 "Photo: Photo Courtesy/hometownhollywood.com")
It was the summer of '95— the year I watched MTV for the first time. Keep in mind, this was when the music video ruled and the closest thing to "reality television" was Matt Pinfield's "120 Minutes." This moment would be pertinent in my childhood and eventually in my future pursuing music journalism as a career. However, one day I saw a slender platinum-blonde sporting fire engine red lipstick and a bindi wail into a camera; this was the moment that would completely change my idea of music.
"Just A Girl" was the single off of No Doubt’s album Tragic Kingdom that would hurdle the band into the mainstream. Starting as four Orange County teens in the late 80s third wave ska scene, Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young would soon become the poster-kids for every band that spent countless hours rehearsing in garages. Although Tragic Kingdom was well-received upon release, it was a small song of vindication titled "Don’t Speak" that would turn No Doubt into a punk band that recreated the perception of females in the record industry.
"Don’t Speak" was created during a time of hostility within the band and the beauty of the track is that it truly shows. The lyrics are truthful and blunt, Stefani’s vocals are vulnerable and gut-wrenching and the music flawlessly reflects the bipolar conditions of all relationships. Sure, the song is what brought No Doubt to the top, but it was their constant attention to emotion while exploring new musical styles and techniques on all of their albums that kept them there throughout their career. They ventured to eccentric ska with two–toned beats on their self-titled debut, Orange County-flavored-punk on Tragic Kingdom, experimental rock and sporadic styles on Return of Saturn and finally, rave-worthy dance music with a twist on Rock Steady.
Following the release and touring of Rock Steady in 2004, the band announced their hiatus so they could explore new career ventures and start families. With a "best of" album containing a new track (Talk Talk’s "It’s My Life"), fans began to come to terms that this was most likely the end, despite promises that the band would return.
Then, on Nov. 21, 2008,the layout of No Doubt’s official website was changed, complete with a new black and white shot of the band. Journal updates have also been flooding in of their status in the studio for a new album. However, it’s an animated screenshot of the band in iChat that claims they are ready to tour:
"I think we should go out now, I don’t think we should wait," cyber-Gwen stated.
"I’ll call management. It’s time to play," replied cyber-Tony.
Could it be?
"Hey Everyone, as most of you saw from our little iChat…we have decided to go on tour next year while continuing to work on our album…"
It’s official. May 2 marks the beginning of No Doubt’s return to touring at the Borgata in Atlantic City with opening acts Paramore, The Sounds, Janelle Monae and Bedouin Soundclash. Respected for their erratic live performances, the possibility of this tour disappointing fans is nonexistent. Although people grow older and wiser, and trends go in and out of style, true musicians never lose their passion for performing. No Doubt’s devotion to music, their fans and having fun is still thriving; as long as that fire is still there, that passion is still alive.
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