Hoobastank

Hoobastank: From Agoura Hills to Global Rock Stars

Hoobastank, the American rock band known for their soaring vocals and powerful anthems, emerged from the California music scene in 1994. Originally known simply as "Hoobastank," the band, fronted by vocalist Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin, drummer Chris Hesse, and bassist Markku Lappalainen, quickly made their mark on the local scene.

The band's name, which has been the subject of much speculation, remains shrouded in mystery. Some claim it's a mispronounced German street, others suggest it's slang for a sneaker aficionado, while others insist it was simply a playful invention. Regardless of its origin, the name stuck, becoming synonymous with the band's unique sound.

Hoobastank's early gigs at the legendary Cobalt Cafe in Agoura Hills placed them alongside fellow rising stars Incubus and Linkin Park, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. Their self-released debut album, "They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To," dropped in 1998, showcasing their raw talent and featuring a saxophone section led by the talented Jeremy Wasser. Wasser, known for his work on Incubus' "Summer Romance," also executive produced the album, highlighting the close-knit community of musicians that fueled the scene.

With Jim Wirt of Fourth Street Recording handling production and Brett Spivey contributing their visual design, Hoobastank's early career was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration, laying the groundwork for their future success.