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California ska-punks No Doubt have lived the classic rock story; years of hard work and local love end in platinum sales and arenas. The band's early, hard sound was a reaction to their stifling suburban neighborhood. Keyboardist Eric Stefani recruited his little sister Gwen to sing backup and lead on a couple live songs. All the band members thought Gwen brought a great energy to the group. Original lead singer John Spence committed suicide in 1987 before the band recorded anything and, though deeply upset, they continued gigging around Southern California with Gwen as the sole vocalist. Their first two records had a rougher punk sound, but were still full of giddy horns and a fun sensibility. The albums 1992's self-titled debut and follow-up The Beacon Street Collection were embraced by the close-knit Anaheim club scene but only modestly successful. Interscope records stuck with the band, but Gwen's brother Eric left over creative differences right before they went into the studio to record their breakout Tragic Kingdom. The album dropped in 1995 and the next thing you knew, No Doubt were everywhere. The album was packed with up-tempo, catchy hits (many of which famously deal with Gwen's break-up with bassist Tony Kanal) including "Spiderwebs," "Don't Speak," and the liberating anthem "Just A Girl." Gwen Steffani became a media sex symbol and a fashion icon a popularity which she's always tried to downplay. In 2001, No Doubt released Rock Steady, which was recorded in Jamaica. The island's musical culture strongly influenced the band and they collaborated with dancehall icon Bounty Killer on the hit "Hey Baby." Other hits included "Underneath It All," about Gwen's fiancé Gavin Rosdale and the Lady Saw collaboration "Hella Good." Gwen Steffani had a hit with her hip hop influenced solo album and rockers No Doubt are expecting to record a new disc in 2007.

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