The Orange County Register (Nov. 23rd 2002)

No Doubt, this band feels at home

Anaheim-based rockers are given the keys to the city, while giving their fans a special treat

For a few hours Friday, "Tragic Kingdom" ruled the Magic Kingdom as No Doubt performed and answered questions for fans at Disneyland.

More than 1,000 faithful from around Southern California screamed, waved, and begged for autographs in the Fantasyland Theater. The event was hosted by KROQ morning team Kevin and Bean.

One fan in particular had something special in mind.

Outgoing Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly did something he's always wanted to for the Anaheim band, whose first chart-topping album, "Tragic Kingdom," catapulted them to fame: He gave them the keys to the city.

But not without help from his 15-year-old daughter, Anna, who begged for the day off school. "I was so nervous, I thought I was going to drop it," she said.

Daly took the presentation a step further and offered the band a real key to the mayor's office. "You can come anytime in the next three weeks and play mayor," he said, handing it to lead singer Gwen Stefani.

Tony Kanal, the band's bassist, said he's not so sure the ceremonial keys were all the mayor's idea. "I think my mom was a key factor in us getting the key," he said. Mom is an executive secretary at City Hall.

As their yearlong tour wraps up Nov. 30 at Arrowhead Pond, Stefani said the band members are looking forward to time off.

"I think I'm going to make out with Gavin for a while," she said. Gavin is Gavin Rossdale of the band Bush. "I haven't seen him since we got married five weeks ago."

Nubia Chinchillas of Paramount came with a giant hot-pink poster that screamed "No Doubt Gwen Rocks Love Nubia" from the second row. The 17-year-old could hardly contain herself as Kevin and Bean introduced the band, which squeezed in five acoustic songs. "I want them to know I'll love them forever," she said.