'No Duh' leaves service members in Iraq in 'no doubt' of their patriotism

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez | No Doubt tribute band, No Duh performs for service members and civilians aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, March 21. The concert was one of many the band plans to perform while on a tour of military installations in Iraq.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

03.21.2009

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- "No Duh," a tribute band to the pop group "No Doubt," played for service members aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, March 21.

In a show that left younger Marines remembering old episodes of "Beavis and Butthead" and hours playing Game Boy Advance (in color!), and senior Marines remembering long nights ironing their utility uniforms and spit polishing boots, No Duh left service members asking one another, "Hey! Remember the nineties!?"

In addition to playing those undoubtable No Doubt classics such as "Don't Speak," "Running" and "Just a Girl," the band also covered songs from other groups such as Blondie, Sublime, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and even The Beatles.

"It was really cool getting to hear some No Doubt songs," said Lance Cpl. Sean G. Smith, a budget analyst with Multi National Force - West, who was one of hundreds of service members who attended the concert. "It brought back memories from when I was growing up."

While the band played through its array of songs, troops came up to the stage for pictures with lead singer and Gwen Stefani look-alike, Heather E. Lounsbury.

The band members themselves enjoyed playing for the troops as much as the service members enjoyed listening.

"It was really a good time," said drummer Randy S. Pino. "The Marines are a wild bunch."

During their time aboard Al Asad, the band also took time to speak with service members to get a better picture of what the situation in Iraq is like. They found it fascinating that everyone from colonels to privates had a clear understanding of the mission they were a part of.

"We were back in the States, and we just felt like we weren't doing anything," said bassist Randy G. Simer. "We knew [U.S. service members] were out here and felt that this would be a good way to help."

Stopping to take in some of the sights aboard Al Asad, and some of the finer cuisine at one of the base's dining facilities, No Duh made the most of their short stay. The band members even took time after the show to sign autographs for service members and let troops take pictures with the band.

Though the stage is now silent, there is no doubt that service members from MNF-W will be remembering No Duh, and reminiscing about long hours playing Nintendo 64 and long forgotten episodes of "Pinky and the Brain."

• Date Taken: 03.21.2009
• Date Posted: 06.04.2009 07:21
• Story ID: 34529
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ