By Melanie Wolfson
It has been 14 years since No Doubt released Tragic Kingdom, which was one of the first CDs I ever bought (well, my mom did) back in the days of Discman. As an album I still listen to (now on my iPod), I have been a fan of No Doubt since Gwen Stefani vented about being "just a girl" and when wearing overalls was still considered cool.
Now, after more than a decade, I can finally say I saw No Doubt, because I made sure to nab a spot in the crowd at today's "Today Show."
As the kickoff to both the show's summer concert series and the band's national tour, No Doubt took the stage for the first time in four years, and I was blown away.
I honestly cannot remember the last time I felt like a nerdy fan who was so excited to see a show that I actually had trouble sleeping the night before, but I guess that's just the power of Gwen! And after all these years, I still think she's the coolest rocker chick in the world.
When the band emerged from building, the crowd went absolutely wild, with arms wailing, signs waving, and screams radiating throughout Rockerfeller Center.
Tony Kanal, Adrian Young and Tom Dumont sported snazzy white suits, while the leading lady donned a black polo, black and white tie-dye jeans, a pair of black heeled boots as well as her signature bright red lipstick — a look I admit I have tried to copy in the past.
From behind the black curtain, shielding any premature views of the band from the crowd, my spot near the press pen gave me a "behind the scenes" look at the band, and I watched them jump around and get rid of any pre-performance jitters.
The band opened with "Spiderwebs" and followed with "Don't Speak" and "It's My Life." At the first sound of Gwen's voice I was mesmerized, watching a woman who I waited nearly half my life to see. And yes — it was certainly worth the wait!
For taking four years off from playing together, No Doubt was incredible. Their chemistry as a band has not changed, and neither has their appearance. Gwen and the boys are still looking good and rocking out just like it's still the mid-90s, and I absolutely can't wait for their tour this summer!
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