John Spence was a talented and charismatic singer who co-founded the band No Doubt in 1986 with his friend and co-worker Eric Stefani. He was the original lead vocalist and the inspiration behind the band’s name, which he often used as his favorite expression. He was also a close friend of Gwen Stefani, who joined the band as a backup singer and later became the lead singer after his death.
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How John Spence Formed No Doubt
John Spence met Eric Stefani at a Dairy Queen in Anaheim, California, where they both worked. They shared a love for music, especially ska and 2-Tone, and decided to form a band together. They recruited Eric’s sister Gwen Stefani, who was only 17 at the time, to sing backup vocals. They also added other members such as Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont, and Adrian Young.
The band started playing gigs at local clubs and parties, and quickly gained a loyal fan base. They were known for their energetic and upbeat performances, with Spence being the charismatic frontman who often danced on stage and interacted with the audience. Gwen Stefani described him as “a really amazing performer” who “had so much confidence” in a 1996 interview with Spin.
What Happened to John Spence?
Despite his outward appearance of happiness and confidence, John Spence was secretly suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. He had a troubled childhood, with his parents divorcing when he was young and his father being abusive. He also struggled with his sexuality, as he was bisexual in a conservative environment.
On December 21, 1987, just a few days before Christmas and a few weeks before a showcase concert at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, John Spence took his own life by shooting himself with a gun in a deserted parking lot in Anaheim. He was only 18 years old.
His death shocked and devastated his bandmates, friends, and fans. No Doubt disbanded for a brief period to mourn and regroup. They later decided to continue as a tribute to Spence, with Gwen Stefani taking over the lead vocals. They also wrote a song called “Dear John” in his honor, which was released on their self-titled debut album in 1989.
How John Spence Influenced No Doubt’s Success
John Spence may have left this world too soon, but his legacy lives on through No Doubt’s music and success. The band went on to become one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1990s and 2000s, selling over 50 million records worldwide and winning several awards. Their breakthrough album, Tragic Kingdom, which was released in 1995, was partly inspired by Gwen Stefani’s breakup with Tony Kanal and her grief over Spence’s death.
Gwen Stefani also became a superstar in her own right, launching a solo career and branching out into fashion, acting, and television. She has always acknowledged Spence’s role in her life and career, and often pays tribute to him on social media and in interviews. On December 21, 2022, she posted a series of photos of her and Spence on Instagram, with the caption “remembering John Spence today, and always” according to Billboard.
John Spence was a talented singer who co-founded No Doubt and influenced their music and success. He was also a troubled soul who struggled with depression and suicide. His cause of death was tragic, but his memory lives on through his bandmates, friends, fans, and music. He will always be remembered as the original lead singer of No Doubt.
