Iconic 1998 Pop Rock Band Climbing the Charts Again
Almost thirty years have passed since the Goo Goo Dolls brought us the iconic ’90s anthem, Iris. The track, once praised by Taylor Swift as “the best song ever written,” has made a remarkable comeback in 2026, capturing the hearts of a new generation. After spending an impressive 92 weeks on the UK top 100 charts and being featured in numerous movies and TV shows, Iris has found its way back up the charts, currently sitting at number 48 as of 26 March, thanks to a popular TikTok trend that has reignited interest in the song.
Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Kevin Bacon, and Courteney Cox have hopped on the nostalgia train, using the Goo Goo Dolls hit in throwback videos that reminisce about the ’90s. With Iris experiencing newfound popularity, it begs the question, what has the band been up to since their chart-topping hit?
Formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, the Goo Goo Dolls, initially known as the Sex Maggots, have come a long way. Despite a rocky start, they hit success with Iris in 1998 and continued to bless our ears with hits like Slide, Name, Black Balloon, and Broadway. Over the past four decades, the band has cultivated a loyal fanbase, evolving through lineup changes while maintaining their musical prowess.
The departure of their original drummer, George, in 1995 led to Mike Malinin joining the group until 2013. Fast forward to 2026, and the core duo of frontman John Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac are still going strong as The Goo Goo Dolls, accompanied by Brad Fernquist on guitar, Craig Macintyre on drums, and multi-instrumentalist Jim McGorman. Their latest album, ‘Chaos in Bloom’, dropped in 2022, with a new EP called ‘Summer Anthem’ following in August 2025.
Despite their last UK tour in June 2023, fans can take comfort in knowing that the Goo Goo Dolls are still actively touring. Currently entertaining audiences across Canada and the United States, they are set to wrap up their tour with a performance at the Oceans Calling Festival in September.
In a surprising turn of events, Iris has received a 2026 remix featuring American DJ Steve Aoki, breathing new life into the classic track. Nostalgic TikTok videos, featuring celebrities and fans sharing ’90s throwback photos, have further propelled the song’s resurgence. Lead singer John expressed his gratitude for the continued support of Iris, appreciating the opportunity to connect with a younger audience rediscovering their music.
Amidst the Iris revival, the Goo Goo Dolls recently performed a reimagined version of the song for Apple Music, stirring up emotions and nostalgia among fans. While Iris shines in the current spotlight, their 1995 hit Name has also garnered renewed attention. Featured in Ryan Murphy’s Love Story miniseries, the track continues to resonate with audiences, proving the lasting impact of the Goo Goo Dolls’ music across the decades.