Goo Goo Dolls rock out at Jones Beach Theater in Long Island, New York, on June 14, 2014. (Photo by Alexa Spieler)
Watching John Rzeznik and Robby Takac on stage at Wolf Trap on Tuesday, it dawned on me that the duo is rather like the Daryl Hall and John Oates of ’90s alternative music, aren’t they?
Goo Goo Dolls (Photo by Bob Mussel)
Vocalist/guitarist John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac are best known as the Goo Goo Dolls. As a follow-up to 2016’s Boxes, their 11th studio album, the duo released You Should Be Happy, a five-song EP, physically on June 9 (after a May 12 digital release) via Warner Bros. Records.
John and Robby have hit the road for their Long Way Home headlining tour, accompanied by touring bandmates Brad Fernquist (guitar), Korel Tunador (keyboards), and Craig Macintyre (drums). The tour stops at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Taylor Momsen fronts The Pretty Reckless at 9:30 Club on April 26, 2017. (Photo by Paivi)
Wow! It’s amazing to think Taylor Momsen, vocalist of The Pretty Reckless is only 23. Don’t get me wrong — the blonde former actress certainly appears vital and fresh, but her looks belie her voice. That voice is big and booming, and surprisingly weathered while still occasionally sliding into bluesy romance.
Taylor’s voice was on full display Wednesday in a very crowded show at 9:30 Club, where she demonstrated her vocal power. I was impressed by how no matter how loud her bandmates played their instruments, that strong voice remained out front, incapable of being drowned out by the din.
The Pretty Reckless (Photo courtesy the artist)
Last fall, The Pretty Reckless released their third studio album, Who You Selling For, via Razor & Tie, then they embarked on a big tour. They are touring some more, and they will visit 9:30 Club on Wednesday, April 26. You can win tickets to go!
Blondie (Photo by Alexander Thompson)
At age 71, Debbie Harry is still rocking out with the best of them, and indeed she will soon release an 11th studio album with Blondie — Pollinator on May 5 via BMG.
To celebrate, Blondie have teamed up with Garbage for a summer tour, the Rage and Rapture Tour, which lands at Wolf Trap on Thursday, Aug. 3.
Potty Mouth perform at DC9 on March 5, 2017. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
Now based in Los Angeles, the girl band trio known as Potty Mouth swung by DC9 on Sunday to play few songs in a relatively short set full of snappy guitar and thumping drums. The ladies dropped a few catchy new songs, teasing a second album likely to see light later this year.
Bassist Ally Einbinder (center) and vocalist/guitarist Abby Weems (right) (with a peek of drummer Victoria Mandanas) of Potty Mouth perform at DC9 on Feb. 26, 2016. (Photo by Ben Eisendrath /Instagram+Twitter: GrillworksBen)
Los Angeles indie rock trio Potty Mouth are no strangers to DC. They most recently visited us in October to open for Chvrches at Echostage! Now they return for a headlining show at DC9 on Sunday, March 5.
