Robert Carl Takac, Jr., known as Robby Takac (born September 30, 1964, in Buffalo, New York) is one of the founding members of the Goo Goo Dolls, along with Johnny Rzeznik. He is the band's bassist and was formerly the front-man and lead singer in the Goo Goo Doll's earlier albums. He has been known to play concerts barefoot. Currently, when not touring with the Goos, Robby works as a producer, and in 2002, he opened ChameleonWest recording studio, where he works with undiscovered talent in Buffalo. Robby lives in Los Angeles with his wife Miyoko, two cats, and just over 2000 PEZ dispensers. He collects them as a hobby, aside from touring the world with his wife, and playing in the Goo Goo Dolls.
Childhood[]
Takac grew up in the Buffalo suburb of West Seneca with his parents and younger sister Trish. His first instrument was the ukulele, given to him at age two and, by the time he graduated West Seneca East Senior High School in 1982, he had moved on to his first electric guitar. He graduated from Medaille College with a degree in Communications, with a focus on Radio Broadcasting. In his college years, he played in several bands and interned at a local radio station reading advertisements for a local toilet manufacturer.
Takac currently serves as an uncredited announcer for Buffalo radio station 103.3: The Edge, reading inter-song announcements for the station. Robby is also very involved in his hometown community and even started a Buffalo Music and Arts festival. He has also made a number of visits to his former high school, and played with members of the high school band every couple of years, as well as bringing bands from his label to perform for the students. The type of loyalty that most celebrities do not give back to their communities, Mr. Takac does.
Personal life[]
Rovert Carl Takac Jr. was born on September 30, 1964, in Buffalo, New York.
Career[]
He was part of a Rock Band called Monarch until his cousin convinced him to join the Beaumonts, which broke up in 1985. He met guitarist Johnny Rzeznik through the Beaumonts and together they found a drummer, George Tutuska, starting the band, the "Sex Maggots", with Robby as the lead singer and bassist. They changed their name to the more promotable "Goo Goo Dolls" and after 2 cds moved Rzeznik to the majority of lead vocals. After a decade of life as starving artists, they finally attained commercial success with the single "Name". He is also very involved with the Music in Action foundation in Buffalo, a hands on program for high school students to learn about music business.