No Doubt Tour Has Stefani Feeling 'Modern Again'

No Doubt is back on tour after 5 years, but don’t call it a reunion. Breaking up “was never discussed,” guitarist Tom Dumont tells the Los Angeles Times. “It was specifically discussed as 'Let's not be one of these bands that breaks up and gets back together.’” It’s just that singer Gwen Stefani had “some real specific things she wanted to do with the time.” The singer, who has enjoyed success as a solo artist, agrees: “All I know how to do is follow my inspiration.”

“That's why I did those dance records,” Stefani said of her solo efforts. “It's where I wanted to be.” But she “felt guilty about” doing two records and was eager to get back with the band. “It feels so much more right than I thought it was going to feel.” It’s not the old days: “For the first time ever we have our own buses,” bassist Tony Kanal said, required for the band’s families. But it’s good. “I feel powerful again, I feel modern again,” Stefani said. “And I have my little baby.” (More concert tour stories.)