A bombshell was dropped last Friday when it was revealed that Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young of No Doubt had recruited AFI lead singer Davey Havok to form a new, untitled supergroup.
No Doubt lead singer and The Voice star Gwen Stefani was most notably left out of the group, which has led many to speculate about the future of the beloved OC rock band. Stefani, who had a whirlwind 2015 which included a divorce from Gavin Rossdale and a new relationship with fellow The Voice star Blake Shelton, has been focused on rekindling her solo career in recent months, which may be why her band mates have sought out new musical ventures. The supergroup, which is reportedly managed by Pat Magnarella, is said to have already completed an album and is seeking a label deal.
No Doubt last toured in 2015 to rave reviews despite the underwhelming sales of their last album, 2012’s Push and Shove. At the time, Young told Billboard, “We’re in a little bit of limbo right now. So, we’ll see where that takes us.” AFI has also been in limbo, as they haven’t released an album since 2013’s Burials, but there have been no announcements of a breakup on their end.
With no public displays of animosity, as many crumbling rock bands often show, I find it hard to believe that the formation of this supergroup means the end of No Doubt or AFI. Stefani’s solo album This Is What the Truth Feels Like is due out on March 18th, and the supergroup’s album will likely be released soon, so all the artists involved are poised to have successful 2016’s.
Whether or not Havok and Stefani reunite with their respective bands remains to be seen, but with rock’s long history of supergroups coming and going, it’s likely that we’ll be hearing new music from No Doubt or AFI in the near future.
[Article Updated 2/17/16]
Gwen Stefani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live where she said she first found out about the new ‘Supergroup’ online. Here is what she said when asked about No Doubt forming a new band with Davey Havok: “They’re doing a side project… They wanna be in a punk band. It’s not No Doubt… it’s all the guys from No Doubt doing a new band, just to do new music.” When asked what would happen if she decides to front No Doubt again, Stefani jokingly replied that she needed to “text Tony and ask him”.
Article By: Andrew Aroche
Watch: No Doubt – “Underneath It All”
Watch: AFI – “Girl’s Not Grey”