Goo Goo Dolls and Steve Aoki Collaborate on New Version of “Iris”
Goo Goo Dolls and Steve Aoki have joined forces to release a fresh rendition of the iconic and Diamond-certified hit “Iris,” transforming the beloved track into a festival-ready experience that blends the song’s raw intensity with Aoki’s distinctive high-energy production. This collaboration merges genres, underscoring the enduring appeal of “Iris” while introducing it to dancefloors and audiences worldwide. The idea for this collaboration emerged from a surprise appearance by Goo Goo Dolls during Aoki’s set at Stagecoach in 2025, where they performed a live rendition of “Iris” that captivated the crowd.
The overwhelming response to this performance inspired Aoki to take the track to the studio and craft a modern interpretation that extends the song’s reach while staying true to its original essence. Since making waves on TikTok, “Iris” has garnered over 5.5 billion streams globally, with more than 1 billion streams in 2025 alone. Originally released in 1998, this 4x GRAMMY-nominated track continues to resonate with new audiences worldwide and has been covered by notable artists like Taylor Swift, Machine Gun Kelly, sombr, Phoebe Bridgers, and Maggie Rogers, highlighting the enduring appeal of Goo Goo Dolls’ impressive catalog.
John Rzeznik shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Joining Steve onstage during his Stagecoach set was an unforgettable moment. The energy from the crowd was remarkable, and the fusion of our two genres was incredible to witness live. We’re excited to share this new version of ‘Iris’ with Steve and bring that magical moment to our fans worldwide.” Aoki expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Performing ‘Iris’ live with Goo Goo Dolls at Stagecoach was a rare, unforgettable experience. You could sense the connection everyone had to the song and the exhilaration as we reimagined it in a completely different setting. That feeling stayed with me, prompting us to create a version tailored for festival stages while preserving the heart of the original.”
In addition to this latest collaboration, Goo Goo Dolls are gearing up to release a live performance from NPR’s Tiny Desk on limited-edition orchid vinyl on March 27th through Warner Records. This intimate recording features renditions of “Iris,” their 3x Platinum hit “Slide,” “Feel The Silence,” and “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” from their 2025 Summer Anthem EP.
Following their Canadian tour dates in March, Goo Goo Dolls will kick off a five-show Las Vegas residency in May at The Venetian Theatre before hitting the road with Neon Trees in the U.S. starting on July 24th. The tour will include performances at various venues across the country, offering fans the opportunity to experience their music live.
Goo Goo Dolls, formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, have achieved significant success over the years, selling 15 million records globally and earning 4x GRAMMY nominations. Their hits have topped the charts, with 15 #1 and Top 10 hits marking them as the “Most Top 10 Singles” on radio to date. Meanwhile, Steve Aoki, a music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Dim Mak Records, has made his mark in the industry with nearly 3 billion music streams and collaborations with a diverse range of artists across genres.
Both Goo Goo Dolls and Steve Aoki continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their innovative approaches to music, solidifying their positions as influential figures in the industry. Their collaboration on “Iris” is a testament to their creativity and willingness to explore new horizons while honoring the timeless appeal of a beloved classic.