Returning to Fort Wayne in just a few short weeks – Goo Goo Dolls! The band will once again play the Historic Embassy Theatre Thursday, November 10 at 8:00 p.m. 

I remember walking between classes to Von’s in West Lafayette to pick up Goo Goo Dolls’ A Boy Named Goo on the strength of their breakthrough single, “Name.” It wasn’t long after (Spring 1996) that I saw them live for the first time, together with Bush and No Doubt.

I always joke that I’ve never actually seen Goo Goo Dolls on purpose. I was supposed to see them a second time, with Tonic, but the show was canceled. When I did see them a second time, it was when they opened for Bon Jovi. And I saw them a third time when they toured with Counting Crows. Funnily, never were Goo Goo Dolls the reason I was going to the show; I was going to see whomever they were touring with.

Here’s the thing, though – I love Goo Goo Dolls. Every time I’ve seen them, they’ve been nothing short of great onstage. And when you take a look at their discography, you’ll see they’ve charted a lot of singles, most notably “Iris” from City of Angels, arguably one of the most depressing movies ever made. That song spent a record-breaking 18 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and still gets quite a lot of airplay today. For what it’s worth, “Black Balloon” is, without question, my favorite Goo Goo Dolls song. “A thousand other boys could never reach you/How could I have been the one?” – is that ever a lyric that resonated with sensitive early-20s me. And as I’ve matured, so has my appreciation for one of the great alternative bands of the ‘90s. 

Don’t miss out on this classic rock show – come out to see Goo Goo Dolls and opening act SafetySuit!

Tickets range from $36 to $56 (additional fees may apply) and are still available. Check out www.fwembassytheatre.org or www.ticketmaster.com for more information.