Following the ’95 breakthrough smash Tragic Kingdom, the band had agonized about every detail on Saturn—but for Rock Steady, released last December, No Doubt took a more carefree, experimental approach.

Following the '95 breakthrough smash Tragic Kingdom, the band had agonized about every detail on Saturn - but for Rock Steady, released last December, No Doubt took a more carefree, experimental approach.

For No Doubt, which plays Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel, Stefani's sort-of solo success last year "was cool for us in a way," because it gave new exposure to the band, Dumont says.

Among the myriad television reports and magazine articles greeting No Doubt's latest album, "Rock Steady," the overriding theme was the Orange County quartet's "comeback."

The music of No Doubt reveals that its members love to have a good time. Usually, though, the band mates are a serious bunch in the recording studio.

No Doubt plays tomorrow at the Compaq Center in San Jose. We spoke with Stefani's band mate (and ex- boyfriend) bassist Tony Kanal.

Tom Dumont answers frequently asked questions on the official band website.

The No Doubt bassist gets psyched to Prince, blisses out to the Cure, and really misses Sublime.

It's a given that No Doubt drummer Adrian Young's main passion and livelihood is playing music. The multi-platinum albums and numerous music-industry awards are proof enough.

No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal recalls he and his bandmates being stuck in London Sept. 11. They were in the city to work on the band's forthcoming album and he says it was "a really tough, anxious time to be away from home."

“We finished touring in November of last year and we started writing at the beginning of January. The writing process moved quickly and was going so well that we were like ‘lets go into the studio and make this happen.’”

For its next album, though, the Orange County group is taking the opposite approach. It's in Jamaica working with the production team Sly & Robbie. But the attitude is as laid-back as the setting, says bassist Tony Kanal.

“This time around we let go of everything we’ve done in the past. This record was about exploring new territory and just having a good time.”

Her affair with music began years ago, when her brother virtually forced her to do backing vocals during the band's nascent days. But now, Gwen Stefani of No Doubt has blossomed into a leader of sorts.

After their set, drummer Adrian Young sat down to take some of ESPN.com/EXPN.com questions about the band and what lies ahead.

No Doubt is back with a new CD and tour, and once again the band is an anomaly in pop music.

Although No Doubt has successfully (and finally) followed up on its monster breakthrough album, Tragic Kingdom, the edgy chemistry that both inspires and agitates the group remains.