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Fans relive the glory days with the Goo Goo Dolls

Fans relive the glory days with the Goo Goo Dolls

Neon Trees and the Goo Goo Dolls rock out the Empower FCU Amphitheater with ’80s and ’90s hits.

Story and Photos by Jack Henry
Published: September 4, 2026
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Photo by Jack Henry
John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls plays a solo during their performance at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

As the rain broke over Syracuse, the Empower FCU Amphitheater filled with eager fans ready to be sent back to their college days by Neon Trees and the Goo Goo Dolls. A crowd of 10,000 moseyed to their seats as ’80s and ’90s hits played over the amphitheater speakers.

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Photo by Jack Henry
The sun sets over the Lakeview Amphitheater as the crowd gets ready for Goo Goo Dolls in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Neon Trees opened the show with slower songs like “Songs I Can’t Listen To” and “Nights.” Once the sun set, they stole the show with the 2010 number-one hit “Animal,” getting fans jumping out of their seats. Lead singer Tyler Glenn kept the crowd involved with plenty of jokes, ’80s covers and jam sessions with his band on stage. 

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Photo by Jack Henry
Lead singer of Neon Trees, Tyler Glenn, holds up a rock symbol to the crowd at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
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Photo by Jack Henry
Mike Liechty and Chris Allen of Neon Trees perform at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

After closing their set with fan-favorite “Everybody Talks,” Neon Trees made way for the Goo Goo Dolls to take the stage. Fans of all ages erupted in applause as the Buffalo natives returned to Upstate New York.

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Photo by Jack Henry
The Goo Goo Dolls pack the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
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Photo by Jack Henry
John Rzeznik, lead guitarist and singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, rocks out during their performance at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Not skipping a beat, Goo Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik came out with a bang, electrifying the crowd with “Over and Over” and “Dizzy.” After guitarist Robby Takac stole the show with his bright purple-dyed hair, the hit song “Slide” had the amphitheater partying like it was the ’90s again.