The Goo Goo Dolls almost certainly have one of the worst names of any band in the history of rock and roll. That said, as Shakespeare so eloquently declared, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

As the Buffalo band took the stage Tuesday night to the “James Bond Theme,” it was apparent why they’ve soared to superstardom while other talented groups of their generation have sadly fallen by the wayside. Unlike many of their peers, they’ve evolved, for better and for worse.

Originally a snotty punk band, The Goo Goo Dolls signed with Metal Blade Records soon after forming in 1985. Their self-titled debut and its similarly spirited follow-up, “Jed,” were largely a warm up for what was yet to come.

In 1990 and again in 1993, with “Hold Me Up” and “Superstar Car Wash” respectively, the band created ragged power pop albums full of catchy, energetic tunes. Critics, however, widely dismissed The Goo Goo Dolls as just another Replacements knock-off.

In 1995, after a decade of struggling, the group finally found success with the breakthrough single “Name.” Simple, honest and relatable, the acoustic ballad is their signature song and one of the finest of the 90s.

Performing as a five piece, The Goo Goo Dolls opened with “Long Way Down,” another memorable track off their 1995 album “A Boy Named Goo.” Unfortunately, the band didn’t play much off that nearly flawless album or the aforementioned two efforts.

Towards the end of their set, The Goo Goo Dolls played “Iris,” a single initially found on the “City of Angels” soundtrack. The smash hit, which spent almost a year on the charts including 18 weeks at number one, was a major turning point for them. The group’s sound has been more polished and mainstream-friendly ever since.

After selling millions of records, The Goo Goo Dolls have established themselves as one of the most popular pop/rock bands to emerge from the 90s. These days it’s easier to imagine the group garnering comparisons to acts like Matchbox Twenty and Bon Jovi.

Overall, The Goo Goo Dolls put on a good show, but they’re not the band they once were. Their set was tight all the way through, but they only really let loose on a few occasions. There’s just not the same unbridled passion and intensity the group once exhibited.

Guitarist/vocalist Johnny Rzeznik and bassist Robby Takac, the band’s founding members, have less to prove these days and seem comfortable as rock stars. Songs such as “Stay with You,” “Let Love In,” and “Better Days” may please legions of current fans, but likely won’t appeal to longtime followers. The band seems content to continue getting mellower, so don’t expect to hear a lot of their faster, hard rockers the next time they tour.

By-the-books pop/rock band Lifehouse opened the show about 20 minutes after eight. Their upbeat, family friendly songs could easily be played at a barbeque for children and grandparents alike.

Lifehouse is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, but that’s simply not the case. “Hanging by a Moment,” the song they’re principally known for was the second number they played. Yet many casual listeners would likely recognize songs such as “First Time” and “You and Me.”

The group’s cover of “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones points out all the band’s greatest flaws. Their version was completely lacking the slinky sexuality and playfulness of the original, and even worse, sounded exactly like any other bland Lifehouse song.

Highlights:

“Long Way Down”

“January Friend”

“All Eyes on Me”

“Name”

“Before It’s Too Late” (from the recently released “Transformers” soundtrack)

“Slave Girl”

“Iris”

“Broadway”

“American Girl” (Tom Petty cover)