Tour Review: Goo Goo Dolls and Train Bring the Magic to Detroit

2019-07-26

Goo Goo Dolls and Train – Review and photos by Anne Erickson

Review + photos: Goo Goo Dolls and Train brought upbeat rock sets to their co-headlining tour stop in Detroit

Goo Goo Dolls and Train both a talent for crafting memorable, melodic rock songs, and for that reason, their co-headlining summer 2019 tour is a great fit. Goo Goo Dolls are touring in support of their upcoming studio album, “Miracle Pill,” out Sept. 13, while Train is touring behind their latest record, 2017’s “A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat.”

The summer trek, which also features support from Allen Stone, made its way to the Detroit area on Tuesday (July 23), on a beautiful, warm summer night. The nearly sold-out crowd packed DTE Energy Music Theatre, and it was easy to feel the excitement in the air from the bands’ longtime fans.

After Stone kicked the night off, Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage around 7:45 p.m., singing their hit, “Stay With You,” off 2006’s “Let Live In.” Singer Johnny Rzeznik has real stage charisma, as he smiled wide, passionately signing and dynamically moving around the stage. Rzeznik and longtime bass player Robby Takac have great musical chemistry together, and they played off each other during the set the way best friends do.

Goo Goo Dolls’ performance brought all the hits — “Big Machine,” “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Here Is Gone,” “Iris,” “Broadway” — as well as some new songs, such as the band’s current single, “Miracle Pill.” From song to song, the audience sang along and swayed to the music, offering a picturesque summer concert experience.

Train entered the stage around 9:20 p.m. Like Rzeznik, Train singer Patrick Monahan is instantly recognizable from the band’s popular music videos and long history on the road. Monahan and the band kicked the night off with the 2003’s “Calling All Angels,” a massive hit for the band, and the audience cheered with excitement as the songs got rolling. The set was packed with some glistening pyro, from huge sparklers shooting up from the stage to magical confetti that exploded into the crowd during the second song, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye.”

Train’s performance brought some extra special moments, including a cover of Queen’s “Under Pressure,” Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker” and even some onstage collaborations with Rzeznik and Stone. Of course, Train shined bright on their own songs and rocked all the chart-toppers, from “Meet Virginia” to “When I Look to the Sky” to “Drops of Jupiter.”

It’s rare when a co-headlining bill can bring two equally talented bands with two major doses of melodic rock hits, but that’s what fans get with this Goo Goo Dolls, Train bill. Both acts have continued to thrive over the years, and after seeing their shining live shows, it’s no question that their penchant for the road has helped propel them to the beloved musicians they are today.

Goo Goo Dolls singer Johnny Rzeznikc at DTE Energy Music Theatre. By Anne Erickson

Goo Goo Dolls bass player Robby Takac. By Anne Erickson

Goo Goo Dolls vocalist Johnny Rzeznikc at DTE Energy Music Theatre. By Anne Erickson

Goo Goo Dolls on tour in Michigan. By Anne Erickson

Goo Goo Dolls singer Johnny Rzeznik on tour in Michigan. By Anne Erickson

Goo Goo Dolls bass player Robby Takac. By Anne Erickson

Train singer Patrick Monahan on tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. By Anne Erickson

Train guitarist Luis Maldonado on tour in Michigan. By Anne Erickson

Train singer Patrick Monahan. By Anne Erickson

Train on tour in Michigan. By Anne Erickson

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.