On March 14, 1987 the Anaheim-based ska-rock band No Doubt performed its first official live show at Fender’s Ballroom in Long Beach as one of a dozen or so acts opening up for the Untouchables. The group, which was formed in 1986 by keys player Eric Stefani, lead vocalist John Spence and included a baby-faced Gwen Stefani on back-up vocals, had played multiple house parties, but this occasion was truly the birth of No Doubt.
Take a spin through our photo slideshow to see some of the highlights of No Doubt’s 25-year career.
In December of that same year, Spence committed suicide in an Anaheim park and the group disbanded. By that spring, however, it got back together with Alan Meade (currently of local ska act Starpool) as lead vocalist. Meade left the group shortly after and Gwen stepped into the spotlight. Members came and went, including Gwen’s big brother Eric, who went on to pursue a career as an animator for “The Simpsons.” In the end it was Stefani, her former flame and bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont, drummer Adrian Young as well as the band’s horn players, trombonist Gabrial McNair and trumpet and keys player Stephen Bradley.
