In the world of music, where melodies linger and lyrics speak volumes, even seasoned artists can find their own creations evoking powerful emotions. Take Gwen Stefani, the renowned “Rich Girl” singer, for instance. At 54, she recently opened up about a peculiar reaction she has to her past band’s tunes. No Doubt, the music group she was a part of from 1986 to 2004, holds a special place in her career, but listening to their songs has become a challenging feat, as per New York Post.
During a recent appearance on KROQ’s Audacy Check In show, Stefani candidly shared, “I can’t listen to a lot of the songs because they speak so clearly to me.” The weight of her past, laden with regrets and mistakes, echoes in the melodies of No Doubt’s creations. “If I do ‘Ex-Girlfriend,’ even when I say it, I almost throw up in my mouth,” she confessed. The visceral reaction stems from revisiting the moments she penned those songs and reflecting on the journey from then to now.
Stefani, who departed from No Doubt in 2004 to embark on a solo career, acknowledges that many of the band’s tracks delve into her personal life. The 1995 hit “Don’t Speak” famously addresses her split from bandmate Tony Kanal, while “Ex-Girlfriend,” released in 2000, delves into her former husband Gavin Rossdale. Stefani has since moved on and is now happily married to country star Blake Shelton.
Despite the tumultuous emotions tied to revisiting No Doubt’s catalog, Stefani is set to reunite with the band at the 2024 Coachella festival in April. The anticipation is high as this marks their first performance together in nine years. Interestingly, Stefani had to explain the intricacies of her musical history to her youngest son, who innocently questioned, “Which one was your boyfriend?”
The Coachella festival promises an eclectic lineup, featuring not only No Doubt but also Lana Del Rey, J Balvin, Tyler, The Creator, and Doja Cat. The event, spanning two weekends in April, holds the promise of a musical extravaganza, drawing fans from all corners.
Reflecting on her journey, Stefani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform live, despite the challenges of revisiting old hits. “There’s lots of times you’ll be on tour and doing the repetitive songs, but it’s not the songs. You’re with these new people every night, and they’re receiving the songs,” she shared with the radio show.
In essence, Stefani’s conflicted feelings about listening to No Doubt songs underscore the profound impact music can have on its creators. As the Coachella festival approaches, fans eagerly await the reunion of No Doubt, hoping that the live performance will be a cathartic experience for Stefani and an unforgettable moment for all music enthusiasts.
Read More: Kim Kardashian’s Startling Transformation Sparks Alien Comparisons and Criticism
