1993 Article On CBGB’s, And A “First Release” 1987 Promo

Contributor Bailey sent us a very interesting article from my favorite Goo year, along with three very rare pictures, two of which were part of a 1987 promo material, and are never-seen-before footage.

We get to dive a bit more into the earlier incarnations of the band, specifically the years which saw the release of “Superstar Car Wash” and “First Release / Goo Goo Dolls”. Bailey provided a detailed explanation in her recent email she sent our way:

Hi again!

Yesterday was the day for discoveries, I guess! I stumbled upon two super rare articles/flyers. One was an article on the Goo’s playing at the 20th anniversary of CBGB’s. I know a bit of history about the club—it was opened in 1973 and was home to a bunch of major alternative bands such as The Ramones, Patti Smith, Television, etc.

Later on, bands like the Goos got the chance to play at the classic club.

Albeit the Temple has already made homes for a lot of the pictures in this Photoshoot—done by multiple different people—I thought it would be a nice addition seeing as John shared thoughts on playing at the amazing club. 

A while back, I also found thoughts from a photographer named Jared Miller—which I think photographed many Goo Goo Dolls shows—who also took part in documenting the 20th anniversary of CBGB’s. 

This is what he said: 

“ The Goo Goo Dolls had not yet had their hit break out record when I saw them perform at CBGB in New York City in 1993. The club was packed and John knew I was there to take pictures for the club’s 20th anniversary shows so he let me crouch down behind his amplifier on stage behind him – which is why you can see the front row of the crowd in the photo. Oh, did you notice he’s playing while holding a beer?”

Found here.

**He was talking about this picture: (which has already been archived on the TOG)**

On a completely different note, I also stumbled across this 1987 promo, advertising the release of “Goo Goo Dolls/First Release”, which at the time was set to release March 18, 1987. To the frustration of the band, it ended up getting postponed until August. Either way, we ended up with a hilarious promo!

See, I’m not sure what’s going on with Robby here—I can’t tell if that’s his shirt, or his guitar, or both! And we get a close up strange looking picture of Johnny, and then just a regular picture of George drumming. Mixed themes, huh? 

Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

Bailey