No Doubt is an institution. I remember when I was in middle school I would buy their CDs  (remember CDs?) and then listen to them repeatedly once I got home. I was a big fan, to the point where “Don’t Speak” was my first ringtone. But the best part about No Doubt is that they are still great, and they still have their signature ska-California punk sound. I couldn’t be more excited to see them live at the Global Citizen Festival.

No Doubt’s energetic stage presence has been their calling card since they started out in the early 80’s. Though vocalist Gwen Stefani is also well known for her solo music, seeing her with the band that started it all makes it all the more exciting. It’s even better that I’ll be seeing them at a festival that challenges people to help end extreme poverty.

"Our earliest musical influences were artists from around the world who made us aware of issues beyond our backyards. We hope to continue that tradition of raising awareness by joining an incredible group of performers on stage at the Global Citizen Festival to shine a light on the unacceptable fact that over 1.2 billion people on our planet still live in extreme poverty."

Gwen Stefani herself is no stranger to international aid. After the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Stefani donated $1 million to the Save the Children emergency fund. No Doubt has also auctioned off costumes from some of their tours to raise money for various good causes.

As far as the concert is concerned, I really hope No Doubt plays “Settle Down” from their newest album Push and Shove. And of course my night would be made if they played “Don’t Speak”. Honestly though, no matter what No Doubt includes in their set, I’ll be too excited to really care!

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Michelle Kennedy