No Doubt was one of America’s most beloved bands during the 1990s. With the iconic vocals of Gwen Stefani surrounded by her loyal bandmates, they quickly gained a fan base across the nation.
Fans were heartbroken when the band announced they were parting ways in 2004. Immediately, rumors began circulating about what had forced the hiatus, even though the members simply claimed they wanted to focus on other projects. But what really happened?
Origin Form In The Golden State
Fans of the band will undoubtedly remember that No Doubt first arrived on the music scene in the 1980s.
Formed in California, the band’s original members included lead vocalist Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tom Dumont, Tony Kanal on the bass, and Adrian Young on drums.
Breakthrough Came in 95
No Doubt made their great breakthrough in 1995, with the release of their album “Tragic Kindom” and the hit “Don’t Speak.”
The track was written after two of the band’s members, Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal, went through a breakup. Nonetheless, their loss led to significant success for the band.
Making It in the States
In the years that followed the release of “Tragic Kingdom,” No Doubt became increasingly popular across the states.
Hits such as “Hey Baby” and “Just a Girl” were frequently on the radio, and the band even won several Grammys.
Fans Left Heartbroken
No Doubt’s success continued in the years that followed, yet an album released in 2000 didn’t reach the success the band had hoped for.
While the band went on to release several more albums during the 2000s, fans were left heartbroken when the band announced they were going on a hiatus in 2004.
Going Solo
In the wake of the band’s break, fans were informed that members, including Gwen Stefani, decided to take some time to pursue solo projects.
They remained separated for almost four years until they decided to reunite in 2008 and began writing new music together. Yet, as Stefani was still busy promoting her second solo album, writing went slowly.
No Doubt Tried to Make it Work
The band announced a tour in 2010, and eventually, in 2012, they released their album “Push and Shove.”
The album’s first single, “Settle Down” only rose as high as #34 on the Billboard Hot 100. It appeared as Gwen Stefani’s solo career was taking off, No Doubt was fading into the background.
Band Take Another Hiatus
Just a year after the release of their album, Origin appeared to be taking a hiatus once again.
In October 2013, Dumont took to Twitter, now X, to reveal that the band would take some time apart. However, they did sporadically perform together during 2014 and 2015.
Stefani Burnt Out
Speaking with Rolling Stone in 2016, Stefani admitted the band struggled to agree on the kind of music they wanted to put out, driving them further apart.
“But I think we’ve grown apart as far as what kind of music we want to make. I was really drained and burned out when we recorded [2012’s ‘Push and Shove’]. And I had a lot of guilt: ‘I have to do it.’ That’s not the right setting to make music,” she said.
Push and Shove
Stefani explained the title of their 2012 album, “Push and Shove,” fit perfectly as she felt forced into writing and singing.
“I feel that record was where No Doubt was most confused. We just had come back together, and we wanted to do it so badly, but for me, I was completely depleted from my world tour and giving birth,” she said (via Distractify).
No Doubt May Return Again One Day
According to Kanal, there’s a chance we may see the band perform together again one day. Speaking with Rolling Stone, he said, “No Doubt will always be there; we’ve experienced things together that no one else will ever experience with us,”
“It’s a family that will always be there, and the music we’ve created will always be there. We’re just going through a period where everybody’s kind of doing their thing.”
Stefani Unsure of the Future
In contrast to Kanal’s view, Gwen Stefani isn’t confident about a second reunion, claiming the band has “no plans to do anything.”
So, while they aren’t technically broken up, it appears Origin’s fans won’t get any new music from the band anytime soon. However, the band is preparing to perform together at Coachella in 2024.
