Hey Goo
                       What's New
By Mark A. Norris
From Artvoice, Dec. 7 - Dec. 20,1994

     Buffalo's prodigal sons are returning to the stage...the Goo
Goo Dolls, our best known pop power punk trio, will perform at
Network this Thursday December 8 for two special performances at
7pm and 10:30pm. The Warner recording artists will be performing
songs off their upcoming release A Boy Named Goo, slated
for a February 28 release, as well as songs off their
breakthrough albums Hold Me UP and Superstar
Carwash. Amidst the band's busy schedule, live local
performances have become an all too infrequentevent. This makes
the occurance of not one but two engagements an extra special
happening. The Goos last local appearance was an outdoor show in
June at Blind Mellons, which drew over two-thousands energized
fans.

     The Goo's two performances at Network mark a departure from
the venue's normal sports related events. "At first I thought it
was weird(the idea of playing Network)," says Johnny Goo, "but
then I went and looked at the stage. The room is cheesy, but it's
still a good place to see a show. It's a good stage...the only
large room in the city left to play, actually. The Continental is
too small, the Icon is gone, and Connecticut St. Armory is too
big an undertaking." (When the Goos did play the Armory they
broke all attendance records for the room.)

     This will be the first major rock show of this kind Network
promotes and it is a positive sign of changes occuring within the
club. Furthermore, Network is showing it's understanding of the
restrictive quality of the local club circuit by promotes by
providing a setting for a 7pm all ages event. The Doll's youthful
appeal has always been one of the driving forces behind the
band's Replacements-ish relaxed fun style as well as their Husker
Du-ish seriousness. The all ages show will allow their younger
fan base to come out in force. The band has clearly grown since
the release of their debut album some years ago and have
developed into a more mature group of songwriters and performer.
A recent listing in Musician magazine's touring guide
cited the Continental as the place that gave the Goo's their
start, and it's interesting to see how the band has progressed
from local punk rockers to a national name. While living in
Colorado I happened upon a record store with full window display
for Hold Me Up and I realized that national success was in
their grasp. A Boy Named Goo marks the appearance of the
band's first recorded major release in over a year and their
first collaboration with producer extraordinare Lou Giordano who
also produced Samiam and Sugar recordings.
     
     The band fought to have their first video filmed in Buffalo
and have continued to support their hometown. In the the spirit
of Christmas the Dolls are again showing their devotion to local
causes by donating portions of their profits to Children's
Hospital. A great band, a good time and a fine cause.

     The opening act for the 7pm all ages performance are Victory
recording artists Snapcase, a local group who have recently
become a European sensation and will display their brand of hard
formed punk. The 10:30 opening slot features local group
Snufflufugas, the second place winner of this year's WBNY Battle
of the Bands who are soon to release a seven inch single on the
local Cash Cow label.

     Tickets for the two performances, cosponsored by Artvoice
and FM 101 The Planet, are available at all Prime Seats
locations, Home of the Hits, and New World Records.