Going to a big rock show with thousands of people screaming out lyrics and love confessions to the band members can be a treacherous ordeal. That?s why small shows are generally the way to go, at least for me.There?s nothing more annoying than driving all the way to Concord to see a show at the hard-to-find Chronicle Pavilion, or to Mountain View?s Shoreline to fight your way into an incredibly uncomfortable spot way up on the grass. So, last Thursday when I packed up for the Pavilion in the outskirts of Concord, my thoughts were mostly of stop-and-go traffic, mall girls with band shirts on and overpriced diet soda. The line-up was a pleasant one, though, and I had hope. Before entering the venue, my first order of business was picking up my photo pass and tickets. Now, as easy as this sounds, I have a history of bad luck in this aspect of concert outings as a reporter for the Hornet. Surprisingly, I got both my tickets and my photo pass from Will Call without being bounced from one security fellow to the next.Opening the show was newcomer singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton. At the tender age of 19, Carlton charmed her way through a short 30-minute set. At one point she awkwardly tried to sound hardcore by saying “this song is called one thousand fucking miles.” Awwww. Keep trying, Vanessa. Maybe in another ten years we?ll buy it.Bay Area boys Third Eye Blind hit the stage next for somewhat of a hometown gig. Lead singer Steven Jenkins sounded good enough, but fell about a hundred yards short of entertaining. Through most of their hour-long set he acted aggressive towards the fans, at times pushing, his chest out towards random people and showing closed fists. Third Eye Blind is known for their attitude. Back in 1998, they started a scuffle with tour mates Green Day on stage that caused the punk rock trio to cancel a few days of the tour due to injury. To me, rock and roll is far too great a career for someone to be angry about. That?s why grunge was never my thing.Finishing the show was the Goo Goo Dolls. Fresh with great attitudes and even better stage presence, the threesome from New England played for nearly an hour and a half. Not only did they play as well as I?ve ever heard them, but they entertained in every way possible. Far too often rock stars take themselves too seriously. Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik even joked while playing the opening chords to Name, “this is what you?ll be hearing in fifteen years on TV with some announcer saying, ? Order today?the greatest hits of the Goo Goo Dolls, that band from the early 21st and late 20th century.?”Bassist and alternate lead singer Robby Takac, who sat down a few weeks ago with the Hornet for an interview, made their set even more enjoyable. He belted out well-crafted pop punk originals that never made it on the radio, but are incredible songs in their own respect.When?s the first Robby Takac single, some might ask. “I don?t know,” said Takac on the matter. I really don?t think about that. I just feel blessed that I am where I am.”Great rock star attitude. Maybe tour mates Third Eye Blind should take some notes.Overall, the drive home was a satisfying one. There are some who don?t give the Goo Goo Dolls a fair chance as a legitimate rock band. Well, as far as rock bands go, there are none as real and as honest as the Goo Goo Dolls.