Ah, the 90s. I remember them more fondly than I would like to admit, but I do know that this decade had some of the best music and best movie soundtracks. I was hyped when I saw that the Goo Goo Dolls were going to be making Spokane a stop on their tour. They were a big part of my growing up during the 90s and the fact that they are part of wrapping up the summer of 25 was even more memorable.
It was my first time being able to photograph at the Northern Quest casino in Airway Heights, Washington and I was not disappointed. It was a cool, breezy night in late august and on the air was the buzzing of dozens and dozens of excited people of my age bracket ( which doesn't happen often around here ). Seeing everyone breaking out their best 90s fits and the excited buzzing of anticipation was making the air electric.
Kicking off the night was Dashboard Confessional. Formed in 1999 by Chris Carrabba in Boca Raton, Florida they debuted on the American emo scene with their album "The Swiss Army Romance." Rounding out the band is Scott Schoenbeck, Armon Jay, Chris Kamrada, and Kenny Bridges. They released their ninth studio album "All The Truth That I Can Tell" in 2022.
Starting off strong, they began their set with "The Best Deceptions" and it only got better from there. I remember listening to them growing up, but it was a surreal experience to watch them play everything I had grown up listening to live. After "Hands Down", they exited the stage and there was that buzzing of anticipation energizing the air while waiting for the main event to begin. Everyone was happy and drinking and living their best lives and it made my heart so happy.
Once the lights went down again, the crowd exploded with cheers as soon as Goo Goo Dolls took the stage and the first bar of "Naked" started to play. Everyone was on their feet and most never sat down again. Starting out life as a cover band, what used to be Sex Maggots turned into the Goo Goo Dolls. With Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac being the longest running members and Bran Fernquist, Craig McIntyre, and Jim McGorman joining them for this tour cycle, they sound better than ever.
Included in the stacked setlist was some of their biggest hits and a sprinkle of new songs as they have a new album releasing this year. I can't remember a mixed cd I made growing up that didn't either have "Slide", "Broadway", or "Iris" on it. Speaking of Iris, being a part of the City of Angels soundtrack just made it even more amazing. That song encapsulates the whole feeling of the movie. Sitting up in the boxes and being able to listen to songs that meant so much to me growing up. I had my head rested in hands and just in awe of watching the performance. Closing out the night with "Iris" was probably the best choice and I may or may not have shed some tears as that song got me through some rough times growing up.
It's safe to say this was one of the best shows I've ever had the pleasure of not only photographing but attending.
