No Doubt’s triumphant Coachella reunion was just the beginning of their return to the spotlight. The band members came together once again at Los Angeles’s YouTube Theater on May 26 to watch the legendary second-wave ska band Madness perform for the first time in L.A. since 2012.
In attendance were No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani’s husband, Blake Shelton, and her two sons Zuma and Apollo. Madness lead singer, Suggs, gave a special shout-out to No Doubt during the show, acknowledging their presence in the audience.
Bassist Tony Kanal, reflecting on their Coachella performance, expressed how influential English bands like Madness were on No Doubt’s music. He emphasized the importance of introducing younger generations to these bands who shaped No Doubt’s sound.
While it’s unclear if No Doubt will reunite for another performance, Stefani has solo festival shows lined up and Kanal is exploring his career as a film and television composer. However, the positive energy surrounding the band has sparked discussions about future collaborations.
Perhaps in the future, No Doubt will cover Madness’s rendition of Labi Siffre’s “It Must Be Love.” Meanwhile, Madness’s setlist at the YouTube Theater included hits like “Baggy Trousers,” “Our House,” and “One Step Beyond.”
As fans eagerly await new developments, it’s clear that the connection between No Doubt and Madness runs deep, and their mutual admiration for each other’s music continues to thrive.
