Goo Goo Dolls let flurries of snow, screaming fans in Orpheum Theater

It snowed, but the people still came. Lots of people. The blizzard-like conditions didn't put a halt to the Goo Goo Dolls concert at the Orpheum Theater last Saturday, and it didn't keep anyone at home either.

The sold-out show in Omaha marked the 14th stop on their national tour promoting their new album Let Love In. The concert was a part of Q 98.5's Big Gig concert series. New alternative rock band Augustana joined them. Combined, the two bands left an intense mark at the Orpheum.

Augustana kicked off the concert right on time. The audience was pumped - actually, they were crazed - I suppose you could say they were somewhat of a crazy, pumped audience.

The normal high school crowd was in attendance with their deafening screams. A mixed crowd of college-aged to middle-aged individuals added to the noise with the occasional "I love Augustana."

Augustana rocked it. It was apparent that not everyone at the concert was familiar with most of their songs. But if the reaction they got when they sang the hit single "Boston" proved anything, it was obvious there were a few serious fans in attendance.

According to lead singer Dan Layus, he knew his fans were there, even if there were only a few.

"I know there are 16 of you out there who have our CD," he said. "A very valuable 16."

Perhaps the highlight of Augustana's lineup was a song that was not on the album called "Either Way I'll Break Your Heart Someday." Layus said he wrote it when he was wasted on his apartment roof top, bottle of Jameson in hand. "Thank God I didn't fall off the roof," he added.

Augustana held the stage for about 30 minutes and thoroughly impressed the audience. They ended by saying it was time to leave, but then added that since the snowstorm was so bad, nobody was getting home tonight. I don't think anyone would have minded a delayed exit from the concert.

Following a 30-minute intermission, the Goo Goo Dolls took the stage. If you thought the deafening screams of the young girls were intense during Augustana, you should have heard the screams coming out of the middle-aged women when the Dolls hit the stage. My ears are still ringing.

The show started with blinding strobe lights flashing to the sound of drums. Then the lights turned on and in front of blood red drapes stood the Goo Goo Dolls. The audience went insane.

The band opened with one of the songs off their new album, and lead singer Johnny Rzeznik yelled, "This is gonna be a good one tonight, I can tell."

The Goo Goo Dolls were all over the stage, making it quite apparent that they have been doing this for a while. More than 20 years to be exact.

"Slide" and "Iris" were obviously some of the fan favorites as the audience sang every word. During "Iris" a pair of lacy panties were even thrown on stage to show approval and excitement over the song.

Overall, the concert was impressive. The beautiful Orpheum setting, the alternative bands and hip crowd made for an enjoyable night.

I would keep an eye on Augustana. The Goo Goo Dolls may have more experience under their belts, but I personally think that Augustana proved to be the true stars of the night.