Goo Goo Dolls
rock band
BMHOF Class of 1995

Formed in 1986 and consisting of Johnny Rzeznik (guitarist formerly of the Beaumonts), Robbie Takac and George Tutuska (bass and drums respectively, both of the Beat Mongers), the Goo's originally called themselves "Sex Maggot." An ad for "Goo Goo Dolls" in True Detective magazine inspired them to try a new moniker, and it stuck. At the '86 Buffalo Music Awards, after capturing the year's top new band honors, they sprayed a local DJ with beer for failing to play enough original, local music. A year later, the returned to bring the house down with an awards-show performance featuring Lance Diamond.

Early Metal Blade releases brought the Goo's national acclaim, but their tours were long on dates and short on monetary compensation. "A Boy Named Goo" changed all of that, but, apart from George's departure to join Hula, it has not changed the band. They'll be playing a sold-out audience half a continent away one night and listening to a local band in some Buffalo club the next. They believe in Buffalo music, and their perseverance has put Buffalo music on the map.

Today The Goo Goo Dolls are one of the most successful recording acts in the country and they are selling out venues around the world. Their albums top the charts and they have been nominated for several Grammy Awards. Still they have not forgot their hometown of Buffalo. In December 1999 they sold out three shows at Shea's Buffalo - a 3,000 seat concert hall - and had a different local opening act for each show. These shows also raised money for local charities and they took some donated toys to an overseas USO show.

To keep up to date on The Goo Goo Dolls, check their web page, which is continually updated by the band, their friends and family members at boyleworks.com/fabfay

Web Link: www.boyleworks.com/fabfay