It’s a sad start to 2014 for Goo Goo Dolls fans, as the melodic rock songsmiths and long-time drummer Mike Malinin have officially parted ways. The seemingly amicable split came on New Year’s Eve as a result of Malinin’s continued absence from the band due to a family issue. Lifehouse drummer Rock Woolstenhulme, Jr. had been filling in on the band’s final 2013 tour dates. Both the band and Malinin have released their respective statements.
Mike Manilin: “Got some news today. Just wanted to say thanks for the fans who’ve supported me for 19 years. It was not my decision to leave the band, but no grudges held. I wish them all the best. Best of luck and happy travels to them.”
Goo Goo Dolls: “It is true Mike is no longer in the band, but we wish him the best in his new journey, and hope that fans and friends will take a minute to consider that this decision was not taken lightly by anyone involved. Things happen personally and professionally that drive difficult decisions like this. But rest assured, we are looking forward to continuing our 28-year journey as GGDS.”
Goo Goo Dolls are one of the greatest artists of their generation. The band is certainly
one of the most accomplished acts of all time, with 14 Top 10 Radio hits, more than any other artist in the history of the Hot AC format. Their last five albums have all charted in the Top 30 on the Billboard Top 200. Their triple platinum 1998 release, Dizzy Up The Girl, spawned four massive hit singles, including “Iris”. The band’s biggest hit, it spent nearly 12 straight months on the Billboard charts and held the #1 spot for 17 consecutive weeks. John Rzeznik has been honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award. Throughout their career, they have been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and are the only artist to have three songs on Billboard’s “Top 100 Songs from 1992-2012″ including the #1 slot, for “Iris.” This past summer, Goo Goo Dolls mounted a massive summer co-headlining tour with contemporaries Matchbox Twenty. The band’s latest effort, Magnetic, hit #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and sold over 29,000 copies in it’s first week of sales. The album registered at #28 on TheRockRevival.com’s list of the Top 50 Rock Albums of 2013. Goo Goo Dolls are still set to kick off the new year with a winter tour that starts on January 18 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ. The Rock Revival would like to wish both Goo Goo Dolls and Mike Malinin the best of luck in their future endeavours. – by Matt Bishop
