Get to know a Buffalonian...

Robby Takac is a founding member of the Goo Goo Dolls. Bassist, songwriter, producer, engineer, promoter, collector, and tireless ball of energy, he’s been a booster of the Buffalo music and arts scene for over two decades—notably through his Music is Art Festivals and Foundation.

What makes you think music is art?

I guess I feel that anything someone does which takes genuine effort and passion could be considered their “art”. To be able to take a step back and appreciate one’s talent at furniture building or computer programming is to appreciate a display of their artistry and when channeled from the right place music is no exception.

Do you have any advice for young musicians starting out today, who’d like to become as successful and popular as the Goo Goo Dolls?

Make sure you love what you do. Successful or not, if you don’t truly love it, you’ll probably resent it some day.

How many Pez dispensers have you collected, and do you have any comment on the recent passing of Curtis Allina—the man credited with putting character heads on Pez dispensers?

I have over 2500, I think. Tons and tons. They’ve been in plastic tubs (in Pez Jail) since I’ve been moving a lot lately. I plan on getting them all set up in their display cases again this year. And rest in Pez to Mr. Allina, he’s brought much happiness to the planet (or at least my little part of it).

Over the years, many WNYers who’ve become successful in the entertainment industry have left town and never looked back. Not you. Why?

I like Buffalo a lot. I grew up there, my family is there and with Music is Art growing and our GCR Audio recording studio business up and running—and now with my cats there too—for me it’s the place to be at this juncture in my life. I spend a ton of time in LA and travelling about the globe with the band, so I get my travel itch taken care of on a regular basis.

Do you have any political aspirations? If not, why not?

Uh, no. I mean, really, I have a pretty cool job . . . I think I’d probably have to be dragged into city hall by force.

To learn more about Takac and his various projects, visit www.gcraudio.com, www.goodcharamel.com, www.musicisart.org, and of course, www.googoodolls.com.

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