No Doubt

No Doubt began with Eric Stefani and his friends wanting to start a ska band (inspired by the work of Madness) the band almost didn't allow their most precious asset, Gwen, to join. Eventually, the group hardened as Gwen, Tony Kanal on bass, guitarist, Tom Dumont, and Drummer Adrian Young. Eric chose to leave the group he had help create after their self released Beacon Street Collection in 1991. The band made their mainstream splash with the single "Just a Girl" off their Tragic Kingdom debut album in 1995. Followed by the singles "Spiderwebs" and "Don't Speak" Gwen captured the hearts of the listening public with her overtly personal lyrics tied with the upbeat ska sound of the band's music. Gwen became a media darling and the other member's struggle with the popularity of Gwen was documented in the video for "Don't Speak" (a song written about the break up between Gwen and Kanal). The band finally released The Return of Saturn in 2000. The album brought the group further success with "Simple Kind of Life" and "Ex-Girlfriend". In 2001 they released Rock Steady and had hits with the singles "Hey Baby," "Underneath it All," and "Hella Good." The band added a bit more reggae flare to Rock Steady but didn't abandon their ska roots, even in a time when other bands had. They released a Greatest Hits album in 2003 and denied accusations that the group had broken up. Gwen continued to be followed by the press. Her solo career and marriage and birth of first child with Gavin Rossdale of Bush has been very public. Gwen has worked with Moby and Eve on hit singles "Southside" and "Let Me Blow Your Mind." In 2004 Gwen released her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and has had solo success with "Holla Back Girl, "What you waiting for," and "Rich Girl." No Doubt, collectively, is rumored to have begun work on a new album.
A band that has three male members that dominate the actual instrumental, musical part of the songs, but have the security to allow a girl to write and perform the lyrics...that takes guts. Gwen's lyrics are about being in love, wanting babies, and wanting marriage, and heartaches. The guys in the band mix these images with their upbeat ska tempos and relentless energy melodies creating a truly unique musical library. No Doubt does, in fact, Rock Steady! They come together now and then for a reunion, but for the most part Gwen is doing her own thing and coming out with her own music. She's now happily married to Gavin Rosedale and they have a baby boy together and are currently living in London.