The iconic ’90s rock band Goo Goo Dolls is gearing up for a thrilling return to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, marking their first appearance on the show in 30 years. The band expressed their eagerness on Instagram, sharing nostalgic photos from their debut performance paired with a heartfelt video interview.
“It’s been 30 years since the first time that we performed on @RockinEve !!!! We can’t wait to do it again on New Year’s Eve,” the band wrote in their post.
Fans can watch the live broadcast on ABC, starting at 8 PM Eastern, with streaming available through platforms such as Fubo, DIRECTV, and Hulu + Live TV. This year’s New Year’s celebration boasts a star-studded lineup, including big names like 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, and Post Malone.
In their recent interview, lead vocalist John Rzeznik fondly reminisced about memorable moments from a summer tour with Dashboard Confessional in 2025, stating, “My favorite experience of 2025 is doing a summer tour with Dashboard Confessional.” Bassist Robby Takac continued on the sentiment, sharing, “Yeah we had all the kids out and stuff, and it was a lot of fun, man.”
The band also reflected on their first appearance on Rockin’ Eve back in 1996, recalling a special moment with Dick Clark, who surprised them with a gift of Goo Goo Clusters candies. Rzeznik laughed, “He actually stopped at a supermarket and got us a bag of Goo Goo Clusters. And brought them to us…It was amazing. It was like, ‘Holy! Dick Clark?! Wow!’”
Goo Goo Dolls’ enduring hit, “Iris,” remains a staple in music, earning accolades on Billboard’s 2025 Year-End Charts. Rzeznik’s recent performance of the song at Demi Lovato’s wedding drew high praise from her husband, who described the acoustic moment as “iconic” and “unreal.”
Looking ahead, Goo Goo Dolls are gearing up for a Summer 2026 tour in collaboration with Neon Trees, starting on July 24 in Lincoln, California. The tour will cover multiple cities, including Boise, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh. Earlier in the year, the band will perform in Canada alongside Dashboard Confessional and will hold a Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre.
Since their formation in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have navigated the ever-changing landscape of the music industry for nearly four decades. Rzeznik shared insights on the blend of talent and luck required for lasting success, stating, “I don’t think you can ever underestimate luck…It takes a lot of work, okay, and a lot of talent… but I know people who are infinitely more talented than I am, and I’m just luckier than they are.” Takac emphasized their bond, explaining, “We love each other…Ultimately, we go have a cup of coffee and we figure it out and make it happen.”
Their upcoming performance on Rockin’ Eve serves not only as a reminder of their rich history but also as a celebration of the countless memories created over the years with devoted fans who continue to support their music. The Goo Goo Dolls’ journey is a testament to the enduring power of rock and the connections it fosters.