If you were anything like I was circa 1998, you’ll have had an embarrassing number of Hanson friendship bracelets, a copy of Hanson: Tulsa, Tokyo And The Middle Of Nowhere on VHS, and the Snowed In Christmas album (which I still listen to annually, btw…).
So, imagine my disdain when I heard from the man himself – Taylor Hanson – that ‘MMMBop’ was very nearly a completely different song. And even started out as just “a background part” for another song.
Sacrilege!
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Speaking exclusively to Cosmopolitan UK, Taylor revealed that he and his brothers – Zach and Isaac – originally came up with the ‘MMMBop’ hook when they were writing another song. But it was so damn good, they shelved it knowing that it would soon have the makings of a pop banger.
“We were working on a part for another song and it was too hooky and too dominant, so we logged it, and put it aside as it wasn’t a background part. And then over the next two years it was there – it was an idea that we knew existed.
“Then one day the emergence of a verse pattern came and they worked together [to create ‘MMMBop’].”
Taylor, Zach and Isaac now
HANSON
And thank God they did work together – imagine a life without the lyrics, “Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose. You can plant any one of those…”
It doesn’t bear thinking about.
Once more for old time’s sake?
“Keep planting to find out which one growssssss. It’s a secret no-one knowsssssssss.”
Also best not to think about are some of Hanson’s fashion choices from back in the day.
When asked if there was anything he looked back and cringed at, Taylor replied: “Mostly just polyester. The ‘90s included a lot of materials that all of us hope don’t make a return. But a lot of materials are coming back in fashion – it’s really frightening.”
Hanson are currently in the UK touring their new album String Theory, which is out now.
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Backed by an orchestra, the former teen trio deliver a charming set of soft rockers and mature ballads
Not lacking in chutzpah … Hanson at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Photograph: Lindsay Walker
The American sibling trio Hanson will be forever remembered as the blond-topped, pearly-toothed threesome who scored an international No 1 in 1997 with MMMBop and shipped 10m copies of their debut album, Middle of Nowhere, before they’d seen off their mid-teens. MMMBop itself asked, rather ominously: “When you get old and start losing hair, can you tell me who will still care?” Yet here they are, now thirtysomething, soberly outfitted fathers (of 13 children between them) with full heads of brown hair, a decent-sized fanbase and playing with a symphony orchestra.
Hanson’s String Theory album and tour invites a certain suspension of disbelief. From Deep Purple to the Who, bands who get the orchestral treatment generally have oodles of smash hits and enormous cultural gravitas. They’re not former teen combos best remembered, in Britain at least, for one song and who haven’t had a Top 40 entry in the UK this decade.
Still, Hanson don’t lack chutzpah. MMMBop is dispensed with early on, as if to demonstrate that the 23-song setlist, laden with new material, will reveal other charms. The now man-band have spent the last 22 years earnestly growing up musically. There are mature, yearning ballads and wistful, vaguely Beatlesque soft rockers, each benefiting from the sumptuous arrangements of David Campbell (Beck’s dad) and the Manchester Orchestra.
Granted, there are moments, especially in the sedate first half, when the band’s well-crafted but anonymous AOR seems too slight for such lavish treatment – although the 2016 choral song Joyful Noise is truly lovely. Things up a gear in the second half as rockers with parping horns mingle with Hey Jude-type orchestral singalongs. The defiant No Rest for the Weary (“Yesterday was just fine, but the future’s all I’ve got time for, yeah!”) gets the audience on their feet, and once the new song The Sound of Light piles on the “whoah whoahs” there is something approaching Hanson-mania. It’s a surreal evening, but it is oddly touching that a band who were expected to have burned out years ago still inspire so much love.
Set for July 12-13, the 25th annual music fest outside of Minneapolis’ Basilica of Saint Mary will feature Kacey Musgraves, Dawes, Semisonic, Jason Mraz, Hanson, Lissie, CHVRCHES, Metric, and more. Tickets — $60 one-day, $110 two-day; VIP options abound — go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday via the BBP website.
Having just won four Grammys, including Album of the Year, Musgraves is a huge get for Live Nation, the concert giant that took over Basilica Block Party booking this year. The breakout pop-country star dazzled our critic last week at St. Paul’s Palace Theatre.
Elsewhere in the lineup, you’ve got tequila-craved, Current-adored folk-rockers Dawes; locally sourced “Closing Time” hitmakers Semisonic; Cities 97 genome project Jason Mraz; nostalgic, brotherly “MMMBop”-pers Hanson; and Scottish synth-pop powerhouses CHVRCHES. In addition to Semisonic, other locals include Yam Haus, the Jayhawks, and Flora Cash. Due to popular demand, a so-called “silent disco” will return this year.
As always, the Cities 97-sponsored event serves as a boozy collection plate for the never-ending preservation/restoration of the Basilica of Saint Mary.
Here’s the complete 2019 lineup:
Friday, July 12
Kacey Musgraves
Dawes
Anderson East
Ruston Kelly
Semisonic
The Jayhawks
Yam Haus
Saturday, July 13
Jason Mraz
Hanson
Johnnyswim
Lissie
CHVRCHES
Metric
Flora Cash
She recently announced she’s expecting a child with boyfriend Gorka Márquez.
But Gemma Atkinson was taken back to her own childhood on Tuesday, as she was surprised with a meeting with her childhood heartthrobs Hanson.
During her segment on Hits Radio, the 34-year-old presenter was blindfolded while the group was led into the studio without her knowing.
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Emotional: Gemma Atkinson was taken back to her own childhood on Tuesday, as she was surprised with a meeting with her childhood heartthrobs Hanson
Gemma, who admitted having Hanson posters on her wall as a teenager, burst into tears when she guessed who was in the room by the sound of the group’s voices, and Isaac quickly dashed over to give her a hug.
The actress was delighted to see the faces of Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, as they sat across from her in the studio, after she missed out on them last time they were in.
The boy band even treated Gemma to a rendition of their 1997 debut single MMMBop, which held the top spot for three weeks more than two decades ago.
When the band appeared on Lorraine on Monday, the three brothers, who are now in their 30s, revealed they have 13 children between them.
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Gemma Atkinson gets special surprise from Hanson on Hits Radio
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Surprise! During her segment on Hits Radio, the 34-year-old presenter was blindfolded while the group was led into the studio without her knowing
They’re BACK! Hanson told Lorraine on Monday that they’ve got 13 children between them as viewers went wild for the handsome brothers 22 years after the release of MMMbop
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Band Hanson reveals they have thirteen children between them
They said: ‘We have 13 children – we all three have ten-year-old sons. All the kids get on as we spend a lot of time together touring and in the studio.’
Eldest brother, Isaac is now 38 – he was the last of the musical trio to wed. He married Nicole in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, ceremony in 2006.
They have three children; Nina Odette, 4, son James Monroe 9, and son Clarke Everett, 11.
35-year-old Taylor was the first band member to marry in 2002.
Way back when: Isaac was 11, Taylor was nine and Zac was just six when they created their band in 1992 and just five years later, they released MMMBop, (pictured in 1997)
Family man: Eldest brother, Isaac is now 38 – he was the last of the musical trio to wed. He married Nicole in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, ceremony in 2006 – they have three children
He and his wife Natalie have six children; Jordan Ezra, 15, Penelope Anne, 13, River Samuel, 12, Viggo Moriah, 9, and Wilhelmina Jane and two-month-old Claude Indiana Emmanuel
Youngest brother, Zac, 33, and wife Kate, have four children. They welcomed John Ira Shepherd, in 2008. Shepherd goes by his middle name.
They are also proud parents to Junia Rosa Ruth, seven , followed by son George Abraham Walker, now 4 and 18-month-old Mary Lucille Diana, who goes by the name of Lucille.
Dazzled: Viewers couldn’t believe how handsome the boys looked on the show
Viewers of the show went wild for Isaac, Taylor and Zac’s handsome appearance.
They took to Twitter and wrote: ‘Um hello when did Hanson become so hot?! #Lorraine.’
‘Blimey look at #Hanson’ and ‘Holy cr** Hanson got HOT #Lorraine.’
Isaac was 11, Taylor was nine and Zac was just six when they created their band in 1992 and just five years later, they released MMMBop.
Busy: The men are currently promoting a new album, called String Theory and are currently touring the UK with a live symphony orchestra
The men are currently promoting a new album, called String Theory and are currently touring the UK with a live symphony orchestra.
Zac said people had doubts about the longevity of their career when they first started out.
He said: ‘When we started out people would say to us,'”What are you going to do in 10 years?” And we’d say,”Music”.’
But music is not the boys’ only business venture – they have also produced a beer called MMMHops.
Ambitious: Zac, (right) said people had doubts about the longevity of their career. He said: ‘When we started out people would say to us,'”What are you going to do in 10 years?” And we’d say,”Music”‘
Fan Club Exclusive: Join us on May 16th, 17th and 18th for HANSON Day weekend in celebration of 27 years of HANSON music!
This year, HANSON Day will have more musical experiences than ever before. Starting on Thursday, May 16th with the Storytellers concert, a String Theory Concert Friday, May 17th, and then the Member’s Only Concert on Saturday, May 18th, there is a concert to watch every night and that is not even talking about all the special events that will be going on throughout the weekend.
Every year, we invite Hanson.net fan club members from around the world to converge on Tulsa, Oklahoma to celebrate our band’s anniversary. Over the years, HANSON Day has grown from a concert into a weekend full of one-of-a-kind HANSON experiences like bowling tournaments, art galleries, one-of-a-kind musical performances, lectures, photo galleries and late night dance parties. On our 27th anniversary, we are giving you the gift of music, so HANSON Day 2019 will feature a concert every night! Held on May 16th, 17th and 18th in the Brady Arts District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, all Hanson.net fan club members are invited to attend. RSVP in the Calendar section on Hanson.net and make your plans to be in Tulsa this May.
The full event schedule is now available HERE with all special event tickets going up for sale on February 14th!
String Theory Tickets available NOW. For more information visit www.Hanson.net
Hanson reveal they’ve got 13 CHILDREN between them as viewers go WILD for the handsome brothers 22 years after the release of MMMbop
Eldest brother, Isaac is now 38 – he was the last of the musical trio to wed. He married Nicole in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, ceremony in 2006
They have three children; Nina Odette, 4, son James Monroe 9, and son Clarke Everett, 11
35-year-old Taylor was the first band member to marry in 2002
He and his wife Natalie have six children; Jordan Ezra, 15, Penelope Anne, 13, River Samuel, 12, Viggo Moriah, 9, and Wilhelmina Jane and two month old Claude Indiana Emmanuel
Youngest brother, Zac, 33, and wife Kate, have four children. They welcomed John Ira Shepherd, in 2008. Shepherd goes by his middle name
They are also proud parents to Junia Rosa Ruth, seven , followed by son George Abraham Walker, now 4 and 18-month-old Mary Lucille Diana
Isaac was 11, Taylor was nine and Zac was just six when they created their band in 1992 and just five years later, they released MMMBop
They burst onto the music scene 22 years ago, with their iconic hit single, MMMbop and their long blond hair was just as famous as their vocals.
And when pop band Hanson appeared on Lorraine on Monday, the three brothers, who are now in their 30s, revealed they have 13 children between them.
They said: ‘We have 13 children – we all three have ten-year-old sons. All the kids get on as we spend a lot of time together touring and in the studio.’
They’re BACK! Hanson told Lorraine on Monday that they’ve got 13 CHILDREN between them as viewers went WILD for the handsome brothers 22 years after the release of MMMbop
Eldest brother, Isaac is now 38 – he was the last of the musical trio to wed. He married Nicole in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, ceremony in 2006.
They have three children; Nina Odette, 4, son James Monroe 9, and son Clarke Everett, 11.
35-year-old Taylor was the first band member to marry in 2002.
Family man: Eldest brother, Isaac is now 38 – he was the last of the musical trio to wed. He married Nicole in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, ceremony in 2006 – they have three children
Getting along nicely: Zac and wife Kate (left) and Isaac and wife Nicole (right) (pictured in 2009)
Big brood: 35-year-old Taylor was the first band member to marry in 2002 – he and his wife Natalie Bryant have six children; Jordan Ezra, 15, Penelope Anne, 13, River Samuel, 12, Viggo Moriah, 9, and Wilhelmina Jane and two month old Claude Indiana Emmanuel
Close: Taylor and wife Natalie (pictured in 2009) welcomed their youngest child just two months ago
Sweet: Youngest brother, Zac, 33, and wife Kate, have four children. John Ira Shepherd, 10, Junia Rosa Ruth, seven, George Abraham Walker, 4 and 18-month-old Mary Lucille Diana
He and his wife Natalie have six children; Jordan Ezra, 15, Penelope Anne, 13, River Samuel, 12, Viggo Moriah, 9, and Wilhelmina Jane and two month old Claude Indiana Emmanuel
Youngest brother, Zac, 33, and wife Kate, have four children. They welcomed John Ira Shepherd, in 2008. Shepherd goes by his middle name.
They are also proud parents to Junia Rosa Ruth, seven , followed by son George Abraham Walker, now 4 and 18-month-old Mary Lucille Diana, who goes by the name of Lucille.
Viewers of the show went wild for Isaac, Taylor and Zac’s handsome appearance.
They took to Twitter and wrote: ‘Um hello when did Hanson become so hot?! #Lorraine.’
‘Blimey look at #Hanson’ and ‘Holy cr** Hanson got HOT #Lorraine.’
Isaac was 11, Taylor was nine and Zac was just six when they created their band in 1992 and just five years later, they released MMMBop.
Busy: The men are currently promoting a new album, called String Theory and are currently touring the UK with a live symphony orchestra
The men are currently promoting a new album, called String Theory and are currently touring the UK with a live symphony orchestra.
Zac said people had doubts about the longevity of their career when they first started out.
He said: ‘When we started out people would say to us,'”What are you going to do in 10 years?” And we’d say,”Music”.’
But music is not the boys’ only business venture – they have also produced a beer called MMMHops.
Singing to their tune: The musicians were all smartly dressed for their TV appearance
Hanson are celebrating 22 years since their hit single MMMBop was released – and people can’t get over how hot they’ve become.
The brothers, Isaac, Taylor and Zac, appeared on today’s Lorraine to talk about their upcoming UK gigs, and how life has changed over the years.
Isaac was 11, Taylor was nine and Zac was just six when they formed a band in 1992.
And they were propelled to worldwide fame when their single MMMBop dropped in 1997.
The trio are now in their 30s and have 13 children between them.
To celebrate more than 20 years in the business, Hanson are touring the UK with their new album String Theory, and putting on shows with a live symphony orchestra.
Not lacking in chutzpah … Hanson at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Photograph: Lindsay Walker
