Gwen was everything you ever imagined her to be at Cricket. My senses had been dulled by the time she got on – I was cold, the previous two bands were boring – and I was beginning to get annoyed. But like Mom always said, “Patience is a virtue,” and friggin thank the Lord I had some left in me!
No Doubt was not only worth the wait, but worth twenty more. You’d think at this point in the game, their mere presence would be the only thing necessary – but no – they went all out for us devotees.
The stage décor was akin to a Star Trek space setup with luminous, bright white lights and a gigantic big screen playing old and new corresponding videos. The drummer, Adrian Young, was high up, supported by futuristic spider-leg things, while the rest of the members donned black-and-white motifs down below.
The setup was like putting icing on the cake, unlike other performers (ala Brittney) who desperately need the grandeur to provide the flour, sugar, baking soda and everything in between. No Doubt could perform the shit out of their songs in a parking lot wearing jeans and a white tee. But no, they spent extra to send the crowd into a fantastical euphoria that I hoped would never end.
The ever beautiful Gwen sang in perfect pitch the entire show, even as she jumped, ran (into the crowd at one point), and danced throughout the entire show. And I mean entire. Even during “Don’t Speak” that girl was walking back and forth across the stage, moving dramatically to the riffs, and physically interpreting the song for us. No breathers needed. Gwen gives you your money’s worth and a gift certificate for more – she’s just that good.
The bass, Tony Kanal, was just as high-energy-superific as Gwen, and he was constantly running up the spider leg things to play with Young, then back down to flirt with Gwen, then in the crowds face making all the girlies drool. As Kanal played the bass, I envisioned smoke billowing from his fingers. I had no idea that the bass was such a huge part of No Doubt’s sound until I saw them live.
It seems like the entire band is the crowd’s favorite. There’s no Paul versus Ringo in this posse. Tom Dumont plays the lead like a machine, and as soon as he starts to solo, I felt like I just got my next hit when I wasn’t even aware I was craving. Of course we all love Gwen, but we love No Doubt even more. They had a killer line up, seeing as how every song ever made was a godsend, and enough personality that even the cheap seats could feel the love.
No Doubt is the band of our generation, our kids, and grandkids. I recommend you see them on their summer tour before its too late!!!