Hanson at the Commodore in Vancouver

Yesterday afternoon and evening I had the chance to meet Zac, Isaac, and Taylor Hanson. Three brothers, singers, songwriters, record company owners, and musicians from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Thanks to Keira, I took the initiative to set up an interview with them for my weekly E! Online post (Hanson interview to be published next week). She came along as my photographer and we both had a great time chatting with the guys and watching them perform. I have to say, they are one talented group and have much more in their catalog than 1997’s mmmbop (since I just know someone will bring that up in the comments).

My post for E!Online:

It had been eight years since Zac, Taylor and Isaac Hanson had played Vancouver and judging by the excited screams of the fans outside of the Commodore on Granville, their return had been long-awaited.

Since they were last in town, Hanson started their own record company, 3CG Records, topped independent album charts, and toured the world. In 2006 they recorded the song Great Divide with a school choir in Soweto and released the single on iTunes, with all proceeds going towards research and prevention of AIDS in Africa.

“We’ve been lucky to see the world,” noted Taylor as we chatted inside the legendary Commodore Ballroom, “What we really saw was that AIDS is affecting a whole generation of people.”

Releasing a charity single was not enough for Hanson however, in September of 2007 they began taking walks before their concerts; these weren’t just peaceful strolls in the park to clear their heads before shows. They were barefoot and with fans – encouraging all to come out and complete this small and simple task that could make a world of difference.

“We wanted to start these walks in order to inspire people that are our peers and our fans to say: ‘You know what? We can start small, we can start simple, and most importantly we can start.'” Taylor who, along with his brothers, won’t stop until they have completed 24,902 miles – equal to a walk around the world.

Fans are also encouraged to start up walks in their hometowns by purchasing a kit from TalkTheWalk.net. You can also buy a pair of shoes from TOMS Shoes and they will donate a second pair to a child on your behalf.

Hanson’s walk around Vancouver was a success and their concert was packed with adoring fans along with the sound of their good-natured, grassroots rock and roll. Upcoming tour dates are listed on their official website, Hanson.net and the walks usually take place a few hours before the show, starting at the venue; all are welcome.

Update: Our podcast interview with Hanson is now available on RadioZoom as well. My photos are available on Flickr.