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Hoobastank Biography

Dec 27, 2006

Hoobastank Members:

  • Chris Hesse
  • Dan Estrin
  • Doug Robb
  • Markku Lappalainen

    Hoobastank Gets Its Start

    If it wasn't for a battle of the bands contest in Agoura Hills, California, we might not have been introduced to Hoobastank. Singer Doug Robb and his band competed against Dan Estrin's band and the two guys admired each other's skills. Doug Robb and Dan Estrin began working together, which led to both guys quitting their groups to form a new band - Hoobastank. Soon Markku Lappalainen (bassist) and Chris Hesse (drummer) joined the band and Hoobastank, as we know it, was born.

    Hoobastank's Big Break

    Hoobastank was signed to Island Records in August of 2000. Since then we've all been grooving to Hoobastank hits like Crawling in the Dark and Running Away.

    Hoobastank's Musical Influences

    The guys of Hoobastank admire bands like Tool, Faith No More, Fishbone, Nirvana and drum 'n bass music.

    Hoobastank - Did U Know?
  • Hoobastank has opened shows for Alien Ant Farm, Sum 41, Incubus and Dave Navarro.
  • Before getting signed to Island Records, Hoobastank released about 2000 copies of their first album, They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To. That album is no longer available (so if you have a copy consider yourself lucky!)
  • Chris Hesse's fave sport is surfing.
  • Doug Robb's fave flick is Star Wars.
  • When Markku Lappalainen isn't jammin' with Hoobastank, he enjoys hiking with his dog and painting.
  • Markuu played the sax first, then picked up guitar, before playing bass.
  • Dan's fave sport is ridin' dirtbikes.

    Hoobastank Says...
    "There's a sense of realness about us. We don't put up any fronts. We're just four normal guys who play music and I think that kids have always appreciated us for it. We've had people come up to us after shows and say that we look like we're having a good time when we play and I don't think that comes across enough these days. Fans want to see players who connect with their music rather than some group that just wants to focus on its image."

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