"I didn't think this was really going to happen, did you?" exclaimed Gwen Stefani midway through "Hella Good," the opening track of No Doubt's reunion set at Coachella 2024.
Indeed, it's been twelve years since the Southern California quartet reunited for their last album, "Push and Shove," and their last live performance together was in 2015. Stefani made this clear several times during their Coachella set. In the intervening years, Stefani has become a prominent figure, notably as a judge on "The Voice," and has released a few singles, affirming her status as a singer despite her past success as No Doubt's frontwoman and a solo artist in the 2000s.
Perhaps, then, No Doubt's reunion at Coachella served as a vivid reminder—or a lively, energetic proclamation—that there's no rust after more than thirty years since their debut album in 1992. The band, comprising Stefani, bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont, and drummer Adrian Young, delivered an eighty-minute set with enthusiasm and energy, reminiscent of their youthful selves depicted in vintage footage displayed behind them.
It would have been easy for No Doubt to rely solely on nostalgia. Yet, they showcased their enduring chemistry and vitality, gracing the same main stage where younger acts like Sabrina Carpenter and Lil Uzi Vert had performed the day before. Stefani's magnetic presence and flawless vocals, combined with the band's seamless cohesion, breathed new life into their repertoire, from classics like "Don't Speak" to lesser-known tracks like "Different People."
Despite Stefani's surprise at the turnout—acknowledging that for many festival-goers, No Doubt might be their parents' music—the band felt current and vibrant. Even a guest appearance by Olivia Rodrigo on "Bathwater" felt natural, underscoring their enduring appeal.
No Doubt's Coachella performance felt like a triumphant return, hinting at the possibility of a larger tour on the horizon. The crowd's thunderous response and active participation suggest that their story is far from over.