Johnny Rzeznik

Finally, we hooked up with the Goo Goo Dolls, fresh off a sizzling onstage rehearsal. With all the excitement of the past year ("Iris," from the City of Angels soundtrack, held down the #1 slot for an amazing 18 weeks), have they even had time to reflect on their new level of success? "They've been keeping us pretty busy, so you don't get a lot of time for it to soak in," said Johnny Rzeznik, the band's guitarist and lead singer.

Robby Takac

"We don't want to rest on our laurels," he said. "In this business, you've got to keep on working as hard as you can. You've gotta work your ass off." "It's tough to just rest in general sometimes," added bassist Robby Takac, "when you're moving as fast as we do."

Johnny Rzeznik

You asked about touring? You got it. These guys will be heading to Europe and Japan in the next month before returning to the States for some dates opening for the Rolling Stones, followed by a lengthy U.S. tour that'll last through the end of the year. Although they'll be back in their home state of New York for shows around May, they've barely had any chance to spend time at home in wintry Buffalo. No chance even to sample Flutie Flakes, Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie's breakfast cereal, for which all the proceeds go to autism research. "We'd been traveling for about two months, and so I had no idea of what that even was," Takac admitted. "But since I was back for Christmas, I found out. All the money goes to benefit kids with autism, such as his son." "And that's really great," said Rzeznik, "that's awesome."

Mike Malinin

Busy as the band's schedule may be, drummer Mike Malinin managed to fit in time to run a half-marathon earlier in the day. Perhaps that explains why he let the other two guys supply us with all the quotes. . .

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