No Doubt’s latest stop on their summer tour was in Winnipeg last night. Even though they have not released a studio album since 2001′s Rock Steady, they played to a crowd of about 9000. They brought with them two opening acts, teen favourites Paramore and Toronto’s innovative fusion band, Bedouin Soundclash.
Bedouin Soundclash hit the stage with their current single, “Until We Burn In the Sun (The Kids Just Want a Love Song)”. With their blend of reggae, funk, rock and punk, this band translated very well to a large arena venue.
Paramore was up next, with some new songs from an album they just finished recording. Called Brand New Eyes, it is set for release on September 29. They played “Misery Business” which was viral on YouTube a couple of years ago, and of course “Decode”, from the Twilight soundtrack. Singer Hayley Williams is an adorable pocket-sized rock star with powerhouse vocals.
No Doubt made their entrance dressed all in white, with an intricate, futuristic white stage. Right from the first song, “Spiderwebs”, to the last song of the encore (“Sunday Morning”), Gwen Stefani showed the audience that she has endless energy. Through the entire set, she danced, bounced, kicked, did the splits and push ups, and rocked the stage without missing a beat or lyric. The rest of the band, Tony Kamal (bass), Tom Dumont (guitar) and Adrian Young (drums) showed the audience why No Doubt has staying power. Not only did they display brilliant musicianship, but entertained the crowd with their antics and playfulness.
The highlight of the night had to be during the encore, when drummer Adrian Young donned a tutu and snare drum. Four other snare drums were brought out to the front of the stage, and the whole band drummed and started to play “Stand and Deliver”. Hayley Williams from Paramore came out and sang with Gwen Stafani, then the rest of Paramore and Bedouin Soundclash came out and jammed with No Doubt. It was fun and chaotic and a great way to end a very entertaining evening.
All three acts surprised with the clarity of the vocals and musicianship. It was obvious that these three bands are not over-produced in the studio, and sound just as good live, if not better, a rarity these days.
The next stop on the No Doubt tour is July 16, in Calgary. If you are in that neck of the woods, I would grab a ticket and go! You won’t be disappointed. The entire show earned four and a half stars out of five. Rock on! Oh yeah, Gwen has the best abs ever!
Tell us your favourite No Doubt song in the comments area and be entered to win one of two No Doubt catalogues. Contest closes August 1, 2009 and winners will be randomly drawn on August 5, 2009. Winners will be contacted by email.
