- Anaheim, California. Little Gwen, whose tastes run along
the lines
of The Sound of Music, agrees to sing lead vocals on older brother Eric
Stefani's first song, "Stick It In The Hole," about a pencil sharpener.
Born and raised in England, relocated to Southern California at age 11,
saxophonist Tony Kanal joins his high-school jazz band in 10th grade as
the bass player. Ninth grader Adrian Young attempts to drum to "Bend
Over" by O.C. band Doggy Style at a school talent contest; his parents
bought him a kit when he was 18. A wee lad with a prized KISS record
living in Irvine (California), Tom Dumont dreamed of being a rock star.
As a teen, hopeful Tom started practicing guitar.
- December 1986
Back-flipping singer John Spence
forms Orange County-based 2 Tone ska group No Doubt-named after his
favorite expression-with keyboardist Eric, who forces Gwen to sing
backing vocals. Gwen cites Madness, Kermit the Frog, Julie Andrews and
Fishbone's Angelo Moore as her heroes.
- March 12, 1987
After several raucous party
performances, No Doubt play their first "official" gig at Fender's
Ballroom in Long Beach, California; the band was second on a bill of 14
with The Untouchables headlining. Tony, a high-school junior, was one
of several hundred people watching. Shortly thereafter, he tries out.
Band accepts him even though he's never been in a band, has long hair
and is wearing Mexican sandals. By the summer, Tony, an organized
perfectionist, becomes the band's unofficial manager.
- December 21, 1987
Tragically, John Spence
committed suicide at an Anaheim park. A few days later, No Doubt plays
a big industry gig at the Roxy in Hollywood. Devastated over John's
suicide, they call it quits. Days later they reform knowing that's what
John would want.
- Spring 1988
College music student and
heavy-metal guitarist Tom leaves his sister's band, Rising, because the
metal scene in O.C. sucks; after peering in the window while No Doubt
rehearsed, Tom pulls his long hair into a ponytail and joins the
Ska-heavy No Doubt, adding a heavier edge.
- 1987-1988
Part of the
then-underground-ska-scene, No Doubt built a huge following of loyal
"rude boys" and "rude girls" after numerous gigs opening for The
Untouchables and Fishbone, as well as their own all-ages shows. A
three-song and a five-song demo are sold at shows.
- Summer 1989
Drummer, huge No Doubt fan and
fibber, Adrian joins No Doubt after calling a number from the back of a
demo tape; he tells No Doubt he has years of experience; he only has
one. His love of 70's rock and Ska made the choice obvious.
No Doubt plays their first out-of-state show in Arizona to about a
hundred people.
- 1989-1990
Band quickly evolves into a solid
five-piece unit, expanding their sound to include the styles of each
member. With shows opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ziggy Marley
and Mano Negra, their fan base broadens to the college crowd.
Pizza
mailing list parties become the modus operandi as the list, which was
started in 1987, grows from a few hundred names to a couple thousand.
(In 1993, when the list reaches approximately 7,000 names, Tony decides
to have just pizza parties.)
- August 1991
No Doubt signs a "big" recording
contract with Interscope Records; they continue driving around O.C. in
their old cars and work day jobs (Gwen and Tony are sales people at the
same department store, Adrian waits tables at a steak house, and Tom
runs a small music equipment rental business). Interscope head honcho
Jimmy Iovine predicts Gwen will be a star in five years.
The band really wants to be played on Los Angeles radio station KROQ.
- October - December 1991
Between working and
going to school (Tom's a music major, Gwen's an art major, Tony and
Adrian are psychology majors.), the group drives to a Los Angeles
studio to record their 14-song debut album, which features
early-crafted songs (1987) as well as recently penned material; they
spend less than $13,000.
- March 1992
Self-titled No Doubt released. Only
30,000 sold; grunge is in; they don't get played on KROQ. Adrian
remembers the program director saying, "It would take an act of God for
this band to get on the radio." Enough said. In support of No Doubt,
the band embarks on its first two-week, 13-show, Western-state
headlining tour in two vans (five members, a three-piece horn section,
a roadie, tour manager/soundman and equipment).
- Summer 1992
Band makes video for "Trapped in the Box" for a mere $5,000; MTV never
played it.
No Doubt once again makes a two-week Western run.
- Fall 1992
Hitting the "big time," the band
undertakes a two-and-a-half month national tour-still in vans. Although
predominately headlining small clubs, they opened shows for Public
Enemy, Pato Banton and The Special Beat.
- March 1993
No Doubt begins the first sessions
for what would be called Tragic Kingdom. The album was recorded in 11
different studios over two and a half years. Tony refers to it as a
"battleground"-and there were casualties.
- 1994
Eric departs before the completion of Tragic Kingdom to continue as an
animator on The Simpsons.
After a seven-year relationship, Tony and Gwen split; the singer
has plenty to sing about and "Don't Speak" evolves from a love song
into a broken heart number.
- Early 1995
No Doubt self-releases the 10-song
Beacon Street Collection comprised of B-Sides from Tragic Kingdom. It
is named after the house on the street in Anaheim where several members
lived and the garage studio where most of the tracks were recorded.
Available only at shows and local record stores, they sell out of the
first thousand CDs.
- August - September 1995
Laying the groundwork for Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt plays the main stage
on the first Warped Tour.
- October 1995
Tragic Kingdom, a mixture of ska,
new wave, pop, punk and rock, is released. Of the lyrics, Gwen says:
"We went through some really bad times in the past couple years. Our
way of dealing with that is humor and I think that's really apparent in
the record."
Album doesn't make the charts and KROQ, slow to catch on, doesn't pay
attention.
No Doubt plays Virgin Megastore in Costa Mesa, California. At the
request of her mother, Gwen tries not to swear during "Just A Girl,"
but she does and her mom won't speak to her for a week.
- Winter 1995
KROQ pays attention; band smiles.
New wave-ish "Just A Girl," about being a girl, gets massive requests.
Band swears it's not their friends calling.
In support of Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt tours a week with 311, then
several weeks on their own, followed by Holiday radio shows.
- January 1996
Several months after it's release,
Tragic Kingdom debuts on Billboard's Top 200 at No. 175, and the single
"Just A Girl" reaches No. 10. Tom, the music's author, told Guitar
World: "That single surprised the hell out of me. I always thought the
song was cool, but I never expected it to fly like it has." Video,
which features band and Gwen in separate rooms, is all over MTV; media
focuses on Gwen's midriff and bindi.
No Doubt makes late night debut performing "Just A Girl" on Late Night
with Conan O'Brien.
- March 28, 1996
David Letterman is seen tapping his foot while No Doubt performs "Just
A Girl" on The Late Show.
- May 1996
On the road opening for Bush, Gwen breaks her foot while performing;
the show must go on-this time with plenty of Band-Aids.
- June 1996
The catchy "Spiderwebs," with music by Tony and Gwen-penned lyrics NOT
about their relationship, reaches No. 5 in Billboard.
Band begins their first European tour, followed by dates in Australia,
New Zealand, Indonesia and Japan.
- July 1996
Tragic Kingdom goes Platinum.
Gwen changes her hairstyle; media focuses on her belly, bindi and 'do.
- August 1996
Tragic Kingdom certified
Double-Platinum. Although No Doubt had been headlining in clubs for
seven years, they embark on their first sold-out, theater-size
headlining tour. Fashion magazines and teens mirror Gwen's style;
Gwennabees are hatched.
- September 5, 1996
Mutual admiration established, No Doubt returns to Letterman to perform
"Spiderwebs."
- Sometime 1996
A leading news magazine reports
that "that No Doubt girl" is paving the way for a new style; she
changes her hair again. The band gets cropped out of photos. No Doubt
stipulates they are A BAND, not just a girl. Gwen becomes the reigning
queen of pop.
- October 1996
November issue of SPIN hits the
stands with No Doubt cover story-only they forget No Doubt is a BAND.
Gwen's pretty face and belly button get top billing while the boys are
relegated to the Table of Contents page. SPIN says: "No Doubt is the
Last American New Wave Group."
- November 1996
After performing nearly every
night for a year, Gwen's vocal chords are strained; the band cancels
its second European tour; the dates are made up in early 1997.
Quintessential power ballad "Don't Speak," about Tony and Gwen's
break up, reaches No. 2 on the Modern Rock chart and No. 1 on Hot 100
airplay chart in Billboard.
The cathartic video depicts three forgotten guys pitted against
the adored singer; it was therapeutic. "Has it got to the point where
we mean nothing? If Gwen doesn't speak, we mean nothing?" Tom queries a
Rolling Stone writer.
- December 7, 1996
No Doubt perform "Don't Speak" and "Excuse Me Mr." on Saturday Night
Live.
The following week Tragic Kingdom reaches No. 1 in Billboard-14
months after its release, selling 229,000 copies the first week at the
top spot, more than 500,000 Christmas week, and six million total. The
album will spend nine weeks at No. 1, and 36 weeks in the Top 10.
- Winter 1997
No Doubt begins its third
headlining tour, this time at enormadome venues. It was either
stripped-down clubs or Spinal Tap, jests Tom. They went with the
classic comedy and the Cirque de Soliel sets.
Tragic Kingdom reaches No. 1 on Billboard's International Album
Eurochart, and was a Top 5 album in the U.K., Canada, Germany,
Australia, Norway, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Denmark and Finland.
- January 1997
No Doubt attends American Music
Awards after being nominated for Favorite New Artist Pop/Rock. Band is
super excited even if they don't win. "Not bad, Best New Artist and
we've been around for 10 years," marvels Gwen.
- February 1997
No Doubt attends Grammy Awards
after being nominated for Best Rock Album and Best New Artist. Band is
super excited even if they don't win. They perform "Spiderwebs" live.
All-time touring highlight, No Doubt plays a sold-out,
3,000-capacity show in Israel-including members of the opposing
religious groups. On their day off, they tour Jerusalem and swim in the
Dead Sea.
- March 1997
No Doubt celebrates Tenth Anniversary!!!
- April 11, 1997
No Doubt perform the reggae-tinged "Sunday Morning" on The Tonight
Show with Jay Leno; although the lyrics are once again about their
break up, it's Tony's favorite No Doubt song.
- May 1997
Rolling Stone finally puts No Doubt on
the cover-the ENTIRE band in white surgical garb. The writer announces
"everything (Gwen) says is true" and that their pop music is "rousing
and potent."
At a show in Northern California, which ironically included a
rendition of "The Imperial March" from Star Wars, George Lucas and his
daughter go backstage to meet the band. Lucas invites the band to see
the Phantom Menace set in London.
- July 1997
Tony meets his all-time music hero
Prince after the Purple One checked out No Doubt's Minneapolis show.
Later that night, the band jams at Paisley Park.
- Summer 1997
Rarely seeing a Sunday morning at
home, No Doubt continues to see the world from a stage. Tragic Kingdom,
still in the Top 50 at 80-plus weeks on the charts, sells seven million
in the U.S. and 11 million worldwide.
No Doubt, their first record, has now sold around 250,000 copies.
- September 4, 1997
They finally win. "Don't
Speak" gives No Doubt the opportunity to speak as they enthusiastically
accept the Best Group Video statue at the MTV Video Music Awards.
- Fall 1997
Tragic Kingdom has now sold in the neighborhood of eight million in the
U.S. and 13 million worldwide.
The end of the "big" tour for Tragic Kingdom. No Doubt hit some
choice spots in Europe, and play for the first time in India, Singapore
and South America.
While in London, the band watches the filming of a Phantom Menace
light saber scene starring Ewan McGregor's character and Darth Maul.
In Singapore, the band abides by the country's laws for public
performance: no spitting, swearing, gyrating, and naked torsos. A good
time is still had.
The band all agrees that playing in India was the most awesome
experience on stage. For Tony, who flew his parents home to India for a
rare visit, the experience held a special meaning as his extended
family sat in the front row.
- October 1997
Interscope re-releases the 10-song Beacon Street Collection as part of
the back catalog.
(100,000 copies were initially sold by the band in 1995.)
- November 1997
No Doubt releases Live In The
Tragic Kingdom, a 92-minute, live-performance video shot at The
Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, the arena owned by the Magic Kingdom
(Disneyland). Plenty of rock poses, good cheer and sweat.
- December 1997
More good tidings, No Doubt's
version of the Vandals joyful carol "Oi To The World appears on the
album A Very Special Christmas III; album proceeds benefit the Special
Olympics. The accompanying "Oi To The World" video was shot with a
digital video camera by Sophie Muller while the band was on tour in
India.
- Early 1998
No Doubt takes some much needed time
off. Separately, they step across the Orange County border and settle
into new addresses within the L.A. County line. They also stop eating
fast food-except Tony.
Renting out a Hollywood Hills home, the band begins writing songs
for the follow up to the big success-and finding their direction; as
Gwen said: "We didn't know what kind of music we were going to write
because we out grew our old style." Gwen, in love again, has plenty to
sing about.
- March 7, 1998
They win again-this time at the
California Music Awards (formerly the BAMMIES). Gwen gets a statue for
Outstanding Female Vocalist Statewide, and the band walks off with
Outstanding Group Statewide.
- March 1998
Adrian plays drums for the Vandals on a quick European tour.
The band continues writing songs for their forthcoming CD.
- April 1998
For the Stormy Weather '98 concert
at L.A.'s Wiltern Theater, a benefit for Don Henley's Walden Woods
Foundation, Gwen sings two torch songs: "I Can Dream, Can't I," made
popular by the Andrew Sisters, and Elvis Costello's "Almost Blue."
- August 1998
Gwen's a waitress-just for a day. She appears in an apron in a Rufus
Wainwright video shot at her house.
A week later, Gwen (without the apron) hosts a birthday bash for
Tony and Adrian at her house. Many musician friends dance to loud rock
music into the early morning.
- September 1998
The band attends the MTV Video Music Awards-purely for fun.
Gwen looks smashing in her blue Smurfs fuzzy bra top and matching
blue-dyed hair.
- October 1998
Straying for a brief afternoon,
Gwen records a duet with Brian Setzer for his album Dirty Boogie. The
track, made famous by Ann Margaret and Elvis Presley, is called "You're
the Boss."
- November 1998
No Doubt celebrates their
childhood in song for the Rugrats soundtrack. The band records "I Throw
My Toys Around" with musical hero Elvis Costello, who also wrote (with
his wife) and produced the song for the movie.
The band continues writing songs for their forthcoming album.
- December 31, 1998
The band throws a HUGE New
Year's Eve bash at Gwen's house for their friends, friends of friends,
and musician- and actor-friends of friends. A star-studded affair with
the likes of Tommy Lee, Ben Stiller, the Chili Peppers, Beck, plus many
more. It goes into the wee hours.
- February 1999
After numerous attempts to find
"the" producer, the band decides on Glen Ballard, with Jack Joseph Puig
as the man with "the" right mix and Alain Johannes (of Eleven fame) as
the engineer. The magic (and long process) occurs at two Los Angeles
studios-Ocean Way and Royaltone. Gwen said the band has three goals: to
grow as songwriters, keep it simple and clean instrumentally with no
tricks, and to be spontaneous.
- February 22, 1999
Adrian's Schwing Magazine
Charity Golf Tournament raises money for a Hollywood charity. Out for a
putt and a swing, members from the Offspring, NOFX, Smashmouth and
Cherry Poppin' Daddies. Earlier in '99, Adrian and Vandals drummer Joe
Escalante started Schwing, an alternative golf publication through
Thrasher. Lots of musicians and girls in bikinis.
- March 1999
Tragic Kingdom receives RIAA's Diamond Award, the new honor for albums
that sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S.
Band says "yes" to hip movie Go and delivers "New" for soundtrack.
Finally, new No Doubt music-although it's not so new ("New" was the
first song the band wrote after Tragic Kingdom). The song, produced by
Jerry Harrison, is received at radio with enthusiasm.
- April 1999
Tom remarks: "This is our eighth
week recording... and probably our 80th week working on this record."
Bouncy trombonist/keyboardist Gabrial McNair has been cheerfully adding
his vibes for all 80 weeks! Trumpeter Stephen Bradley is in the mix
too.
Unable to wait until Gwen finishes vocals for a track, Maggen, the
singer's 14-year-old dog, went poo-poo on the studio carpet. Gwen
cleans it with paper towels and disposes of the mess in the garbage bin
next to the studio, locking herself into the stinky, gated structure in
the process. "There I am, standing on top of the garbage bin that
smells awful while everyone is inside a sound-proof studio!"
- May 1999
Seventeen songs are recorded-the band
is really excited. It's a new sound for them. There's a pervasive early
'80s New Wave thing, a very organic rock '70s sparse sound, and its
somewhere between rock, pop and reggae.
Burning London-A Clash Tribute is released. It includes No Doubt's
cover of "Hateful," which is produced by David Kahne and includes guest
vocals, growls and hand gestures by Billy Idol. Proceeds are donated to
an L.A. youth shelter.
- June 1999
Gwen adds vocals to Fishbone's cover
of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everybody is a Star" for the Fishbone
and Familyhood Nextperience tribute album (out March 2000).
- July 1999
No Doubt completes mixing at Ocean
Way with Jack Joseph Puig. Band is really excited. Interscope Records
is really excited. If the fans knew, they would be excited. Then the
band decides to record two more songs; now they are the only ones
excited. Upcoming tour is put on hold.
- August 1999
Band enters the studio again to record new songs for the
as-yet-untitled album.
Tragic Kingdom continues to sell big, reaching 15 million worldwide.
No Doubt hosts their second annual co-birthday bash for Tony and
Adrian (who sports a pink mohawk for the party) at Adrian's home in
Lakewood, California. Celebrating the dynamic duo's special day:
members from 311, Rage Against the Machine, the Vandals, Perry Farrell,
actor Vince Vaughn, and... well, more rock and movie stars than the
neighbors liked. It was a long and festive night.
- September 30, 1999
No Doubt kicks off an
eight-city West Coast club tour in San Diego in full pop gear: Tony and
Tom wear red jumpsuits, the horn section in lime green, Gwen in
bubblegum pink (including her feathered hair), and Adrian shirtless and
in boxers.
- October 3, 1999
Gwen turns 30! She embraces the milestone-as does the press!
- October 9, 1999
On the final night of No
Doubt's club tour, in a tender moment at The Fillmore in San Francisco,
Adrian lures his girlfriend Nina to the stage, and before the
thousand-plus fans, gets down on one knee, professes his love and then
proposes. Nina shakes her head "yes" and the two exit the stage in each
other's arms. The band, moved to tears, finishes the set with Vandals
drummer Josh Freese covering for Adrian.
- Winter 1999
Final touches are made to the as yet untitled new record. Even more
recording, mixing, and mastering to make it just right.
- Dec. 5, 1999
No Doubt attends the VH1/Vogue
Fashion Awards at New York's fashionable 26th Street Armory. The very
fashionable band is nominated for Most Stylish Video for "New" (which
they won!) and Gwen-proudly displaying her multi-colored braces-is
nominated for Most Fashionable Female Artist.
- December 31, 1999
Way to ring in the
millennium!! No Doubt played at one of the biggest parties in the
world: the MTV New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. The first
band to play MTV in the new millennium, No Doubt took the stage a few
minutes after midnight, performing a festive rendition of REM'S "It's
the End of the World (And I Feel Fine)," their upcoming single
"Ex-Girlfriend," and the old skool "Spiderwebs."
- January 16, 2000
The first No Doubt wedding:
Adrian and Nina happily make the commitment at Adrian's home in
Southern California while family and close friends join in the
celebration. A true tight-knit group, Gwen serves as a bridesmaid while
Tony and Tom stand as groomsmen.
- January 2000
No Doubt is shot-but it's all
good. David LaChapelle photographs the group for their new album, drum
roll please, Return of Saturn.
"Ex-Girlfriend," the first-and extremely anticipated single, is
released to radio, where it rocks on alternative for 27 weeks.
Is it about Gwen and Tony? No. Is it about Gwen and Gavin? Yes. Is Gwen
the ex? No!
The video, shot by Hype Williams, is seen on millions of TVs.
- April 1-10, 2000
The Build-Up. Performances on
Conan O'Brien, and Modern Rock Live syndicated radio show, interviews
for CNN Worldbeat, and Gwen is shot for the covers of Nylon and
CosmoGirl magazines. In a week or so, the entire band gets their
pictures taken - together-by David LaChapelle for Rolling Stone.
- April 11, 2000
The very down-to-earth yet
extremely out there Return of Saturn is released on a global scale.
Produced by Glen Ballard, mixed by Jack Joseph Puig and recorded by
Alain Johannes, the 14-song disc encompasses the band's eclectic
tastes: New Wave, reggae, pop and rock. Tom astutely states, "It's
probably a lot easier to have sex to this record than the last." Gwen
sees it differently: "It's a selfish record in a way because the songs
are largely about me-and my insecurities. I laid it all out there-and
it feels good."
It debuts at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart one week later.
- April 12-24, 2000
The return to the spotlight:
"Simple Kind of Life," the second single, is released. (It will spend
20 weeks on the modern rock alternative radio chart.)
For the video, directed by Sophie Muller, Gwen commands the screen
in a fabulous wedding dress she and Sophie designed after seeing a
stunning John Galliano design.
Band performs on L.A. radio station KROQ during the Kevin &
Bean Show and on Jay Leno ("Simple Kind of Life"). Band also plays a
rocking fun show in Orange County (roots) to lots and lots of fans and
in L.A. at the Universal Amphitheater where industry types and celebs
chatter but are drowned out by screaming fans.
Band sets out on a month long press tour across Europe, Japan and
Australia.
- April 27, 2000
"Gwen and the Boys Arrive as a
Band." Rolling Stone gives No Doubt a four star glowing record review:
"Return of Saturn is a rare achievement: a superstar follow up that not
only betters its predecessor but also radically departs from it."
- May 2000
An as-long-as-I-have-been-playing-bass
dream, Tony is photographed for the cover of Bass Player magazine.
Serious recognition. The publication called his style a "selfless
approach" and went on to say, "Tony's lines give energy and life to
Saturn's broad emotional range."
Appropriately, Gwen is photographed for InStyle magazine.
- June 2000
CNN and E! visit the rehearsal studio for live footage and to interview
the band.
Return of Saturn tour commences in Dallas, Texas. Yee-haw!
- August 4-10, 2000
Hello, Jay! Looking smooth and sharp, No Doubt performs "Bathwater" on
Leno in 1940's style clothing.
The next night, they are back in O.C. for a show at Irvine Meadows.
The following night, Gwen, in "the" wedding gown, and the guys perform
"Simple Kind of Life at the 2000 Teen Choice Awards.
Night off.
Back on, the band, guys included, is photographed for Vogue
magazine in conjunction with the Vogue/VH1 Fashion. (Hint: they win!
Most Fashionable Video)
Night off.
Back on, No Doubt tapes VH1 Storytellers with special friends-Alain
Johannes from Eleven and former-ND member Eric Stefani.
- September 2, 2000
Life is a cabaret, my
friend.... "Bathwater" is the focus as the group enlists their fave
video director, Sophie Muller, and choreographer Fatima (Michael
Jackson), who got the band dancing in step for the tongue-in-cheek
video. It takes two days (phew!), and the result: Delicious!
- September 2000
More interviews, tapings, shows, and other fun stuff...including...
Band tapes voice over for King of the Hill; they play themselves
plus Gwen gets to be the voice of sexy heartbreaker Vivian. Vavoom!
Gwen, Tom and Gabrial play a secret acoustic set at the Mint, an
intimate L.A. club, for 200 lucky friends and family members. Tony and
Adrian put their feet up, sip drinks and cheer.
Gwen and Moby shoot the video for "South Side," a soon to be hit that
was recorded more than a year ago.
Bon voyage! The stages of Japan and Australia await. See you in a month.
- November 2000
Another busy month... this time
in NYC... starting with a performance of "Bathwater" at the Radio Music
Awards in fun-filled Las Vegas (gambling is kept at a minimum)...
followed by Gwen and Moby performing on Late Night with David
Letterman, and Gwen appearing with teen heartthrob Carson Daly for TRL
(and while she's at it, Top 20 Songs of All Time with David Holmes).
After Thanksgiving weekend, busy-girl Gwen is photographed for the
cover of YM!
Appropriately, the band ends the month with another awards show-the
first ever VH1 My Music Awards. "Bathwater" is the choice and Fatima is
enlisted again to choreograph.
- December 2000
No Doubt ends 2000 with an award
show (presenters at the Billboard Music Awards), performance on the
tube (MTV's Fashionably Loud, selection: "Bathwater." Gwen also
performs "South Side" with Moby.), and a special live performance at
the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas in L.A.
Return of Saturn is still on the charts (#120). It's clocked in at
roughly 1.3 million sold.
Band collectively closes eyes, breathes deep, and chills.
- January 2001
When the mood is right, strike.
Feeling good about Return, No Doubt cozy up to the writing process.
Much time is spent recording demos in Tom's living room (most of which
make it to the upcoming album).
- February 2001
When the material is there, why
not?! Feeling good about their initial writing efforts, No Doubt check
into a recording studio with hip-hop producers the Neptunes.
In late February, the band attends the Grammys in honor of Return
of Saturn, which was nominated for Rock Album of the Year. Although
they didn't win, it was fun, fun, fun.
- March 2001
Yo! What up. We're hangin' at
Adrian's Crib outside the L.B. (that's Long Beach) for a taping of MTV
Cribs. Also chillin' are the drummer's wife, bandmates, friends at
large, and numerous drunken clowns (you should see the raw juggling
footage!).
Admitting that they have recorded some good and not so good
reggae, the excited band members head to Jamaica to record four songs
with two legendary drum and bass/dancehall musicians/producers duos:
Sly and Robbie (Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, Grace Jones), and Steelie and
Cleevie (Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas).
- April 14, 2001
A dynamic duo of forceful
females. Gwen takes the SNL stage with Eve for a performance of the rap
singer's track "Let Me Blow Ya Mind." Gwen and Eve recorded the
sure-fire hit in March.
- May 14, 2001
Adrian tapes an episode of Rock
'N' Roll Jeopardy. Although he's no Mark McGrath rock trivia expert, he
scored some cash for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.
- June 2001
Back to business. The band is feeling
the groove... lots of different grooves. The group heads into the
studio first with Nellee Hooper (Madonna, Bjork, etc.), and the then
later in the month with Timbalind (Missy Elliott, Aaliyah). Regarding
the sound taking shape, Tom said: "This is going to be the most
adventurous and eclectic No Doubt album yet. So far it sounds like a
heavy synthed-out dub dancehall disco party."
In between producers and recording sessions, Gwen performs with
Eve at the 1st Annual BET Awards and tapes an episode of Top of the
Pops with the rapper.
- July 2001
New Wave '80s love: No Doubt enters studio with Ric Ocasek from the
Cars.
The wedding: horn master Gabrial McNair marries his long-time
girlfriend in Oslo, Norway.
- August 12, 2001
Gwen and Eve at it again - this time performing at the 2001 Teen Choice
Awards.
- August 2001
It's all in the name... and Rock
Steady is it - the new album. "It was an easy decision," Adrian said.
"We rock...." Tom interjects, "And we are steady as...." "Seriously,"
interrupts Tony, "the album has an old-school, early '80s-underground,
dance hall-meets-New Wave-pop feel, and for us, 'Rock Steady' captures
that universal vibe."
Cheers! No Doubt is drinking tea English style while recording the
title track to their new album and mixing Rock Steady with Mark "Spike"
Stent (Madonna, Bjork, Oasis, Massive Attack). Loving life in London,
the band has moved into a five bedroom house, gone to see a few shows,
searched high-and-low for decent Mexican food, got a ticket in a car
Adrian drives on the wrong side of the road, played many a game of
tennis in the rain, and had a toilet explode on Adrian and Tony the
first night in their flat.
- September 6, 2001
MTV Video Music Awards: Gwen
presents an award and the collaborating singer accepts awards with Moby
for "South Side" (Best Male Video) and Eve for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"
(Best Female Video). Band cheers her on.
- September 21, 2001
An all-star version of the
Marvin Gaye classic "What's Going On" is released to radio and MTV.
Recorded over several days in early September in New York, the track
features Gwen, Bono, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Wyclef,
Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Fred Durst, among others.
Originally intended for release on December 1, 2001, World AIDS Day,
the song was released early to honor the victims of the terrorist
attacks. The five mix CD contributed proceeds to United Way's September
11th Fund and Artists Against AIDS.
- September 25, 2001
No Doubt goes disco in a
remake of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby" for the soundtrack of
Zoolander, starring Ben Stiller as a model!
- October 2001
Front-page news. Blender names
Gwen one of the 50 Sexiest Artists of All Time." The singer makes the
cover and, at Number 20, she's sandwiched between Jim Morrison and
Shania Twain (sweet!) inside.
Gwen also makes the cover of Vanity Fair for their music issue.
She joins company with Beck, Chris Cornell, Maxwell, David Bowie, Joni
Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and several other notable musicians.
- October 15-17, 2001
Band is absolutely, 100%
thrilled with first single choice, "Hey Baby," from the 12-song Rock
Steady. The album's artwork had been inspired by the work of artist
Steven Sprouse, which in turn inspired the "Hey Baby" video - shot in
L.A by director Dave Meyers. The song was recorded and mixed in L.A.
and Jamaica.
- October 25-26, 2001
"Hey Baby" can be heard on L.A. radio!!!
U2 and No Doubt on tour! Let the fun begin.
Day one is in New York at Madison Square Garden! "It was like
playing to a city in mourning," says Gwen. "By the end of the concert,
everyone was crying."
Day two: Free show! Free Show! No Doubt plays a, you guessed it,
free show in NYC for their fans on their first day off. More tears are
shed.
- November 6-7, 2001
"Hey Baby" is the focus of MTV's Making The Video, a must see. The
following day it premieres on MTV.
- November 20, 2001
Now you can remix a No Doubt
song! "Ex-Girlfriend" is set to appear in the new Sony PlayStation 2
game, Frequency, where addictive gamers can also be musical mixing
masterminds. Adrian loves games and even has a KISS pinball machine.
- November 25, 2001
ND says "bye" to U2 (tour)
Playing with U2 was "like playing with the soundtrack to our lives -
from high-school through college," Gwen gushes.
- December 1-4, 2001
Gwen has been named CosmoGirl of the Year by the fashionable teen
magazine.
Gwen is honored with the My Favorite Female Artist Award from 2001
My VH1 Music Awards. She is one of many honored (including Bono,
Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilera) for the There's
No "I" in Team (Best Collaboration) Award for her participation in the
song "What's Going On."
No Doubt perform "Hey Baby" on the Billboard Music Awards show.
No Doubt play at Carlsbad High School near San Diego, Calif. The
surprise performance airs on MTV special "Jammed" starting January 14.
- December 11, 2001
Easy to wrap and give, Rock Steady debuts in the Top 10 on the Album
Sales charts.
The band signs their new album and performs at the Virgin Megastore in
Times Square. Way to celebrate!
- December 15, 2001
No Doubt play LIVE on Saturday Night LIVE! "Hey Baby" is the last song
performed by No Doubt in 2001.
- January 2002
Way to start a new year! After a six-year courtship, Gavin proposes to
Gwen on the morning of January 1. She happily says YES!
The band that swims together stays together. No Doubt takes a dive
in Gwen's pool for a Rolling Stone cover shoot by David LaChapelle.
- February 2002
Who's that on the skins? Where's
Adrian? We want Adrian! Vandals drummer Josh Freese sits in for Adrian
during Mardi Gras madness in New Orleans while the ND drummer anxiously
awaits the birth of the first No Doubt offspring. Josh and the regulars
appear on CBS' Friday Night Superbowl Bash, Fox's The Tailgate Party,
and MTV Mardi Gras performing "Hella Good" and "Hey Baby," the latter
with OutKast.
- February 9, 2002
2002 is just getting better and better. Adrian's beautiful wife, Nina,
gave birth to their first child, Mason James Young.
- February 26-27, 2002
ND performs a benefit with
the Offspring and Weezer as part of Recording Artists Coalition's
"Concerts for Artists Rights" in Long Beach, Calif.
The 44th Annual Grammy's: Gwen presents an award and wins another with
Eve for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind."
- March 2002
"On the road again, I'm so glad to
be on the road again." No doubt begins the mega Rock Steady tour, their
first full tour in two years, in San Juan, Puerto Rico (and it's not
just cuz they wanted to hit the beach first!). With five albums worth
of material, the band has plenty to rock about... and if you caught
their show in L.A. or Las Vegas, wow, titillating! At both shows, the
band was joined on stage by Hollywood's infamous, feather-boa
strutting, cabaret dancers The Pussycat Dolls during "Bathwater" and
"Hey Baby."
And, while in Vegas, the band was presented with commemorative No
Doubt Rock Steady limited edition $5 chips by the Hard Rock Hotel and
Casino.
Gwen's not just a girl, she's the ElleGirl cover girl for Spring.
- April 2, 2002
"Hella Good," shot in the LB
(Long Beach), makes a hella splash on MTV's TRL thanks to the fine
direction of Mark Romanek (NIN, Madonna) and the hella good music.
- April 19, 2002
The band returns to Late Night
with Conan O'Brien for a good time, a hella good time when they perform
"Hella Good" and "Underneath It All." It's their third date with Conan
and their first with The Rock (how perfect!!).
- June 2002
Gwen lends her vocals to Malice, the
hammer-wielding heroine of the Xbox and Sony PlayStation 2 games. She
and the guys become cool characters as they do voice over work for one
of their favorite pastimes: gaming.
- June 7, 2002
No Doubt rock in the open air on
Jay Leno's new Summer outdoor performance space. This, their fourth
date with Jay, was a hella good time with "Hella Good."
Later that night, Gwen has a hell of a good time on her
bachelorette drinking and dancing party that brought her and her
closest friends sip, slurp and dance to Jamaican Dancehall music. When
the limo arrived back home in the early morning hours, Gwen fell into
Gavin's waiting arms (and a friend fell in the bushes!). The next
morning, Gwen, in dark sunglasses, ate cake and opened presents at her
80-person bridal shower.
- June 11-12, 2002
Getting real, Gwen goes from
glamour girl to the real beauty in the Sophie Muller/Logan-directed
video for "Underneath it All," the Dave Stewart co-penned song. This is
Sophie's seventh ND video.
- June 19-July 14, '02
Hello Europe! No Doubt
play the big summer festivals in Europe - from London to Berlin, from
Ireland to Norway, and points in between.
- July 23, 2002
Will they win? Will they? "Hey
Baby" is nominated for Best Group Video and Best Pop Video by the folks
at the MTV Video Music Awards.
- August 10-25, 2002
Hello surf and sun! No Doubt
perform and play (and shop!) - from Honolulu to Singapore, from Tokyo
to Sydney, and points in between.
- August 29, 2002
They won! They won! No Doubt
was awarded Best Group Video and Best Pop Video for "Hey Baby" at the
MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
- September 14, 2002
G&G wed at a traditional
ceremony at St Paul's Church in London's Covent Gardens amid family and
close friends - including members of her No Doubt family. The stunning
rock couple looked forever happy and beautiful - especially Gwen in a
cream and pink John Galliano gown.
- September 28, 2002
Recapturing their first
ceremony, G&G said "I do" again at a second private ceremony at
record label pal Jimmy Iovine's Hollywood home. What girl wouldn't want
to wear her wedding dress twice and say "yes" to her long-time love??
They toasted and danced into the wee hours with family, band family and
many friends.
- October 2002
No Doubt is rocking steady - and
rolling with the Stones! The Rock Steady tour rolls on in St. Paul, MN.
And includes three dates opening for the Rolling Stones, a free
afternoon concert in Nashville, and dates with Garbage and the
Distillers.
- November 2002
Tony is on the cover of Bass Player... again. Chats about synth bass on
RS.
- November 13, 2002
Dawson, Joey and Pacey are
cool! In the Dawson's Creek episode called "Spiderwebs," Dawson's
characters head to Boston to see No Doubt play. Three songs are
featured on the show: "Hella Good," "Underneath it All" and "Magic's in
the Makeup."
- November 22, 2002
No Doubt get the key to the
Tragic Kingdom... well, actually, Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly presents the
band with a key to the city on "Breakfast with Kevin and Bean," KROQ's
morning show. This is the ultimate nod to a band that immortalized
their backyard - and was determined to get played on their favorite
radio station.
No Doubt sells out three nights at the Long Beach arena and adds a
fourth night at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, their final show on the 2002
Rock Steady Tour.
- January 2003
Could three be a charm? The New
Year looks great as No Doubt is nominated for THREE Grammys - Best Pop
Vocal Album for Rock Steady, Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group
With Vocal for "Hey Baby" and Best Dance Recording for "Hella Good."
- January 26, 2003
No Doubt rocks the Super Bowl.
At Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif., the band performs "Just A
Girl" and accompanies Sting for the Police classic "Message In A
Bottle" - in front of millions!! On their way home, they stop by Laguna
Beach, Calif. to shoot their fourth Rock Steady video for the song
"Running."
- February 2003
Gwen is the cover girl for
premiere issue of TeenVogue. Looking gorgeous, she talks about Gavin,
No Doubt and her new line of clothes, L.A.M.B.
- February 23, 2003
Three is a charm!! No Doubt,
after many nominations and years attending, finally bounced away from
the Grammys with a coveted award - and for being a group. After
performing a medley of "Underneath It All" and "Hella Good," the band
was awarded their first Grammy ever for Best Pop Performance By A Duo
Or Group With Vocal for "Hey Baby." And, in a tribute to the late Joe
Strummer, Tony jammed with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave
Grohl, Steve Van Zandt and Pete Thomas for a rockin' cover of The
Clash's "London Calling."
- February 24, 2003
Soooo excited about their big
win, No Doubt took to the stage for a club show at New York City's
Hammerstein Ballroom. Not only did the lucky crowd get treated to No
Doubt classics, but they also sang along covers of the Police's
"Message In A Bottle" with guests Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger of
Incubus, and U2's "Sweetest Thing" with a guest appearance by Gavin.
- March 10, 2003
Legends honored by future
legends! Gwen gave the induction speech for the Police at the Rock
& Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria
in
New York. The ceremony will air on VH1 on March 16.
- April 2003
No Doubt take a little break... spend time with family, do their own
thing - eat, drink, shop, exercise, relax when they want.
As part of their break, Adrian and Tony back their friend Liam
Lynch on his single "United States of Whatever" on the Craig Kilborn
Show.
- May 2003
"Hey Baby" is right!! Adrian is
finally honored in a most appropriate way - Playgirl magazine's Sexiest
Man in Music - With a Stick in His Hand. The rest of the band fully
supports this honor - and Gwen plans to nominate Tony and Tom next.
- September 2003
After a quiet summer, the band
get back to work. They enter the studio with producer Nellee Hooper to
record a cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life" for their soon to be
released The Singles 1992-2003.
- September 8, 2003
Gwen's L.A.M.B. fashion label premieres with a line of bags through
LeSportsac.
- September 20, 2003
Adrian sits in with Bow Wow Wow for their set at KROQ's Inland Invasion
3, he has long admired the group.
- October 10-11, 2003
No Doubt again collaborate
with photographer/director David LaChapelle, this time he directs their
video for "It's My Life." It is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los
Angeles.
- November 25, 2003
No Doubt releases the most projects ever released on one day in their
history...
1) The Singles 1992-2003 - The band's first retrospective album
featuring all their singles.
2) Boom Boox - A two CD/two DVD box set featuring The Singles
1992-2003, Everything In Time (B-Sides, Rarities, Remixes), The Videos
1992-2003 DVD and Live In The Tragic Kingdom DVD.
3) Rock Steady Live DVD - A live concert DVD filmed at two shows in
Long Beach during the 2002 Rock Steady Tour