Hanson remains favorite band since ‘97

Alison Angel

angela@mytjnow.com

I’ve been to many shows in my 20 years.  

Club shows, arenas, Warped tours, you name it, I’ve probably spent money on it.  

But there’s only one band that could inspire me to drop my hard-earned cash more than once.  

The only band that’s lasted through the years, whose music has gotten me throughout the hard times the good times, and the boring times.

Hanson.

 Yes, Hanson.  My love for this band has spanned across 13 years and several awkward stages of growing up.  

How many people can say they’ve held onto something for that long?  Besides Harry Potter, their music is the only thing that’s lasted since my childhood.  

Not to mention they’re one of the only things from my childhood I still actually WANT to remember.

Because 1997 was a good year.  Those three dudes were my first crushes, my first concert and the first song I could remember the lyrics to those were good times.  

And I don’t care what anyone says:  you loved that song back in the day.

Since then, they’ve kept putting out albums, and every one has been better than the last.  

They no longer sing poppy “Mmm-Bop” style stuff, thank you very much—they sing some pretty awesome, soulful rock music that still brings out hundreds of fans at every show.

I know this because I recently saw them at Amos Southend in Charlotte.  

My third Hanson show at that particular venue, my fourth in 13 years. 

And if that sounds crazy to you, I’ve got nothing on the dozens of fans who follow the band across the country.

 I even spotted a few signs boasting, “Not even 18 and I’ve been to 30 Hanson shows!”  Now that is some serious dedication.

It was the best night ever, basically.  

I danced the night away and got to meet the three guys who inspired my love for music back when I was a mere little 7-year-old.  

To put it simply, Hanson is the longest-lasting love of my life.  

Boyfriends have come and gone and friendships have faded over the years, but their music has always been there, and that’s priceless.

You can make fun of me all you want; you can laugh, but I am simply one of many fans who have stayed devoted over the years to a band that’s given me more than 300 amazing jams.

And for the record, to my fellow Hanson lovers at Winthrop:  I saw you at the show.  

Don’t deny it!