[rosegoldhalo]

"Don't it make it sad to know that life is more than who we are." That line runs through my head all the damn time.

[footnotedrummer]

I remember exactly where I was when I hear this tune for the first time. My wife and I were laying in bed, and the alarm was set to wake us up to a local radio station playing music. This song was right at the beginning, and we just laid there listening. When it was over we said.... "we HAVE to go buy that CD". That song started our Goo Goo Dolls journey and I hope I never forget it. Funny how songs can touch you in such a way that they formulate memories.

[GringoLoco]

"People put you up on a pedestal just to get a better shot at you"

That's some rock wisdom! Thanks!

[michaelrochester]

Black balloon will always be my favorite song of theirs

[m]

I think John really appreciated the professors observations. He seems like a genuine person who is still grounded and real after all these years.

[indigos]

More than 25 years later I still fight tears when I listen to or play/sing it. Incredible.

[Donegal]

John is so humble. This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched.

[John_Hudson_]

Goo Goo Dolls is an insanely underrated band.

[mista_c_]

This song was playing at my bother's memorial service, and now when my daughter hears 'Name...it reminds her of the fond memories of her uncle. Now when I hear it or play it, I have the same feelings. I miss you brother.

[blasty]

I love the way that Johnny gives proper respect to Husker Du and The Replacements. Both bands paved the way for many bands that went on to have huge careers and it's cool to see these bands show so much reverence for them

[chrisg]

My best friend from college is a composer. He’s in the Buffalo music hall of fame with these guys. They were his interns once upon a time. He went to see them and when he went back stage and they saw him... (he’s 6’5” so easy to see), they shouted his name and makes him feel totally welcome. That says volumes.

[anthonyamato]

I’ve seen the Goo Goo Dolls live 48 times and the part where the tempo speeds up at the end is always one of my favorite parts of the show. Great band.