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John Rzeznik has spent decades shaping alternative rock as the frontman and chief songwriter of the Goo Goo Dolls.
Since forming the band in 1986 with bassist Robby Takac, he has written songs that balance vulnerability with arena-sized emotion. One of those songs, “Iris,” released in 1998 for the City of Angels soundtrack, became the group’s defining hit and a cultural touchstone.
Reflecting on it years later, Rzeznik shared a revealing memory from the studio. “My favorite part of the song is the slide guitar solo, which I wanted to play,” Rzeznik told Genius in a recent interview, but instead it was passed off to session guitarist Tim Pierce.
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That decision, Rzeznik admitted, ultimately made the song better. “We were lucky enough to work with a guy named Tim Pierce. When I did it, it sounded like a bunch of cats fighting,” the 60-year-old said. “And when he did it, it was just this gorgeous, lush thing, you know?”
As much as Rzeznik wanted to nail the part himself, Pierce’s performance gave “Iris” a smooth, beautiful sound that matched the song’s tone.
“Iris” went on to dominate radio, rack up massive streaming numbers and become a beloved staple for late-night sing-alongs – proof that sometimes collaboration creates the most lasting magic.
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In an October 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Rzeznik acknowledged that a nearly 40-year career is as much about chance as skill.
“I don’t think you can ever underestimate luck,” he admitted. While he emphasized the importance of hard work and talent, he was candid about perspective, adding that pride should never turn into ego: “So it’s like you can be proud of yourself…But don’t be an arrogant prick.”
Today, the Goo Goo Dolls – now made up of Rzeznik, Takac, guitarist Brad Fernquist, drummer Craig Macintyre, and multi-instrumentalist Jim McGorman – continue to tour and record.
In 2025, the group went out on their Summer Anthem Tour in support of their EP Summer Anthem, which dropped on Aug. 22, 2025.
