We got to talk to Tom Dumont, the guitar player of the group. We found out the latest scoop on all the members of No Doubt what they like, how they got started, and a bunch of other juicy stuff.

“In No Doubt, my biggest challenge is to come up with catchy, instantly-recognizable parts that simultaneously convey the song's vibe.”

If you had any skepticism about the musical validity of No Doubt, bassist Tony Kanal will help set you straight.

The band's return Friday with a concert at the Meadows Music Theatre culminates its biggest tour. It's been --headlining amphitheaters after a swing headlining arenas.

“Hi Everyone, and welcome to my new column. Over the next few months, I'm going to show you some of the guitar parts I've recorded with my band No Doubt, and try to give you some insight into my playing.”

Some musicians measure success by the numbers. Number of Top 10 singles. Number of albums sold. The numbers cha-chinging in their bank books.

And then there are the members of No Doubt, who measure fame by their right to sing stupid Beatles songs with impunity.

No doubt about it. The California band No Doubt has climbed to the top because of constant MTV support and the allure of navel-exposing, suburban-chic singer Gwen Stefani. But look a little deeper.

Misgivings cast aside, surprise hitmakers unequivocally enjoy success.

When your band has been the cover story of Rolling Stone, Spin and Details magazines, what else is there to say that hasn't already been said?

Although No Doubt hit the scene during the grunge era, the pop band stayed the course - and its paid off.

The spunky alternative-pop band knows that its current level of success -- more than 6 million copies of `Tragic Kingdom` sold -- isn't destined to last. The world of pop music is too fickle. 

No Doubt launches its first headlining arena tour on Tuesday in Sacramento, a trip that will keep the band on the road through July 3, wrapping up in the Chicago suburb of Tinley Park.

Last March 5th, I had the chance to talk with Tony Kanal, No Doubt's bassist. With 600 000 albums sold in Canada and more than 6 millions worldwide, the album Tragic Kingdom gave the band its chance to take a stand in the music industry.

A former member of the super-hot O.C. group, who gave up music for journalism, reflects on the road not taken.

In fact, as Liner Notes sat down with guitarist Tom Dumont before their performance at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, the band had just learned that Tragic Kingdom had hit number one on the Billboard album charts.