Hoobastank is an alternative/punk band composed of four very talented members. They all came from very musical families, and most of the members play several instruments. This talent is evident in the band's original songs, which have garnered them fans from all over the world. Hoobastank's audiences are able to connect with their songs, which reflect what real people think and feel.
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
In between recordings, Hoobastank enjoys touring around the world. They have sold out tickets in the United States, Australia, Asia, and Europe. They have toured with bands like Incubus and Alien Ant Farm. In 2003, they were a part of the Nokia Unwired tour, which had enormous ticket sales. In 2004, Hoobastank began a world-wide tour, after which they planned to perform at Radio City Music Hall for the Fashion Rocks special to be aired on Fox.
Hoobastank's music is reminiscent of Tool and Alice in Chains. Despite this influence, the post-grunge, rock/pop group is very down-to-earth. They don't take themselves too seriously, and they love making music, which is evident in their original songs. Their audiences also respond to this as they have had huge ticket sales at many of their concerts all over the world. Hoobastank has even been nominated for a Viewer's Choice Award and several Teen Choice Award including Best Rock Group, Best Rock Track, and Best Love Song.
