When we got to talk with Hanson this week, the boys were in townfor more than just fulfilling our every past/present/future dream,(although thanks for that too, guys!). The trio was also in New York for another stopon the Walk Around the World Tour. Hanson kicks off the afternoonbefore each show with a mile-long amble to raise money and awarenessfor AIDS and poverty in Africa. The ultimate goal is to collectively walk 24,902 miles — the earth’s circumference — and they donate $1 for everyone that participates. "I think the walk is a symbol in a lot of ways of a wave of action thathave come, and will continue to come from our generation," Taylorexplained. "We don’t want to take on these issues the same way they’ve been taken on before, and we have a lot more tools to use."
So besides that warm, fuzzy we’re-doing-a-good-thing feeling, here’s what we found on The Walk (after the jump):
Quality Time Fans of the band, rejoice! This is more thanjust a fleeting passion project, the brothers Hanson are serious andwilling to do whatever it takes to spread the word. They walk with thefans swarming around them, barely breaking stride to smile for picturesor answer questions.
Naked Tootsies No, they’re REALLYserious about the cause. Dodging handsy Fansons is one thing, but theboys do it barefoot in every city. Only this time it was New York’sTimes Square (a place that some people — cough, Slezak, cough —won’t even wear sandals in). "People are like, ‘Oh man, you’re going towalk barefoot…on THAT?’" Isaac laughed. Taylor spelled it out simply:"We’re trying to explain that we can accomplish great things, but whatit all comes down to is that you have to do really small things."
Mixed MotivesFollowers of Hanson have always been fanatic and devout in their beliefin the band, so naturally they followed the brothers, shoes in hand.Some really got behind the boys’ cause: Tish Coleman, who had been on22 walks, passed out fliers to confused onlookers that explained whatthe walk signified and encouraged them to join. And others just gotbehind the boys: "I just want to reach out and squeeze his butt!"whispered a female fan, as she eyed Zac’s skinny-jeaned-booty walking afoot in front of her.
Confused Onlookers The site of 100+ twenty-somethingsfollowing a trio of fraternal pied pipers with a megaphone perplexedeven the weirdos in Times Square. Suits out for their smoke breaksthought it was a "class trip," and street vendors yelled at theovergrown teenyboppers. Back at the concert venue, the boys agreed thatthis walk was "more aggressive" and "pushier" than the previous ones."But that’s just New Yorkers!" Zac surmised. Hey…
Rock Band We’ve seen 14 Hanson shows between the two of us, but this was probably the best. The simple stage, adorned only with not much morethan a handful of instruments for each brother to juggle, wasilluminated with their boundless energy. Their crystal clear voicesseem effortlessly in tune with each other, and their harmonies merelyanother instrument in their set. Hanson legitimately rocked, and their94th mile of the tour seemed only to add to their spirit — on stage andoff.
So take The Walk! Both the cause and the concert are worth it, so tag along with your friendly neighborhood Hanson fan (everyone has one) or read more about The Walk and what you can do to help on the official site.
Have any of our MMMBopping PopWatchers out there been to one of their concerts or walks yet? And what about your pre-concert rituals?
—Additional reporting by Jean Bentley
Comments (1-16) of 16 Add your comment
I’ve taken Walks in both Chicago and Bloomington, IL and it’s lots of fun and definitely a great way to spread the word. I’m looking forward to their two Chicago shows on November 3rd and 4th, but due to work I doubt I will be able to Take the Walk for either of those shows.
As far as pre-concert rituals for Hanson – I am not one of those that camps out all day. I head straight up to the balcony where people aren’t pushy and are less obnoxious, because I actually want to see the concert and enjoy the music.
For those of you who haven’t seen them, they truly are one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. I’ve been a fan since 2000, and their passion for both music and activism makes me love and appreciate them more each day.
I’ve taken 3 walks this year alongside Hanson, Hampton Beach NH, and 2 in Foxboro, MA. My husband and son come along too, although they don’t go to the concerts, just to help the cause.
I agree with the other commenter, they truly are one of the best live bands i’ve seen. (and i’ve been to a lot of different shows)
As far as a preconcert ritual, probably just getting there about an hour before the walk so that i can familiarize myself with the fans, OH and not listening to any Hanson music for about a week prior to the concert (I dont want to be sick of the songs before I even get there)
I’ve seen Hanson twice before, and I agree that they do put on a great show. Unfortunately, I haven’t been on a Walk yet (will they ever come to Salt Lake City?!) but would love to participate, given the opportunity!
I’ve been a Hanson fan for 11 years. I like them because they designed their own two recording studios, write and produce their own material, and each one sings and plays a whole slew of instruments. Plus, they really are genuinely sweet guys.
Some people go barefoot their entire lives, by choice. Take the late, great “Barefoot Stew,” for example. He even went barefoot during his military service – and got the general to do the same!
See:
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/1239976-stock-cars
Blast from the past! I can’t believe these adorable, girly-sounding kids from when I was twelve turned into super-serious music guys!
I actually think it’s a good thing, though. Signs of maturity and all that.
I’m a long time fan of Hanson and have been to many of their shows. Not only are they great musicians that put on amazing shows, they are also very nice guys. I will be going on my 8th walk with them on Nov. 5th.
While some people do the walks for the wrong reasons there are many of us that find the efforts and speeches they give very inspiring.
I would recommend that anyone that hears Hanson is coming to their city for a show to check it out and also join them for the Walk. You won’t be disappointed.
Yes well I went to their concert on April 19,2008 in Michigan. I also did the Walk and with out shoes or socks. It was a wonderful experience, I made a poster board for it. I also Learned more info. I suggest to everyone who has a walk near them to participate.
Peace,Love,God and Hanson
i was at the show in nyc and the walk rocked! i have done 8 walks this year and faithfully support the guys efforts in making a difference. i enjoyed mostly the time they took talking to fans and answering questions and as to my preshow rituals… lets see… this one dates back to 1998 when i first saw them… i watch TT&MON before my full on hanson mode kicks in and for 2 weeks prior to the show i listen to nothing but hanson but never anything live and as for day of rituals i get there get in line or get my number and i chill and make friends with as many fans as i can and i meet fans i might chat with online and such… its all in all a fun and great time to be a fan of hanson
Lisa, thanks for showing that 20 somethings, like yourself, can make a difference. If only more celebs acted this way.
I took the Walk with them this year in Albany, NY. It was a great experience, and the guys were super-friendly. I briefly interviewed Isaac for my college’s paper — before being pushed out of the way by a rabid fan, that is. Still, the guys were really humble and very appreciative of everyone’s support. They joked that if any of them were single, having all of these girls around would be “pretty cool.” They are so passionate about this cause, it’s really inspiring. And they’ve matured into amazing musicians. Who would have thought they’d still be mmmbopping after all these years?
i was at that walk in NYC and it was fantastic. the show was amazing as well.
I’ve walked in Minneapolis &vMilwaukee for this tour, and Minneapolis & Madison the tours before. It’s a really cool thing to do and be a part of.
Thanks for writing such a nice thing about me!
The cause really is important to me, I’m looking forward to setting up a walk in St. Louis through takethewalk.net. If anyone lives near me and wants to walk please e-mail me: trish76543@yahoo.com
Oh, pre-concert rituals…i always watch TT&MON before tour time, it always makes me smile and reminds me to have fun and not take things too seriously.
There’s an awesome video interview and so forth with Hanson on Causecast. Here’s the link:
http://www.causecast.org/video_queues/82/videos/4837-hanson-walks-the-walk
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