The album charted well and featured one top ten hit, 'Follow You Down,' yet it received mixed reviews from the music press. He was replaced by guitarist Scott Johnson, with the band recording their second album, 'Congratulations… I'm Sorry' in 1996, the name being prompted by the death of Hopkins. However, struggling with alcoholism and depression, Doug Hopkins was fired from the band, leading to his tragic suicide on December 5th 1993, which occurred just as his songs had begun to dominate the airwaves. Their third full length, 'New Miserable Experience' (1992), as well as 'Hey Jealousy' was full of hit singles, like 'Found Out About You,' with these songs dominating MTV and radio stations, going on to sell over one million copies. The band's southwest sound was decidedly fresh against the flurry of grunge bands that were popular at the time, blending the rootsy country-blues rock of the Byrds with R.E.M's guitar hooks in the similar vein to fellow Arizona artists the Meat Puppets, The Refreshments and Dead Hot Workshop. It was their next release, 1991's 'Up & Crumbling,' that established Gin Blossoms as a band on the rise, breaking into the mainstream charts with their hit single, 'Hey Jealousy' in 1993.

They recorded the album 'Dusted' independently, releasing it in 1989, catching the attention of A&R records, who signed the the following year. The Dolls delivered! I flew up from Melbourne, Fla to see the show.Initially formed in 1987 by bassist Bill Leen and guitarist Doug Hopkins, they struggled to find a stable lineup, finally settling on vocalist Jesse Valenzuela, Drummer Phillip Rhodes and guitarist Robin Wilson, who went on to switch roles with Valenzuela. Musicians provide a show about the music. I felt this AC show was incredibly real music jam without the over the top BS. I have seen the Dolls in 2005 and PNC Arts Center. John and Robbie are (in my opinion) guys that want to make music and share it with us. Writing songs we love to sing along with and feel something in our soul. This is what is appealing about Goo Goo Dolls. I felt this was a jam session and we all were in a basement studio rocking to tunes like it was all about the music. Intimate jam! My interpretation of the band is- they make music, write amazing songs and rock out like they’re in a basement jam session. I couldn’t have asked for a better show! It was The Dolls at their best. AUTHENTIC SONG WRITERS THE REAL DEAL AND THE DOLLS DELIVEREDĮxceptional performance by Goo Goo Dolls- Atlantic City, NJ August 11th.

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