Did You Know...

Hoobastank was formed in Southern California when all four band members were still in high school. It is composed of vocalist Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin, bassist Markku Lappalainen, and drummer Chris Hesse. Doug Robb and Dan Estrin met in 1994 at a battle of the bands contest. They decided to combine their talent, and shortly afterwards Markku Lappalainene and Chris Hesse joined up with the band.

In July of 1998, Hoobastank self-released their first album titled They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To. News traveled fast about this new band, and they became a local favorite. They were invited to play small venues in the Los Angeles area. In 2000, Island Records became interested in the band and signed them that summer.

Hoobastank's first album with Island Records was released in August 2001. A year later their self-titled album went platinum. Recordings for their second album were underway in 2003 but had to be postponed after Estrin fractured his skull in a motorbike accident. He recovered quickly though, and their second album, The Reason, was released in December 2003. Like their debut album, The Reason was also certified platinum. These albums have contained hit songs such as 'Crawling in the Dark,' 'Running Away,' 'Out of Control,' 'Just One,' 'Same Direction,' 'Disappear,' and 'The Reason.' Many of these songs have been in the Top 40, and 'The Reason' was #1 on the billboards for five weeks. Some of their music was even featured on the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack