Tony Ashwin Kanal (born 27 August 1970) is a British-American musician, songwriter and record producer who is known for his work as the bassist and co-writer for the rock bands No Doubt and Dreamcar. His career outside of performing includes production and songwriting credits with artists such as Pink, Weezer, Elan Atias and No Doubt lead singer Gwen Stefani's solo work.
Early life
Kanal was born in Kingsbury, in northwest London, England. Kanal's father, Gulab was from Sukkur (in present-day Sindh, Pakistan) and grew up in Delhi, India and his mother, Lajwanti "Lajju", was originally from Mumbai (then known as Bombay).[1][2][3] His parents imigrated to London, where Kanal was born.[citation needed] While most of his early years were spent in the British capital city, Kanal and his family briefly lived in Toronto, Ontario and Munster, Indiana, before returning to London. At age 11, his family moved to the United States, settling in Anaheim, Orange County, California.[2] Kanal attended South Junior High School and Anaheim High School. Upon entering seventh grade, Kanal joined his junior high school concert band. Kanal's father suggested that Kanal learn to play the saxophone because it was his favorite instrument.[3] In tenth grade, Kanal learned how to play the electric bass guitar with help from his schoolmate, David J. Carpenter.[2]
Career
Early beginnings and No Doubt
After being invited to No Doubt's first official club show on 14 March 1987, by original drummer and fellow Anaheim High School alumnus Chris Webb,[4] Kanal joined the band as its bassist at age 16.[5][6] After high school, Kanal enrolled at California State University, Fullerton to major in psychology.[2]
2004–2014: No Doubt hiatus, writing, and producing
Kanal during No Doubt's 2009 summer reunion tour
In 2004, after touring the U.S. to promote The Singles 1992–2003, No Doubt went on hiatus. During this time, Kanal began producing and writing outside of the band. The same year, Kanal produced three songs for the soundtrack to 50 First Dates.[13] Also in 2004, Kanal produced and co-wrote three tracks on Gwen Stefani's first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.[14] Kanal then produced Elan Atias's debut album Together as One, released in June 2006.[15] Kanal worked with Gwen Stefani for her follow-up solo album The Sweet Escape, released in 2006.[16]
In 2008, he collaborated on two songs titled "Sober" and "Funhouse" with Pink for her album Funhouse.[18] Kanal also co-wrote the song "Smart Girls" for Weezer's 2010 album Hurley.[19]
In 2010, Kanal co-wrote, produced, and performed bass on the track "Kiss You Up", recorded by Barbadian artist Shontelle for her album No Gravity.[20]
With Stefani promoting her second solo album, No Doubt began work on an album without her[21] and planned to complete it after Stefani's tour was finished.[22] In March 2008, the band started making posts concerning the progression of the album on their official fan forum. Stefani made a post on 28 March 2008 stating that songwriting had begun but was slow on her end because she was pregnant with her second child.[23]
The band toured in 2009 for their first full-fledged band tour in nearly five years.[24][25] The North American 2009 Summer Tour was the band's largest tour, playing over 50 shows.
In 2012, No Doubt released Push and Shove, their latest release. They performed seven sold-out shows in Los Angeles at the Universal Amphitheater.[29] In 2014 and 2015, they played the Global Citizens Festivals in New York City and Washington, D.C., and headlined music festivals in the United States.[30]
2014–present: Dreamcar and other bands
In 2014, Kanal and No Doubt bandmates Tom Dumont and Adrian Young, along with Davey Havok of AFI, formed the band Dreamcar. They released their debut self-titled album through Columbia Records in 2017 and toured the U.S. to support it, including performances at the Coachella Festival.[31]
In December 2018, Kanal played bass for The Offspring on their Australian festival headline tour. In January 2019, Kanal joined the band for their tour in Japan.[34][35]
Personal life
Kanal dated bandmate Gwen Stefani from 1987 to 1994. They continued to have a creative relationship after they broke up which led to many of No Doubt's songs, most notably "Don't Speak".[36] Many years later, Stefani co-wrote her song "Cool" about their relationship as friends for her 2004 debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.[37]
Kanal is married to American home designer Erin Lokitz.[38] On 24 January 2011, their first daughter, Coco Reese Lakshmi Kanal was born.[39] On 22 November 2013, their second daughter, Saffron Rose Kiran Kanal was born.[40]
Kanal is a vegan[41][42] and animal rights activist. In addition to promoting and speaking publicly about animal rights issues, he has supported animal rights organizations including Farm Sanctuary,[43] LA Animal Save,[44] and Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation, Supporting The Fur Ban[45] and has done numerous hen rescues with Animal Place.[46][47]
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