Fashion Rocks might unfortunately be long gone, but one resurfaced live clip from the 2004 charity fundraiser has been busy pumping pop fans with a lethal dose of Y2K nostalgia — the moment Avril Lavigne joined Goo Goo Dolls on stage for a spotless rendition of the band’s 1998 smash hit “Iris.” The sensational clip has racked up over 3.5 million views in just a matter of years!
After an introductory anecdote, Avril lends her voice to the Dolls’ greatest hit — a ballad originally composed for the 1998 Nicolas Cage flick “City of Angels.” This ballad completely surmounted its soundtrack appearance, however, topping charts from Australia to Canada, soon becoming the Goo Goo Dolls’ career-defining single, now lacquered with prestige after ranking among the best-selling singles of all time.
But when Avril lends her voice to the track, taking the crown from the band’s original singer/songwriter Johnny Rzeznik, the hit enters a brand new wave of phenomenality. Avril’s trademark tones are a vibrant fit for this track, transferring the classic “Iris” melody an octave up to let her voice dazzle the crowd, as raw yet angelic as any swansong.
Lavigne fans will be well-acquainted with how this pop-punk princess takes on a ballad. With her tender hits “When You’re Gone,” “My Happy Ending,” “Nobody’s Home,” and “I’m With You” each topping one hundred million views over on YouTube, Avril’s incredible rendition of “Iris” should come as no surprise. But that still doesn’t dull its breathtaking edge for a second.
Johnny Rzeznik takes lead over the second verse, centering the hit back in its original mold to an overwhelming roar of screams and applause. With a voice as instantly nostalgic as Avril’s, the two lace their voices together in heart-churning harmony for a chorus packed with emotion and star talent. Their unique voices don’t exactly match, but the clash of chart-topping tones only amplifies the rough-cut emotional force that first let this rock song ascend to its now-legendary status.
Fans have been pouring out their support for Avril after watching this clip, with one top commenter on YouTube noticing, “One thing about Avril Lavigne is that when she sings other people’s songs, she doesn’t try to sound like them. She does it as if she made the song. Love that.”
Goo Goo Dolls fans have also been sharing their insight, with another top commenter shedding light on the band’s 26 years of live “Iris” renditions, writing, “I’ve seen Johnny perform ‘Iris’ with other female artists but none of them can touch the magic performed between him and Avril, in my opinion. Perfection right here and so beautifully done.”
But you don’t have to be a die-hard fan of Avril or Johnny’s to sink into the flashback magic of this viral, noughties pop clip. As one viewer realized, “Incredible nostalgia here!! Can’t believe this was 17 years ago. That was such a fun era of music and a better time.”
Avril Lavigne’s unforgettable duet with the Goo Goo Dolls breathes fresh life into “Iris,” captivating old and new audiences alike. Her unique voice elevates the iconic ballad, creating a viral sensation that echoes the spirit of Y2K. Want to dive deeper into this nostalgic moment or explore more of Avril’s remarkable talent? Check out the links below to continue your musical journey.