Hoobastank do not let their children listen to Justin Bieber

Hoobastank do not let their children listen to Justin Bieber

Canadian tattooed bad boy Justin Bieber might be one of music's biggest names, but he gets no love from US rockers Hoobastank.

In fact, in an e-mail interview with The New Paper, guitarist Dan Estrin, 37, hinted heavily that his bandmates who are fathers take a firm stance against the Biebs when it comes to monitoring their tots' playlist.

Hoobastank drummer Chris Hesse, 39, and frontman Doug Robb, 38, have two young children each. "Their kids are not exposed to Justin Bieber," said Estrin simply, when quizzed if Hesse's and Robb's children prefer pop music to their dads' alt-rock tunes. "Hoobastank's songs are by no means too heavy for them. Doug's four-year-old daughter has even been out on tour with us a couple of times. "The only thing is that sometimes, she thinks we play too loud."

Estrin did not explain his fellow musicians' reservations towards Bieber and we can only guess that it has to do with his infamous reputation. The 20-year-old superstar, known for his hard partying and penchant for fast cars, has had numerous brushes with the law. Last month, he faced charges of assault in Canada which were subsequently dropped.

Hoobastank, which also includes bassist Jesse Charland, will be in town next month for a one-night concert. A REASONABLE HIT While the quartet have played here before - they last performed in Singapore at a countdown event in 2009 - the upcoming gig will be extra special for fans as this year marks the 10th anniversary of The Reason, hands down the band's most popular hit.

With its radio-friendly sing-along chorus and iconic guitar riff, The Reason gained massive popularity upon its release. It topped charts all over Asia and led the band to win Favourite Rock Act at the MTV Asia Awards in 2005. "The fact that The Reason is 10 years old already, that's pretty crazy," said Estrin. "Knowing that the song has touched so many people, it makes me proud. The feeling is amazing."

Over the last few months, Hoobastank have actively celebrated The Reason's birthday on Twitter, getting their online followers to share their favourite lines and memories of the power ballad. The response from Asia has been overwhelming, perhaps explaining why Estrin is psyched for their Japan and Singapore tour. "Japan and South-east Asia are always so good to us too. Every time we get an offer to play in these places, we get very excited," he said. "Whenever I'm on tour, I enjoy wandering around the city. So I can't wait to go sightseeing in Singapore and try the local food."

And just in case you are wondering if the band will ever create another song that is catchier than The Reason, Estrin teased: " I just wrote a disco tune. Chances are, you'll never hear it. But well, you never know!"

Hoobastank Live in Singapore 2014 will be on Nov 30, 8pm at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa.

Tickets are going from $78 to $188. 

 


This article was first published on Oct 16, 2014.
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