January
2018 kicked off with Hanson’s yearly retreat, “Back to the Island”, this year the weather was less than ideal and the event had several changes made to the itinerary made on the fly – such as bumping the first show to the second night as many had missed and delayed flights and trouble getting to the Island.
February
Hanson appeared on “Audience Music” on DirectTV. It was announced Hanson would perform as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld in Orlando, FL in March. Hanson’s performance at the Ottawa Bluesfest was announced. Hanson performed in Nashville as part of Bobby’s Bones Million Dollar Show. The guys were on SiriusXM My First Time and The Jenny McCarthy Show. New events for Hanson Day in Tulsa were announced.
March
Petitions against Hanson’s performance at Sea World began circulating the web. Back To The Island 2019 was announced. Hanson performed at Sea World’s Seven Seas Food Festival. Taylor turned 35. Hanson made several appearances at SXSW in Texas. Hanson’s orchestra performance in Tulsa and Pittsburgh were announced. We all began wondering, “What is String Theory?” The 5th Annual Hop Jam was announced.
April
Hanson was announced as competing on TBS’ “Drop the Mic”. Taylor was honored by The Junior League of Tulsa for Food on the Move. More String Theory shows were announced. The Hop Jam’s musical lineup was announced. Hanson’s appearance a the Wisconsin State Fair was announced as well as their appearance at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival. Firkin Feast was announced. UP State Fair announced Hanson would be performing.
May
Taylor was a commencement speaker at University of Tulsa. Hop Jam’s opening band contest winner was announced. Colorado Symphony announced their show with Hanson for String Theory referring to them as an ‘aging boyband’. Many fans descended upon Tulsa, OK for Hanson Day Weekend 2018. Hanson was announced as a performer about Pet-a-paolooza in Sacramento.
June
Hanson was announced as a performer at the Indiana State Fair as well as the New York State Fair.
July
Hanson performed at the Ottawa Bluesfest. String Theory debuted in Columbus, OH with the Columbus Symphony. The full details on the String Theory album and tour were released for the US leg of the tour. It was announced Hanson would perform at Adventureland in IA and sing the National Anthem at Darlington Raceway.
August
Hanson’s performance at The Big E was announced. Hanson performed at the Indiana State Fair. Billboard posted the premiere of the band’s String Theory documentary. Hanson and Mike Love re-recorded “It’s Ok”. It was announced Taylor and Natalie would be expecting their 6th child.
September
Hanson performed the national anthem for a pre-season NHL game at the BOK Center in Tulsa. String Theory’s November 9th release date was announced. Hanson headlined the McDazzle Fun Ball to benefit Ronald McDonald house. Mike Love announced a Christmas album which featured a rendition of ‘Finally It’s Christmas’ featuring Hanson. String Theory Europe and Australia dates were announced.
October
A second show was added at the historic Sydney Opera House for the String Theory tour. The fall leg of String Theory’s tour kicked off with a long string of shows and not just one-offs. Zac turned 33. Hanson performed at Disney for Halloween as part of Eat to the Beat once again.
November
String Theory was streamed “On Demand” on Hanson.net for members and later made available for a first listen on NPR. String Theory was officially released. Hanson returned to the Beacon Theater in New York City after playing there in 1997 and recording footage for “Tulsa, Tokyo and the Middle of Nowhere.” Hanson appeared on The Today Show with Mike Love to perform Finally it’s Christmas and later performed several songs with him at his CD release at LAVO in New York City.
December
Hanson performed “Landslide” with The Smashing Pumpkins in Tulsa. The last show of the year at the Williamsburg Winery got cut short by 20 minutes due to unsafe snow conditions and a sinking tent. Hanson.net members were treated to acoustic “Snow Globe Sessions” videos of the guys acoustically playing some of their Christmas songs. Taylor and his wife Natalie welcomed their 6th child, a son, Claude Indiana “Indy” Emmanuel Hanson on December 26th.