No Doubt Concert

I don’t even know where to begin with this review!!! It was easily one of the funnest (I know, not a word) nights I’ve had in a very very long time. I walked away to my car with two very aching feet and a big goofy smile on my face. I often feel like hitting the imaginary rewind button after shows, but this one definitely took the cake. I think I may even list it as my top concert of 2009 so far!

We got to the show early so that we could hang out with friends and tailgate a bit. We met some interesting characters, toasted under the Florida sun and drank entirely too much beer. While waiting outside, we were lucky enough to hear the band soundcheck a few songs such as Guns of Navarone, Rock Steady and New! I was thrilled! Shortly after, we went in to pick up our beautiful tour club tickets (along with other miscellaneous free goodies), checked out some merchandise and ate some grub before heading to our ridiculously awesome seats!

The Sounds, a Swedish new wave band, opened the show and they were pretty fun. Front woman, Maja Ivarsson, was pretty styling. She was rocking a very vintage Debbie Harry look with feathered blonde locks, an over-sized Adidas top and body hugging leather pants with cut-outs. The band really seemed to get the crowd going and although I sat for the entirety of their set, I can say that it got me pumped for what was to come! They have a new album, Crossing the Rubicon, that is available for download through their site so check it out if you are interested. 🙂

Next up was Paramore! I had noticed a lot of “tweens” in the crowd wearing Paramore shirts so I was prepared for the worst. Sure, I’ve heard plenty of their stuff and even have their album downloaded, but let’s face it: they are a teeny bopper magnet. I feared the shrieks and possible fainting spells associated with the fact that one of their songs, Decode, is featured on the Twilight soundtrack. After all, you know how those Twihards can be. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Hayley Williams is one hell of a performer – you can’t help but watch her and get excited. For a 20-year-old, I have to say that she has some major stage presence. I even commented to Augi that she just might be the Gwen Stefani for the new generation. They even brought me to my feet and got me cheering (this is big for me & openers). So if you are hesitant, give them a chance! They just might surprise you too 🙂

Then it was time for Gwen & the boys to take the stage!!! During the amazing introduction, I nearly peed myself with excitement! And as if I wasn’t excited enough, they opened with Spiderwebs! Their stage setup was beautiful – it was all white and although Augi kept saying it reminded him of Star Trek, I couldn’t help but be reminded of The Wonders from That Thing You Do! It was very clean and crisp and the whole band wore white with black accents.

They played basically every single in their arsenal and some fan favorites such as End It On This and Different People. I can’t tell you how much I danced and screamed and laughed hysterically for no other reason than pure happiness. It was as if the amphitheater had just turned into one giant party – all the people around us were amazing – everyone knew every single word and we were all so thrilled to be there. It was kind of magical. To be sharing such an amazing experience with so many people that felt the same exact way.

Gwen was as energetic & charismatic as always – interacting constantly with the people in the pit (jealousy) by signing their photos, CD’s, posters, etc., engaging them in conversations and commenting on their handmade signs, which she stated were her “favorite” (mental note: make sign for next show). She even grabbed a gift someone had made for Kingston and ran to the side of the stage to give it to him. So adorable.

The visuals were also incredible! My favorite had to be the video created for X-Girlfriend and the old video footage shown throughout Running. Sometimes it was hard to concentrate on the actual performance because the background was just so interesting. Even when they weren’t videos, the colors and images they chose were great and really popped against their all-white stage setup. My favorite performance was, of course, my favorite ND song ever: Sunday Morning. I was lucky enough to have it played as the closing song!!

It was just great all around. I can’t even compose all my thoughts! It was my adolescence all rolled into one ridiculously fun night! I hope that if No Doubt is coming to a town near you, you have tickets, because this is definitely a show you do not want to miss. It is virtually impossible to not have a good time.

So when’s the next show? I want more!
For all my pictures, click here.