They were founded in Buffalo, New York in 1986, by Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac. They originally had George Tutuska on drums.

In their early career, critics dismissed them as The Replecements wanabes. But Johnny does say that Paul Westerberg is a major influence on his writing.

They played at venues like CBGBs, and college radio stations.

A boy Named Goo was the final recording with George Tutuska, who was involved in a personal "feud" with. Robby was still friends with George, but John made him choose between a breakup of the band, or George's dismissal. Even though Robby lost a friend, I myself am glad that he chose to stay with John, for today we would not know how amazing the Goo Goo Dolls had yet to come.

Did you know...

The Goo Goo Dolls got their name from an ad in a True Detective magazine!


In the beginning, critics dismissed the Goo Goo Dolls as The Replacements wananbes! Can you imagine? The Goo Goo Dolls totally have their own sound.


April 13, 1996 and July 4, 2004 were proclaimed "Goo Goo Dolls Day" in their hometown Buffalo, New York.