REVIEW & VIDEO: Hanson - KOKO
- Posted on April 24, 2007 3:25 PM
- 25 comments
Hanson at Koko, Camden - April 22, 2007
By Katie Spain
I'm going to tell you a secret - please don't tell anyone, least of all my rocker mates. Okay, here goes nothing...
I was a Hanson fan.
I know, I know... it's not something most people would be proud of but I feel it's my duty to be honest with you. It was a brief affair - a mere blip my otherwise smooth rock child history. I was however, obsessed; I took a youth full of metal and rock Gods and interrupted it with a short but intense love of three brothers with long blonde locks. Sure they tiptoed on 'effeminate' and sang about love and 'Mmm-bops' but something snagged my little heart. I haven't been quite the same since.
The trio of American siblings smashed their way into the charts with their pop tune 'Mmmbop' and covered the charts and teen magazines for a good chunk of the early nineties. They've since released more than seven albums (and yes, I owned the Christmas compilation). Shoot me now.
My taste has since evolved. I now prefer an intimate booze-fuelled guitar bashing session, raw jazz or barely-there burlesque. I was intrigued when I heard that the Indie world had some newcomers but I never for a moment guessed the tabloids meant Hanson. Okay... ten years on they're not so 'kid' like but that happens when hair sprouts on your erm... chins. They're sporting a new sound (or so we're told)... but Indie?
The inquisitive streak in me couldn't resist a peek. Who would turn up? Have the Mmm bopping fans held true... and if so, what are they like? Have Hanson really changed and how will they convince the world of it? Never before has my hand hovered for so long above the 'buy' button than it did when purchasing a Hanson ticket. Do I really want to go? Should old musical flings stay dead and buried along with the uncomfortable fumbles of a pre-pubescent fourteen year old? The answer is yes. I, of course completely ignored logic; nothing beats a corny trip down memory lane... which is why I find myself at KOKO in Camden. It is now that realisation hits me.
What am I doing here? I'm in one of London's premier venues... some of the world's best Indie bands have played here... has anyone seen me? Oooh, there's a camera crew - stay well away from the guy doing the video vox pops (the last thing I want is to be on GMTV tomorrow morning). Wow, look at all the young girls here... don't they realise you can't stand for three hours in killer heels? Do I want a Hanson T-Shirt? God where's the bar... I think I need a double.
KOKO is indeed a versatile venue. Just last weekend The Damned played to Camden's music heavies and once a month the 'Guilty Pleasures' club night fills it with good old fashioned cheese. Multiple balconies give patrons the chance to cop a first class view of the stage and multiple bars make refreshment runs and easy task. Redbull looked to be the beverage of choice for Hanson-ites and cleavage seemed to be the 'look' for the night. In the decade since the band made their debut, and although the band have changed somewhat, the fans it seems, haven't. To be honest, neither is seems, have I.
We all get a chance to re-visit old music flames. Take That fans are currently going through what must be a multiple Barlow orgasm. At the time, Hanson fans probably hadn't worked their way that far up the sex ladder - it was more about pecks on the cheek and holding hands.
As I look down from my second-floor position, I'm greeted by a perfectly groomed sea of females. The area in front of the stage is packed-full of bustling girls... all clawing for a front row view of the boys. Each time the pre-show lights dim, a high-pitched roar rips through the venue. The lights dimmed often, and the music even more regularly so my eardrums are in shock mode before the concert even started. Nothing however, could have prepared me for the screech that met the trio when they finally made an appearance. Manicured talons stretched forth from the depths of the audience, thrusting camera-phones skywards. "Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaylor... I LOVE YOU". Did I mention that all three lads are married?
Is this what it was like when the Beatles played live gigs? Despite myself, I crack a smile. If I don't get flattened by madwomen in mega-heels, this could actually be fun. The excitement builds... the feet start tapping and hey - presto, I'm cheering along with them.
'Thinking of You' is the first song I recognise... I can't believe it. So they're playing the originals. I'm singing now... I can't believe I still know the words. Despite the added years, the boys sound the same. New tracks like 'Walk' have the distinct Hanson sound about them and hey presto, there's no drastic transformation. For Hanson fans, this is a good thing - the band has matured lyrics-wise and the tunes have a harder edge and a depth we didn't see on the Middle Of Nowhere album. Zac obviously spent the time channelling his pre-pubescent hyperactivity towards instruments. Throughout the concert we see him play the bongos, piano and drums. As he performs a solo rendition of 'Walk' he resembles a mature musician rather than Animal from the muppets. About time too.
"Thanks for going the distance guys..." drawls Taylor - "All ten years of it". Has it really been that long? Book me a retirement village and call me Nanna Katie. How time flies...
The brothers cut dashing figures on stage. Skinny jeans, white shirts, a dash of black for Ike and surprise, surprise... haircuts make all the difference. The set is smooth, the transition between songs logical and the mix of new and old perfectly balanced - even for an ageing sceptic like me. The smile on the faces around me and the pitch of the screams says it all. Despite myself, sing along when 'Where's The Love' hits my ears. 'Mmmbop' sets the ladies into meltdown mode and the floor beneath me shakes so much I actually fear for our lives. The AIDs charity 'Great Divide' is moving, a couple are catchy and the fans go into overdrive as 'Lost Without Each Other' passes through the amps. There is no denying it, no matter what your musical tastes - these guys have natural talent and work the panting crowd like a dream.
The prize for courage goes to the many dutiful boyfriends dotted throughout the venue. I guess nothing gets you laid quite as easy as enduring a Hanson concert. Sure, some of the testosterone towers might be closet supporters but the majority looked as though they were doing it for love. One self proclaimed 'battler' made it his duty to inform me that he's never been a fan but came for his lovely lady. The poor sod couldn't have been much over eighteen. "This one's good" he informed me through his vodka. "This one is good too..." he adds. " But remember, I don't like them!"
With that in mind, I cast my own inhibitions aside and join in for the finale with gusto. As Taylor leaps onto his piano like a tall (and good looking) Jamie Cullum, and the trio rip into 'Rock'n'Roll Razorblade' like men possessed. The people around me all know the words - have I missed something? Obviously I have... and the realisation is reassuring. "Keep your passion for music" they tell us... something tells me, the audience will do just that. I don't think this is the last we'll see of the golden locked Americans. Based on the show they put on tonight, maybe that's not such a bad thing. I may be past my Hanson use by date but for some, the love affair is just beginning.
Now where did I put that double...?
Did you see the concert? Were you a closet Hanson fan or do you scream it from the rooftops? Tell all in our comments section.
Comments (25)
Hazey
I fucking love Hanson, this show was amazing.
What's the big fucking deal about admitting to liking Hanson?
Posted on April 25, 2007 4:22 PM
Sylvia
Makes me feel a bit sad for this reviewer. If she had been able to get beyond focusing on herself and her "image" for a moment, she would certainly have enjoyed the show a lot more.
Hanson put on a great show, and I always enjoy myself at their concerts.
Posted on April 25, 2007 5:27 PM
Saphira
Hanson totally rocks! I wish I was there in London. I hope the rest of the world will give them a chance again. B/c they've really grown.
Posted on April 25, 2007 5:43 PM
Saphira
And oh yes...I'M A HANSON FAN!! And I scream it from the rooftops!! I don't care what other people think, its my lifetime passion and that should be respected.
Posted on April 25, 2007 5:46 PM
dionne
ive loved hanson since they first came out like 10 years ago!! and i still think their fantastic.. i saw them in dublin 2 weeks ago and they rocked my socks lol
Posted on April 25, 2007 5:57 PM
Katie
Ladies, ladies, ladies...
You've missed the point entirely - I'm not 'bagging' Hanson fans or the lads either, the brothers have talent. I'm the first to admit it.
The article shows that even rockers, folkers, cabaret-lovers, Hip-Hoppers and hell, even Opera fans can enjoy a Hanson concert and appreciate good performances when they see it. The review is a 'journey'... though I'm sure you got red under the collar from word go so didn't read between the lines.
Reviews are meant to be honest - and when you go to a concert not knowing what to expect and come out whistling, that's even better than a rose-tinted die hard fan's opinion.
Keep the comments coming though - fans with passion are the best variety!!
For the record, I was such a fan I spent weeks working on a n entry for a magazine comp - I even sewed a life-sized alien. The effort won me a signed photo of the 3 lads. Want to buy it?
I hope you're right and they storm the music scene once again...
As for 'image'... I'm not the slightest bit interested in that crap. I was also a Wiggles fan - there, it's out there! Speaking of which... I guess they deserve a shot too.
Posted on April 25, 2007 7:21 PM
sian
It was my first time meeting the guys at a m+g and first time seeing them live and they rocked. they are so talented at what they do. even if u don't like the music you can't deny they aren't good and write good songs.
I'd love to buy the signed photo of you
Posted on April 25, 2007 7:40 PM
Stace
A meet and greet?? Wow... tell more! How many people got to join in? Spill the beans hon.
Posted on April 25, 2007 7:46 PM
Ruby
WHOA! girls girls, calm down before the hair extensions start flying.
When people can not take in different views or ideas it is hardly likely that those same people are gonna have something of substance to say.
As far as I can see nothing in this article mentions anything derogatory about the group or the boys them self. We are all aware of the "stigma" a boyband liking can give (I was myself an 'nsync girl in my youth) and if I read this article correct that was the only thing that was referred to. I even think that Katie is a Hanson fan herself, so why would she want to put herself down?
I think you girls need to unwind a bit and maybe see things for what they are and not put the thorns out at the first mention of something that doesn't start with "I JUST LOOOOOOOVE......"
And how would be the best way to end an entry like this?
MmmBop forever?
Posted on April 25, 2007 8:29 PM
ashley
Very well said Ruby.
Great article Katie, proven by the passionate responses given.
Review came from an interesting angle, as opposed to a 'I love Hanson and i dont care what anyone else thinks..' attitude.
So whats the bid up to on that signed photo?
Posted on April 26, 2007 4:02 AM
AndyWhitehead
If there's an album out there of one hit wonders, Hanson would have CD1 track 1, followed only by Tub Thumping. Pure cheese on toast
Posted on April 26, 2007 9:34 AM
Adam Walker
i'm so sick of these has been pop tarts coming back to haunt the charts. they had once mildly decent and catchy song, and yes it's even an embarrassment to admit liking that. so can all these boyband rejects realise when enough's enough and go back to stacking shelves in Tesco.
Posted on April 26, 2007 11:23 AM
Sarah
OK, (bit late but gotta be said)
So its not the coolest thing to be a Hanson fan, but who gives a shit! If your gonna care about your image so much then your not gonna have much fun, that gig was great and really thats all that matters, not all the bullshit that comes inbetween or after. If your gonna care what people think all your life then what fun are you gonna have?? you need to get some acceptance in life from your "Rocker" friends, who may i just say probably don't know much about music themselves. To be a real music lover you have to atleast listn to new music and not assume that because critics or such do not appriciate them that they're shit, just because i'm a Hanson fan dosn't mean that i can't appriciate someone like Lenny Kravitz or The Stones! Tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine because you can like anyone you damn well please...phew needed to get that out my system! I think its cool you have all of these opinions your voicing but they should be your opinions NOT your friends, and i agree that it was seriously wild there but thats a good thing and a bad thing in a way. Anyway lets face it if you were like 9 and you wrote a song how the hell do you think it'd turn out? could you really stand up and play your own instruments while you have a whole bunch of screaming hormonel girls worshipping you, i'm surprised one of them or all of them havn't ended up in rehab!! they're legends (yes as funny as that may seem) who do you know that could have done any of that at their age??? get my point?? anyway if your not with them your against them. No hard feelings.
Posted on April 26, 2007 12:36 PM
sammy beckett
i fucking love hanson, its just such a shame i couldnt go to this gig, i would of done had i not of gone on holiday and got back on the friday roll on the next gig.
Posted on April 26, 2007 9:21 PM
Erica
I was there, they were fucking awesome. It's the second time i've seen them, my sis has seen them 4 times because she's obsessed. I'm usually not that bothered about them, but as soon as i get to a gig of theres i just love them all over again.
Posted on April 27, 2007 4:04 PM
nipsi
i was there too! what a show, shame about the support :S. hanson were amazing! i have managed to see them 4 times within my 10 year love for them, and everytime i get so excited. i have found hanson's music to be suitable for when you feel upset and need cheering up, or even if you just want to have a good sing and dance...it always makes me feel happy and smile. i must have been slightly to the left of where the camera view was, i could see nicely, and the only downer of the night was i had a non-english speaking girl next to me with a studded belt on jumping up and down(belt was grindin against my hip for hours):( then she kept doin mentals and givin me evils...shame some **** has to turn up everytime.
i'll never be ashamed of the things i love, and hanson is a love that will never die, once the passion is there...it never leaves.
Posted on April 28, 2007 8:12 AM
Ian
OK I can understand people not getting beyond the whole MMM Bop debacle. But these guys have been so misrepresented by this song. Despite MMM Bop representing your life flashing by and dying the whole girlie boys playing catchy pop tunes, seems to over shadowed these boys were writing powerful stuff (I.e. with you in your dreams, yearbook) from the age of 15 down.
These boys have certainly matured and writing lyrics and tunes to equal U2 and Coldplay(Of which I'm a fan too!) The Underneath & Walk album are solid albums with great tunes,
emotional lyrics and musical range.
I was at the KOKO concert and OK as a guy I was outnumbered But all the other guy's I spoke to were there for the love of Hanson as much as I.
Hanson Rocked the house, and maybe the scream's got loud on occasion (Including my wife!), but the fans remained mostly respectful and kept there yells and screams to the beginning/end of songs.
This was the first time I saw Hanson live, it was a great show and one of the best of I have seen.
Roll on next year, These guys will be back and so will I (And my Wife!!)
Leave the misjudegments behind
Rediscover Hanson you may be surprised!
Posted on May 3, 2007 9:58 PM
Kate
I can't believe you said 'it's not something most people would be proud of' Why wouldn't anyone be proud to be a Hanson fan? I am, Hanson sold 12 million copies of their first single worldwide and are still going strong. I quote Bono from U2 "Hanson are now in their early twenties and have 4 major albums under their belt and there are some many people of a similar age trying to get a record deal and can't so you've gotta hand it to Hanson"
Posted on May 5, 2007 5:27 PM
Connie
I do think that I get what you were trying to say in the review and we did have to wait till the end to get the jist of what you were saying. It's just that people like you, that have a pre-conceived image of Hanson and feels that you have to sneak into a concert is what makes fans upset. If by now adults can not get over "Hanson 97" and realize that people mature and evolve and open themselves up to "Hanson 07" they themselves have not matured. I am the only Hanson fan around me but I stand proud because I am Proud of what they have accomplished and continue to accomplish being their own boss and making the music THEY want to make instead of some high paid exec telling them they have to have a money making #1 hit. That is not what Hanson is! They Don't care about money or fame. If they did, they would have sold themselves out like all the other bands from the late "90's". They did not because all they care about is doing what they love to do and that is make music and have people appreciate and be inspired by what they have had the chance to do for the last ten years.
Posted on May 10, 2007 5:38 AM
Connie
Very well said IAN....wtg!
I am 44 years old. A huge Hanson fan. I love the music and I'm not afraid to say that Hanson in my opinion rates right up there with the "Eagles". Most people would also see this if they could get over the MmmBop stigma of Hanson. Stop thinking of them as boys and listen to the music!! (and I have been married and still am married for 22 years!...not that it makes anything I said revelevant).
*high fives Ian*
Posted on May 10, 2007 5:47 AM
Rachel
I've been a Hanson fan since the very beginning, and what I like about them is that they've grown with me. Their music has evolved and matured just as I have. Even now that they're all married, and that last teenybopper fantasy is gone, I still can't stop playing their latest album... I just like it! Even if it was just some random band I had never heard of, I would like it. It's ok if people don't like the music; just don't like it because you genuinely don't, not because you'd be ashamed to say you do.
On a purely selfish note... fewer fans for Hanson means smaller, more intimate venues for me! Muhahaha. I love Hanson.
Posted on May 10, 2007 6:23 AM
Tracy
HI I just love Hanson
I AM a Hanson fan to
I have been a Hanson fan for a long time
Posted on May 10, 2007 4:08 PM
rava
please, does anyone photos from koko? it was soooo amazing! let me know or post it to 75549@mail.muni.cz
Posted on May 20, 2007 7:18 PM
brooke
i think u have been a bit hard on the reviewer here and i agree with her in that you have totally misinterpretted what she was saying to be a hanson bashing article rather than the hanson admiring one that it was. Having known the reviewer for several years, when we both wanted to marry taylor and she was the die hard fan who won that magazine competition, i totally understood what she was saying. At first glance u wouldn't think Katie is or would have been a Hanson fan, the rest of her music taste is very different to them, but theres no denying they r seriously talented and can convince anyone of this no matter what type of music they r into, which is what she was saying. I have been a fan since the beginning and still am, wish i coulda been there with ya katie!! All the best to them!
Posted on June 17, 2007 6:56 AM
Kay
I personally don't think anyone here missed the point of the article! As someone said in an earlier comment why wouldn't going to a Hanson concert be something to be proud of????
Plus the article started with
‘I'm going to tell you a secret - please don't tell anyone, least of all my rocker mates. Okay, here goes nothing...'
That to me sounds like someone who is ashamed to say they went to a Hanson concert...to me that’s putting Hanson & Hanson fans down and as a Hanson fan myself I don't appreciate that.
Posted on June 1, 2008 8:19 PM
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