Legendary ’90s rock band Goo Goo Dolls are set to make a highly anticipated return to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for the first time in 30 years.
The band shared their excitement on Instagram, posting a heartfelt message alongside throwback photos from their original appearance and a short video interview reflecting on the milestone moment.
“It’s been 30 years since the first time that we performed on Rockin’ Eve!!!! We can’t wait to do it again on New Year’s Eve,” the caption read.
Fans can tune in to the live broadcast on ABC beginning at 8/7c, with streaming options available via Fubo, DIRECTV, and Hulu + Live TV. This year’s star-studded lineup also includes 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, and more.
John Rzeznik and Robby Takac of Goo Goo Dolls perform onstage during the 39th Annual Carousel Ball at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center on October 11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.
Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images for 39th Annual Carousel Ball
Goo Goo Dolls Reminisce on Past Performances
In a video interview, lead singer John Rzeznik reflected on some of his favorite fan interactions and tour highlights from 2025, sharing, “My favorite experience of 2025 is doing a summer tour with Dashboard Confessional.”
Bassist Robby Takac echoed the sentiment, adding, “Yeah, we had all the kids out and stuff, and it was a lot of fun, man.”
View this submit on InstagramThe band also fondly recalled their very first Rockin’ Eve performance in 1996, when Dick Clark surprised them with a bag of Goo Goo Clusters from a grocery store.
“He actually stopped at a grocery store and got us a bag of Goo Goo Clusters and brought them to us,” Rzeznik remembered. “It was amazing. It was like, ‘Holy! Dick Clark?! Wow!’”
Takac laughed as he added, “Yeah, that was fun, man.”
Goo Goo Dolls’ late-’90s hit “Iris” continues to resonate decades later. The song earned major placements on Billboard’s 2025 Year-End Charts, including the Global 200 Songs and Alternative Digital Sales lists.
Rzeznik recently performed “Iris” at Demi Lovato’s wedding, a moment that drew praise from her husband, Jordan Lutes. He described the performance as “iconic” and “unreal,” applauding Rzeznik’s acoustic guitar mastery even after so many years in the industry.
Goo Goo Dolls’ Upcoming 2026 Tours and Performances
Beyond their Rockin’ Eve appearance, the Goo Goo Dolls are gearing up for a Summer 2026 tour alongside Neon Trees. The tour kicks off on July 24 in Lincoln, California, and will make stops in cities including Boise, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Tampa, and more.
Earlier in the year, the band will also tour Canada with Dashboard Confessional and hold a Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and StubHub, with purchases protected by the FanProtect program.
Formed in 1986, the Goo Goo Dolls have enjoyed nearly four decades of success in the music industry. Reflecting on their longevity, Rzeznik told PEOPLE, “I don’t think you can ever underestimate luck… It takes a lot of work and a lot of talent, but I know people who are infinitely more talented than I am, and I’m just luckier than they are.”
Takac credited their lasting partnership to mutual respect and communication. “We love each other,” he said. “Ultimately, we go have a cup of coffee, figure it out, and make it happen.”
Their upcoming Rockin’ Eve return serves not only as a nostalgic callback, but as a celebration of decades of music, memories, and the fans who have supported the band throughout the years.
