I wrote this article in the summer of 2009. Gwen Stefani had just returned to the band No Doubt after pursuing a successful solo career, and this summer tour was the band's first since 2004. I had seen them back in 8th grade at the PNC Bank Arts Center when they performed with Blink 182, and I like to consider that my first "true" concert experience (I try to forget that I went to an NSYNC concert at Giants Stadium just a few years before...). So, of course I was pumped when No Doubt announced this summer tour and I was quick to buy tickets the day they went on sale :).
After a four-year hiatus, the 1990’s hit ska pop/punk band No Doubt reunites on a 2009 summer tour, promising to bring their beloved funk and spunk back to the stage. With no new record in the works, fans will not have to suffer through the latest mundane, unfamiliar recordings that bands tend to produce after so much past success. Instead, No Doubt assures a lineup of old-time favorites, including popular hits such as “Hey Baby” and “Just a Girl”.
No Doubt was founded by lead vocalist John Spence, backup vocalist Gwen Stefani, and keyboardist Eric Stefani in 1986. With Spence’s sudden death in 1987, Gwen Stefani took over lead vocals and gained much recognition due to her impressive vocal skills and upbeat stage presence. The band caught the attention of the Vice President of Interscope Records Tony Ferguson and was signed in 1990. No Doubt did not find immediate success until their 1995 album Tragic Kingdom, which aided in the ska revival of the 1990s; a time when grunge music ruled the airwaves. Their first hit single “Don’t Speak” is still widely recognized as the originator of what has come to be known as the modern ska-punk genre. Since their 1990’s success, No Doubt has released many records, including 2003’s Best Vocal Album Rock Steady and numerous “hit single” compilations. With many past changes in the band’s lineup, No Doubt presently includes lead vocalist Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tom Dumont, horns and keyboardists Stephen Bradley and Gabrial McNair, drummer Adrian Young, and bassist Tony Kanal.
With Gwen’s success at a solo career, No Doubt has remained a project on the backburner since 2004. They return to the stage in 2009 with the pop punk band Paramore.
After working at the local Dairy Queen in Anaheim, California during her teen years, marrying the successful lead guitarist and singer of the band Bush Gavin Rossdale, and raising two children of her own, Gwen Stefani is still able to possess the energy and intense passion as she did back in 1986. Her quirky voice combined with the “poppy” sound of Dumont’s talent on the guitar make for catchy tunes that any adolescent would enjoy. Bradley and McNair add flair with their unique horn sound, which captures the true spirit of ska. This combination of pop and ska added with a touch of reggae influence makes for an upbeat, danceable live show. Stefani’s sincere devotion and gratefulness towards her fans is evident in her stage presence and the band’s natural bond and talent is hard to ignore; even for the biggest No Doubt “hater”.
With such pop-infused melodies, many may find it hard to accept No Doubt as the ideal modern day ska band. But No Doubt has indeed made a success out of combining the two-toned tempos of classic ska with the harder, more modern sounds of today’s punk and pop. With catchy lyrics and an awesome stage performance, No Doubt is a definite on the list of tours to catch this summer.
For more info. on No Doubt's whereabouts, visit the band's myspace.
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