BUFFALO, N.Y. – A beloved hit from Buffalo’s own Goo Goo Dolls, “Iris,” is experiencing a remarkable resurgence online. People across social media are sharing nostalgic side-by-side photos contrasting their appearances in the 1990s with today, all set to the iconic track. This trend is sparking a wave of nostalgia across Western New York and beyond, introducing the music to a younger generation while deepening connections within our community.
For Goo Goo Dolls vocalist and bassist Robby Takac, this viral trend has been both surprising and deeply meaningful. He highlights the “heart strings” associated with parents sharing their past, connecting families and bridging generational gaps—a phenomenon the band has increasingly observed over the last decade of their career. “We’re heading into our third generation with some families now, it’s crazy,” Takac shared, noting the growing presence of young fans at their shows, some with headphones, others with newly grown mustaches.
Goo Goo Dolls Embrace Viral Resurgence
The enduring appeal of “Iris” on social media has profoundly impacted the Goo Goo Dolls. Robby Takac expressed palpable excitement over its continued relevance, emphasizing, “I think that this particular thing that’s happening right now is pretty meaningful in a deep kind of way for a lot of people. It’s finding its way into people’s lives in a lot of different ways and that’s really exciting.”
Despite nearly four decades in the music industry, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Takac reflected on their longevity: “This isn’t a business you expect to be in for a really long time. We just keep kind of finding cool new ways to kind of connect with younger people. Some of it through our doing, some of it, just kind of how the world spins these days.” The Goo Goo Dolls are currently in the studio, recording new music and preparing to release an EP ahead of their upcoming summer tour.
The Origin Story of ‘Iris’
“Iris” was originally released over 25 years ago in 1998, serving as a key part of the soundtrack for the movie “City of Angels.”
Robby Takac vividly recalls the creation of the iconic song. While he was residing on West Ferry Street in Buffalo, bandmate John Rzeznik was in Los Angeles, where he received a call from Warner Brothers regarding a movie music producer. Takac recounted, “John just went up to his room and wrote that song that night, and called me and played the song for me.”
He initially considered it “a great song, just like all the other songs you write,” noting it didn’t immediately stand out above their other music at the time, unaware of the profound impact it would soon have globally and right here in Western New York.
Connecting Through Nostalgia and Music
The viral resurgence of “Iris” powerfully demonstrates how music transcends time, forging connections across generations within our Western New York community and beyond. The social media trend, featuring side-by-side photos set to the Goo Goo Dolls’ song, fosters a shared experience across diverse age groups.
This emotional resonance, decades after its initial debut, underscores “Iris’s” status as a timeless anthem. Its ability to evoke strong emotions and foster intergenerational connections resonates deeply, even with audiences who were not yet born when the song first premiered. As Takac noted, this trend has significantly “connected us with some families and intermingled some generations,” solidifying the band’s legacy.
With new music and a summer tour on the horizon, Buffalo’s own Goo Goo Dolls continue to exemplify the lasting impact of their craft, connecting with audiences old and new and reinforcing the enduring power of rock music.
