Hanson, the three pop-singing brothers, perform the national anthem prior to Syracuse's basketball game against Eastern Michigan at the Carrier Dome. Hanson features brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac. The group is best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop.'' The song earned three Grammy nominations. Video by David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.comHanson, the three pop-singing brothers, perform the national anthem prior to Syracuse's basketball game against Eastern Michigan at the Carrier Dome. Hanson features brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac. The group is best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop.'' The song earned three Grammy nominations. Video by David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com
Fired Up I’ve Got Soul Where’s The Love In The City This Time Around Thinking Of You Penny and Me Minute Without You Crazy Beautiful Get The Girl Back MMMBop If Only Man From Milwaukee Tragic Symphony Run Rudolph Run Merry Christmas Baby Lost Without Each Other Waiting For This Thinking Bout Somethin Juliet Scream and Be Free
Love them or hate them, Hanson is pretty good for business.
The pop-rock band's free performance at Central New York's fourth annual First Night celebration will draw visitors from as far as Michigan and Nova Scotia for New Year's Eve. Even though it's the band they're coming to see, they'll be staying in our hotels, checking out our malls and eating at our restaurants.
Krista MacKenzie of Nova Scotia drove 15 hours on Sunday, December 29 to seeHanson ring in 2014 in Onondaga Lake Park.
Before New Year's Eve, MacKenzie, her sister and her two friends (also Hanson fans) look forward to exploring Destiny USA today, December 30.
View full sizeKrista MacKenzie of Nova Scotia is excited to visit Destiny USA while in Syracuse to see Hanson at First Night on Dec. 31, 2013.David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com
"We certainly don't have malls of that size anywhere close to here," said MacKenzie, 28.
MacKenzie, an elementary school teacher, has seen the band perform live 27 times. She has a friend who has seen the band perform live more than 400 times.
MacKenzie's sister isn't a fan, and First Night will be her first time seeing Hanson.
"I'm excited to be able to share my ultimate happy place with her," MacKenzie said.
After Syracuse, MacKenzie will drive home to Nova Scotia for a few days, before flying to Negril, Jamaica to see Hanson again.
On December 31, Margo Baetens will drive six hours straight from Detroit, Mich. to Syracuse to see the band as well.
A Hanson fan since 1997, First Night will be the 73rd time for Baetens to see the band perform live. She's been attending their performances since 2003.
"Every show is different," said Baetens, a 29-year-old film entertainment publicist. "There's a lot of friends I've made because of the band, so every concert is like a reunion."
This won't be the furthest Baetens has traveled to see Hanson. She once drove 14 hours to their concert in Oklahoma City. In 2004, she and her friends spent three weeks following the band on tour.
"We used to camp out so we could be the first in line," Baetens said. "It's so funny how different it is now that we're older. Now we stay in hotels."
She will also fly to Jamaica to see the band again next month.
Hanson rose to stardom and heartthrob status when their debut album "Middle of Nowhere" topped pop music charts in 1997. Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson will perform their hit single "MMMBop" at First Night and several original songs.
Last year, First Night brought more than 8,800 people to Onondaga Lake Park. This year's alcohol-free event will end with an "orange ball drop" at midnight and fireworks. 4th annual First Night Where: The Wegman's Landing section of Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool. When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. How much: Free. Find parking in the Village of Liverpool, or park at Destiny USA and take the shuttle to the park for free.
Fired Up Ive Got Soul Wheres The Love Tragic Symphony Thinking Bout Somethin This Time Around Weird Penny and Me With You In Your Dreams Too Much Heaven Hand In Hand (I) Save Me From Myself (Z) Lost Without You (T)
Juliet Give a Little Scream and Be Free Waiting For This Minute Without You Runaway Run MMMBop Get The Girl Back In The City Lost Without Each Other
Merry Christmas Baby Run Rudolph Run White Christmas
We only have two more shows in Europe before the ANTHEM would tour shuts down for the Christmas holiday. We are having a great time playing shows and doing Walks for the Take The Walk campaign, in almost every case the walks in Europe have been the first walks we have hosted in each country.
On the bus there is a mix of enthusiasm for such a great tour, and melancholy as we're sad to see such a great run come to a close. The Christmas season is a beautiful time of year to be traveling Europe, each city having their Christmas market in full swing, people walking the streets window-shopping for that perfect something, for that special someone. This is also such a special time to spent with family (no brothers don't count) going to christmas parties, chopping firewood, and generally decking the halls, and we hope everyone will have a chance to enjoy this time. How bitter sweet life can be. As we wrap up this tour with the final shows in Italy we will try and suck the marrow out of every moment for the next few days and then find our merry way home with no regrets!
Isaac, Taylor and Zac
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE Back To The Island 2014
Hi -
Well the ANTHEM World Tour is in full swing, and as we step into winter we are even more looking forward to an incredible getaway to Jamaica for the second Back To The Island Event.
Last year's event was incredible, but as we are always trying to take it up a notch, we have a few more announcements about what the Back To The Island 2014 is going to entail.
The Eiffel Tower, ANTHEM World Tour, Paris France 2013
We have had an incredible tour across Europe. Here is a pic Taylor took of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Tell us about your favorite show on the ANTHEM World Tour, in Europe
Fired Up I’ve Got Soul Where’s The Love In The City Scream And Be Free Penny And Me ——————————————————- On And On This Time Around (Acoustic) Too Much Heaven (Acapella) For Your Love (Ike Solo) Bittersweet (Zac Solo) Be My Own (Tay Solo) ——————————————————- Juliet Waiting For This Tragic Symphony Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ Get The girl Back And I Waited Something Going Round A Minute Without You Mmmbop Already Home ——————————————————- Merry Christmas Baby Run Run Rudolph White Christmas (Acapella)
Hanson have been written off many times by the British public. Having exploded into the pop consciousness with their unforgettable earworm 'MMMBop', Tulsa brothers Ike, Tay and Zac have achieved intermittent hits on these shores. However, their loyal fanbase has never parted ways with the scarily talented trio. With each of their six studio albums adding an extra string to their diverse roster - with this year's impressive 'Anthem' showcasing their rock prowess - it is with excited anticipation that the sold out HMV Institute await the trio's arrival centre stage.
Before the band of brothers take their places under the spotlight, Welsh singer/songwriter Siôn Russell Jones takes to the mic. With a distinct vocal reminiscent of JJ72's Mark Greaney and songwriting that fuses the edge of Weezer with the playfulness of Wheatus, his set catches the attention of the audience and holds it for an intimate insight into Jones' releases to date and impending.
Ike
Arriving on stage just ahead of their expected set time, the auditorium is filled with hysteric screams as the inner teenager of every fan connects with the euphoric excitement of seeing a pop idol up close and personal.
Launching straight into the riotous 'Fired Up' from their latest album, it is clear that Hanson are set to send the HMV Institute into a frenzy. With the audience erupting into a song and dance, the three brothers bounce off the feedback and give their opening number everything they have got.
The committed approach is one that endures throughout their impressive set. With fans of all ages present in the audience, the trio ensure that they include a little something for everyone. While there is no denying that early hits 'Where's The Love' and 'Madeline' receive big love from their fans of old, newer additions to the setlist 'Scream and Be Free', 'Juliet' and 'Get The Girl Back' are equally loved. Other notable fan favourites are the often overlooked 'This Time Around', 'Give A Little' and 'Thinking 'Bout Somethin''.
Zac
While Tay is perhaps best known for his lead vocals, the band prove they are more than happy to mix it up, as per their latest album, during the live shows. While Ike's 'For Your Love' certainly impresses, it is youngest brother Zac's whose tender, rich vocal really warrants further exploration. As the trio take centre stage for an a cappella Bee Gees tribute 'Too Much Heaven', Zac's spine tingling lead vocal is beautifully enriched by Tay and Ike's harmonies.
Having climaxed their set with the a truly unforgettable rendition of 'MMMBop', the trio return to their adoring audience for a festive encore that revisits their seasonal 'Snowed In' release-with a jolly knees up to 'Run Run Rudolph' and 'Merry Christmas Baby'.
As Hanson stated so clearly in their debut hit, 'in an MMMBop they're gone', they leave to deafening screams as they promise to return soon if the audience promise the same. Judging by the epic queues at the merch stand after the show, this is an audience who will return any time the boys hit town.
Fired Up I’ve Got Soul Where’s The Love Scream and Be Free Been There Before ————————————————- Penny & Me (Acoustic) Weird (Acoustic) On And On Too Much Heaven (Acapella Cover) For Your Love (Ike Solo) Save Me From Myself (Zac Solo) Lost Without You (Tay Solo) ————————————————- Juliet And I Waited This Time Around Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ Give A Little Get The Girl Back Lost Without Each Other Tragic Symphony Mmmbop Waiting For This ————————————————- Merry Christmas Baby Run Run Rudolph
Sixteen years ago I was seriously into a three piece boy band called Hanson. Their debut album was (and I still agree) a perfect pop record. I loved them, probably too much and when I decided to put a car sticker on the rear windscreen of my blue, beat up metro, I was the butt of many jokes and got some real stick for it. And then we come to tonight. Here I am, at the Institute in Birmingham, getting ready (and very excited) to see one of my favourite bands; a band I thought I’d never get to see live.
Supporting Hanson tonight is Cardiff based singer/songwriter, Sion Russell Jones (pictured above). In front of a packed out crowd, Sion handles his solo performance perfectly; just him and his acoustic guitar. His style is a mix of skiffle and folk. He has an excellent vocal range; at times sounding like Jake Bugg and at times, James Blunt. There’s also a hint of the Silversun Pickups in there too. He’s a total hit with the crowd and is incredibly easy to listen to. He certainly warms up this cold, winter’s night. Highlight of his set was So Long which is a track from his forthcoming album, due out in March 2014.
The excitement and anticipation in the crowd builds rapidly; this is what the crowd, including myself, have really come for. For the first time in quite a while, I don’t feel like the oldest swinger in town. There are no “youngsters” (at least not that I can see) in the audience; here we have a totally packed out room full of diehard fans. As the band hits the stage, I am immediately blown away. “Wow, wow, wow!” I say to my gig buddy, Holly and ten minutes on, that’s still all I can say. However, that really isn’t a review so I pull my iPhone out my back pocket and proceed to take notes.
(Pictured above: Taylor Hanson)
Hanson are a very close second to the throne when it comes to perfect three part harmony (the King’s being the Bee Gees) and for only three members, they have a HUGE sound! I knew they would be good but Jeez Louise, Hanson are awesome.
(Pictured above: Isaac Hanson)
Stand out tracks include the rocking Fired Up, the fantastic I’ve Got Soul, Get The Girl Back and Juliet, all from the bands most recent album, Anthem. The band also showcase some crackers from their 2011 album, Shout It Out, including the incredible, Thinkin’ ‘Bout Somethin’, Kiss Me When You Come Home, Give A Little and Carry You There. Just when we thought the band were about to shut up shop for the night, they blasted out the song that everyone was itching to hear, MMMBop. Zac, Isaac and Taylor Hanson’s voices may have dropped a little since 1997 but the song sounds even better than it did all those years ago and, quite frankly, it sends the crowd crazy! In my opinion, the highlight of the set was an absolutely amazing, a cappella cover of the Bee Gee’s hit classic, Too Much Heaven. I never thought anyone could ever cover this well, but seriously, I think Hanson nail it tonight and I actually prefer this version to the original.
(Pictured above: Zac Hanson)
So, what a gig eh? Who would have thought I’d be MMMBop-ing away, with one of my best mates ever, to a band I’ve loved for half of my life? Certainly not me. But I did and it was bloody brilliant!
Fired Up
I’ve Got Soul
Where’s The Love
Scream And Be Free
This Time Around
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Wish That I Was There (Acoustic)
With You In Your Dreams (Acoustic)
Too Much Heaven (Acapella Cover)
Hand In Hand (Ike Solo)
The Walk (Zac Solo)
Lost Without You (Tay Solo)
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Juliet
A Minute Without You
Mmmbop
Lost Without Each Other
In The City
Already Home
Something Going Round
Waiting For This
Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’
Get The Girl Back
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Merry Christmas Baby
Run Run Rudolph
Fired Up I’ve Got Soul Where’s The Love Scream And Be Free This Time Around —————————————————- On And On Penny And Me (Acoustic) With You In Your Dreams (Acoustic) Too Much Heaven (Acapella Cover) For Your Love (Ike Solo) Call Out My Name (Zac Solo) Weird (Tay Solo) —————————————————- Juliet Mmmbop A Minute Without You Waiting For This Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ Get The Girl Back Tragic Symphony Lost Without Each Other Already Home —————————————————- Merry Christmas Baby Run Run Rudolph
Fired Up I’ve Got Soul Where’s The Love Scream And Be Free This Time Around —————————————————- With You In Your Dreams (Acoustic) Madeline (Acoustic) Too Much Heaven (Acapella Cover) For Your Love (Ike Solo) Save Me From Myself (Zac Solo) Crazy Beautiful (Tay Solo) —————————————————- Cut Right Through Me Lost Without Each Other Mmmbop A Minute Without You Waiting For This Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ Get The Girl Back Already Home —————————————————- Merry Christmas Baby Run Run Rudolph
David Prince fulfills a lifetime ambition to see the 90s sibling sensations live - and isn't disappointed
Love them or loathe them, everyone it seems has an opinion on Hanson.
With over 20 years in the business, Hanson have finally come to Cardiff.
Ever since their breakthrough (and biggest) hit MmmBop became the sound of ‘97, they have released album after album of top quality songs.
The group made up of the ever smiling brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac released earlier this year, their ninth studio album Anthem to critical acclaim.
Finally I get the chance of a lifetime to witness the band doing what they do best - playing live.
From the intimate show I witnessed it was quite clear, that this band of brothers have lost none of the charm or musical prowess since they first came over here in 1997.
Kicking straight into Fired Up these seasoned professionals have the crowd eating out of their hands.
From there we are treated to one of the best shows I've ever seen.
The set covers their entire career, including the best from their latest Anthem.
As this was their first show in Wales, I hope it isn't their last.
Comparing their talent to the fly-by nature of today's celebrities is a one-sided affair.
The Hanson brothers have it by the bucketload.
With just drums, guitar, piano and three harmonious voices Hanson put everyone else to shame.
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Hanson:Cardiff Solus December 6 2013
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Opening the show was Wales' very own Sion Russell Jones who impressed us with his tales of life via the Ed Sheeran/Passenger route of a acoustic guitar and a great voice.
The Tulsa trio head back on a world tour and come to Manchester as part of the first leg in Europe
Hanson
****
Hanson
Skateboarding, long blonde hair and the MMMBop video's wholesome clips of gigs in the family living room are the first images most of us have of Hanson. That was 1997.
Now, the Tulsa trio - Taylor, Isaac and Zac - are married dads with (mostly) sensible hair. But the music remains.
They are celebrating an incredible 20 years performing together as a band with latest album Anthem, and kicking off their world tour in the UK at the intimate Ritz - a setting that suits them.
Lively Fired Up gets things going and the brothers sound flawless from the outset.
The crowd need no encouragement to go wild, but Where's The Love really helps them on their way.
It is the token acoustic section where they really excel, though.
Taylor may be the lead singer but Isaac and Zac transition into soloists with ease.
The siblings' harmonies are spot-on and are laid bare when a deadly hush descends upon the venue as they sing a beautiful acapella version of the Too Much Heaven by another famous trio of brothers, the Bee Gees.
Taylor breaks up the set by sharing songwriting anecdotes, Penny and Me leads the procession of singles down the decades, while A Minute Without You sparks a mass singalong.
After an hour of teasing us, they reach MMMBop, then a festive treat in the encore with a reworked version of Run Run Reindeer.
Usually, one mention of Hanson gets people humming their signature MMMBop, and unable to recall much else.
But, on tonight's showing especially, they are so much more than just that one song.
View full sizeKrista MacKenzie of Nova Scotia is excited to visit Destiny USA while in Syracuse to see Hanson at First Night on Dec. 31, 2013.
"We certainly don't have malls of that size anywhere close to here," said MacKenzie, 28.
Jeremy Williams, Editor
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