Description
Goo Goo Dolls -The Audience Is That Way (The Rest Of The Show) Vol. 2 – Vinyl Record
Released on July 21, 2018, The Audience Is That Way is a live album by the Goo Goo Dolls, capturing their raw, high-energy stage performances. Unlike a polished studio effort, this album showcases the band’s authentic, unfiltered live sound, featuring some of their biggest hits performed in front of passionate crowds.
By 2018, the Goo Goo Dolls had firmly established themselves as one of the most enduring alternative rock bands of the late ’90s and 2000s, known for their anthemic choruses, emotionally charged lyrics, and dynamic live shows. Having toured extensively over the years, they developed a reputation for delivering high-energy, emotionally resonant performances.
The album was recorded over several live shows from the band’s 2017 and 2018 tours, giving fans an intimate experience of their stadium-filling sound and connection with their audience. Unlike a standard greatest hits collection, this album captures the immediacy, imperfections, and energy of their concerts, making it a special release for long-time fans.
The album features a mix of classic hits and deeper cuts, giving fans a well-rounded representation of the Goo Goo Dolls’ evolution.
“Long Way Down” – A gritty, high-energy opener, showcasing the band’s rock roots.
“Slide” – One of their biggest hits, performed with an electrifying live intensity.
“Home” – A more recent track that blends their classic alternative rock sound with a mature, introspective feel.
“The Pin” – A standout track from their later albums, proving their ability to craft deep, emotionally charged rock songs.
“January Friend” – A fan favorite that brings back the band’s harder, punk-influenced early sound.
“Big Machine” – An anthemic, high-energy track that captures the arena-rock energy of their 2000s era.
“So Alive” – A powerful and uplifting song, reflecting their post-2010s evolution.
“Better Days” – One of their most emotional songs, delivered in a way that connects deeply with the audience.
“Iris” – The grand finale, bringing their most iconic song to life with a passionate, heartfelt performance.
The Goo Goo Dolls’ live sound retains the gritty, alternative edge of their early days while embracing the polished, emotional power of their later work. Unlike their studio albums, which feature lush production and layered arrangements, The Audience Is That Way strips things back, emphasizing raw vocals, live instrumentation, and the energy of the crowd.
The band’s chemistry is evident throughout the album, with John Rzeznik’s distinctive vocals soaring over Robby Takac’s driving bass lines and the band’s tight musicianship. Fans will appreciate the slight variations in tempo and vocal delivery, making each track feel unique compared to its studio counterpart.
The album was well-received by longtime Goo Goo Dolls fans, particularly those who had attended their live shows and wanted to relive the experience. Critics noted that while it doesn’t reinvent their sound, it perfectly captures what makes their concerts special—a deep connection with the audience, heartfelt lyrics, and stadium-sized energy.
Following the success of this release, the band released a follow-up volume, The Audience Is That Way (Vol. 2), in 2019, further expanding their live catalog. If you enjoy live albums that capture the energy and emotion of a band’s onstage presence, The Audience Is That Way is a must-listen.
For a band that built its legacy on heartfelt alternative rock anthems, The Audience Is That Way is an essential release that brings their passion, musicianship, and fan connection to the forefront. It serves as both a nostalgic throwback for longtime listeners and an introduction to the live magic of the Goo Goo Dolls for newer fans.
Record Store Day Exclusive
Limited to 3,000 copies
10 Live Tracks Released For The First Time includes the timeless hits ‘Over and Over’, ‘Boxes’ and ‘Name’
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Stay With You
Here Is Gone
Naked
Name
Black Balloon
Over And Over
Bringing On The Light
Come To Me
Let Love In
Boxes
