Who played the iconic slide guitar solo on Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris"?

The iconic slide guitar solo on "Iris" was played by session guitarist Tim Pierce, who transformed John Rzeznik's initial attempt into a lush and beautiful sound.

How many streams has Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" earned on Spotify?

Goo Goo Dolls' hit song "Iris" has surpassed over 3 billion streams on Spotify since its release in 1998.

What did John Rzeznik say about his attempt at the "Iris" guitar solo?

John Rzeznik described his own attempt at the slide guitar solo for "Iris" as sounding like "a bunch of cats fighting" before Tim Pierce recorded the final version.

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Iris: Accidental Solo Becomes Iconic Hit

31 Jan

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Summary

The iconic "Iris" solo was originally deemed a failure.
Session guitarist Tim Pierce transformed the solo into a lush sound.
The Goo Goo Dolls' hit "Iris" has over 3 billion Spotify streams.

Iris: Accidental Solo Becomes Iconic Hit

Released in 1998, Goo Goo Dolls' song "Iris" has achieved immense success, surpassing 3 billion streams on Spotify. The band's frontman and songwriter, John Rzeznik, reflected on the recording process, particularly the iconic slide guitar solo.

Rzeznik admitted his own attempt at the solo sounded poor, comparing it to "cats fighting." He expressed gratitude for session guitarist Tim Pierce, whose rendition provided the song's gorgeous, lush sound, perfectly complementing its emotional tone.

This unexpected collaboration became a key element of "Iris," contributing to its dominance on radio and its status as a beloved anthem. Rzeznik also acknowledged that luck plays a significant role in a nearly 40-year career, advising against ego while valuing pride in one's work. The Goo Goo Dolls, featuring Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac, continue to tour and record.