The Sunday Telegraph (Oct. 22nd 2000)

A trouper, there’s no doubting it

So, what is it like being the only woman in a touring band? After 14 years, No Doubt's Gwen Stefani is an expert at the perils and pleasures of playing in a rock band.

"I am really used to it. We usually do a lot of things together, like dinner and partying after the show,'' she said.

"We really do enjoy each other, and they'll take me shopping if I ask."

Stefani, who just happens to live across the road from that other famous blonde singer, Madonna, said she had been spreading her performance wings since the band was last here in May.

"My sister and her boyfriend have this acoustic band and they asked me if I would play a set before them in this really small club, she said.

"It was a secret show -- I couldn't tell anyone -- and it was one of the most magical nights. I was almost in tears.

"My dad came up with his 12-string guitar and everyone could hear what I was singing and I could hear myself.

"Sometimes at our gigs, you feel you have to jump higher and sing louder than the audience, which can be pretty hard.

"Here, everyone was listening and I was feeling pretty naked up there but it worked."

No Doubt hit the Hordern Pavilion tomorrow.