Goo Goo Dolls Frontman Reflects on 'Iris' Going Viral in '90s Trend

John Rzeznik says it's 'a blast' to see the resurgence of the band's hit song from nearly 30 years ago.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:36pm

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The Goo Goo Dolls' song 'Iris' has become a centerpiece of the latest internet trend where people share photos and videos of themselves in the 1990s, set to the band's 1998 hit. Frontman John Rzeznik says he's 'thrilled' to see the continued popularity of the song and to connect with a younger audience discovering the band's music.

Why it matters

The '90s nostalgia trend reflects a broader yearning among younger generations for the pre-digital, more tactile experiences of that era. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha drive this viral moment, it highlights their fascination with the cultural touchstones that defined the decade, including the music of the Goo Goo Dolls.

The details

The 'What Were You Like in the '90s?' trend involves people posting montages of themselves from that era, set to the Goo Goo Dolls' 1998 hit 'Iris.' Celebrities like John Stamos, Kevin Bacon, and Kristin Davis have participated, sharing their own '90s memories. Experts say the trend is fueled by younger generations' desire to connect with a more analog, pre-digital time.

  • The 'What Were You Like in the '90s?' trend went viral in early 2026.
  • The Goo Goo Dolls' song 'Iris' was originally released in 1998.

The players

John Rzeznik

The frontman and guitarist of the Goo Goo Dolls, whose song 'Iris' has become a centerpiece of the '90s nostalgia trend.

Goo Goo Dolls

The American rock band whose 1998 hit song 'Iris' is being used as the soundtrack for the '90s nostalgia trend.

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What they’re saying

“We're so thrilled at the continued support of 'Iris' nearly 30 years after its release. The '90s trend is a blast for us and it's so fun to see all the old school photos from some of our favorite people.”

— John Rzeznik, Frontman, Goo Goo Dolls (today.com)

“It's also really cool to connect with a younger audience who are discovering not only 'Iris' but a lot of our songs. It's really been a great time and I'm super grateful.”

— John Rzeznik, Frontman, Goo Goo Dolls (today.com)

The takeaway

The '90s nostalgia trend driven by younger generations highlights their fascination with the pre-digital era and the lasting cultural impact of bands like the Goo Goo Dolls. As they discover the music of that decade, it's a reminder of how enduring certain songs and artists can become, transcending generations.