Description

Though the band's detractors consider them derivative at best and a direct knock-off of fellow agro-rockers Incubus at worst, Hoobastank's many fans couldn't disagree more. The California-based trio has built an impressive following and an equally impressive sales history, via relentless touring and a creative and technical confidence that belies their rather typical hard-rock approach. After self-releasing their 1998 debut, the band signed to Island Records and released a string of successful albums during the early 2000s.

Biography

Originally formed in 1994 in Agoura Hills, California, USA, Hoobastank broke into the mainstream at the start of the new millennium alongside fellow "melodic metal" bands Incubus and Puddle Of Mudd. Borrowing elements from challenging groundbreakers such as Faith No More and Tool, the quartet comprises Douglas Robb (vocals), Dan Estrin (guitar), Markku Lappalainen (bass) and Chris Hesse (drums). They began playing primarily around the California area during the mid-90s, including at noted venues such as the Palace and the Universal Amphitheatre. In July 1998, the band issued their debut, They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To, a self-produced and financed recording that caused a buzz among several major labels, leading to the quartet eventually signing with Universal Records. Their major label debut, Hoobastank, was released in November 2001 and immediately caused a splash with mainstream rock radio and MTV. The follow-up The Reason was even more successful, climbing steadily up the US charts and eventually reaching the Top 5 in spring 2004. The title track also performed strongly on the singles chart.
DISCOGRAPHY: They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To (Own Label 1998)**, Hoobastank (Island 2001)****, The Reason (Island 2003)***.

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