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The Vinyl Guide


If you like records, just starting a collection or are an uber-nerd with a house-full of vinyl, this is the podcast for you. Nate Goyer is The Vinyl Guide and discusses all things music and record-related. Nate is a 40+ year vinyl collector, owns some of the most highly desired titles and enjoys them thoroughly. The Vinyl Guide is his journey through the history of music to speak with the artists and technicians who made music history and get the stories behind the records.

Feb 3, 2025

John Rzeznik and Robbie Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls discuss their early punk rock roots, record labels, writing unexpected mega-hits, their harrowing plane crash, vinyl reissues and lots more.

Topics Include:

  • John recently recovered from pneumonia and multiple hand surgeries
  • Goo Goo Dolls were heavily influenced by punk rock
  • They listened extensively to The Replacements and Hüsker Dü
  • Band started by renting VFW halls for shows
  • First record cost $750 on Mercenary Records
  • They signed contracts despite lawyer's warning not to
  • Metal Blade discovers and signs band
  • Learned touring lessons watching mistakes of other bands
  • Being rejected by their favourite labels – SST & Twin Tone
  • Band's sound evolved away from early punk style
  • "Name" unexpectedly became their first big hit
  • Legal issues followed success of "A Boy Named Goo"
  • John retreated to LA hotel during difficult period
  • "Iris" and the "City of Angels" soundtrack
  • "Iris" released year before "Dizzy Up The Girl"
  • Taylor Swift later covered "Iris"
  • Survived plane crash in Sicily during USO tour
  • Pilot attempted landing multiple times in storm
  • Band got drunk to fly home next day
  • John took up skydiving to overcome flying fear
  • Initially feared appearing on Howard Stern's show
  • Relationship with Stern's show improved over time
  • John doesn't collect vinyl or music memorabilia
  • Robbie runs Good Charamel Records label
  • John collects vintage recording equipment instead
  • Band criticizes Spotify's payment model
  • Few B-sides exist because John discards incomplete songs
  • Covered Lime Spiders song – will be on upcoming release
  • Record store clerks were important musical mentors
  • “A Boy Named Goo” 30th anniversary edition coming
  • Australian tour planned for February
  • Playing seven Australian cities on upcoming tour
  • John grew up on greatest hits albums
  • Learned to appreciate Led Zeppelin at age 50

Tickets and vinyl available here!

Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8