Hanson
Oct. 4, 2025
MGM Northfield Park – Northfield, Ohio
By Rob McCune
Letâs face it: Most bands today who have had a fiercely faithful fan following for 30 years (or very nearly that) donât look as hot as Hanson.
The pop rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, that is made up of brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac has grown up a lot since 1997âs breakthrough âMMMBopâ off their debut album. But thatâs to be expected, seeing as the brothers were 16, 14 and 11, respectively, then.
Their music has matured as well through 11 studio albums, four live albums, six compilations, 25 EPs, and 26 singles. But the good news for Fansons (fans of Hanson) is that the songs still have the same youthful, bubblegum pop rock energy.
To be fair, even âMMMBop,â as frivolous (in a fun way) as it sounds, dealt with themes of introspection, asking the question we all eventually come to terms with: âWhen you get old and start losing your hair, who will still be there?â
Friendships sometimes fade. Family, youâre stuck with no matter what. But fandoms like the Fansons, theyâre still there. For the Hansons, every handsome hair is also still there, but there may come a day ⊠you know, what? Letâs not even think about it.
Hanson brought their dedicated fan base to MGM Northfield Park in Ohio for a show that really MMMBopped. There was dancing in the aisles, lots of singing alongâto really every songâand even a physical altercation minutes before the show started (Fansons are serious).
The brothers showed off their incredible range of musical talent â through solos and instrument exchanges, with Zac and Taylor trading off between percussion and keys. They talked with gratitude about their familiesâwives and childrenâand the fans who have kept their band going for a generation.
They performed songs about love and heartbreak and dreams and ambition. One of the most powerful of these was the fist-pumping âI Was Born,â which lyrically continues âto do something no oneâs ever done, no oneâs ever done before!â
It felt like the theme of the night, and maybe of Hansonâs career. Because no one has ever been or will ever be you, anything you do, youâll do differently than anyone else. Youâll do it as no ever has before.
Hanson accepts this as truth, and in their music at least, theyâve never tried to be anyone other than who they are.
And thatâs really cool.
Rob McCune is Every_Thing_After_Photo on Instagram, where he shares his concert photography and reviews, as well as clips from his âEvery.Thing.Afterâ podcast, with interviews with musicians and bands.