Why Hanson Are Not Just MMMBop

Hanson are still here, and they're not just MMMBop and hair.

First, let’s get it out of the way. They’re 19 (no, not 20) years older than they were in the MMMBop video (I know, surprising how 1997 was a long time ago, right?!), and all three are definitely physically attractive.

Think this is all there is to say about Hanson? Here's what you're missing:

1. They have been releasing music all this time

YES, ALL this time. They have 6 studio albums, which cover an impressive array of genres and styles.

youtube.com / Via youtube.com

Old School RnB? Here’s 2010’s Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’ (from the Shout It Out album)

youtube.com / Via youtube.com

A bit of rock? Try Fired up from 2013 album ANTHEM

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The guys openly acknowledge their influences with some TOP NOTCH covers scattered throughout their live shows. Here’s an acapella version of Too Much Heaven by the Bee Gees that we all need in our lives.

Of course, with all this music they produce, Hanson sell out frequent tours in not only North America, but regularly in Europe and Australia/NZ. And they have a habit of bringing some excellent support acts along, including Paul McDonald and Matt Wertz.

2. They are entrepreneurs.

Hanson own their own record label and studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 3CG Records. The story of why they left the commercial music industry behind is documented on the Strong Enough To Break documentary available here.

Tulsa World (2015) / Via tulsaworld.com

A current Hanson venture is Hanson Brothers Beer, which currently has two beers available in selected North American areas; Inland Porter and the very punny MMMHops.

Taylor Hanson (2014) / Via hanson.net

And, because music + beer = awesome, they've also dreamed up a yearly festival in Tulsa, called The Hop Jam, where beer is showcased along with live music curated by Hanson. Go this year on May 22 in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District (tickets available here)

3. They are truly GREAT to their fans.

Hanson release exclusive fan music EVERY SINGLE YEAR, with every fan club member receiving an EP, which they can watch being written, arranged, rehearsed and recorded on Live Streams during the creation process.

The guys effectively communicate with fans via their website, where an active blog is updated regularly, and Twitter. Their Twitter account is a charming mix of business and promotion as well as thoughts on life, Isaac's basketball commentary and general mayhem from the brain of Zac.

HANSON @hansonmusic

Dear God!!! It is not called Me-ball it's called basketball. Pass OKC Pass! -ISAAC @okcthunder @warriors #ThunderCollapse #ThunderUp

05:39 AM - 04 Mar 2016

Via twitter.com

HANSON @hansonmusic

Running low on paint. Time to make a pit stop. -Z #SniffPaint

04:23 PM - 07 Mar 2016

Via twitter.com

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Membership to their fan club also includes special tour events and Meet and Greets.

Of course, they have a dedicated fan base from all over the world, and they host long-form member’s events that are designed to bring people together. Each year, they host Hanson Day in Tulsa during May (the month that Hanson was created way back in 1992), as well as a Caribbean getaway in January; Back to the Island, a multi-day event which features many shows played right on the beach, long into the balmy Jamaican night. Yes. That’s amazing.

Zac is also an artist, and he creates a gallery each year for Hanson Day, while photographer Taylor puts together multiple photographic galleries for hanson.net and Hanson Day.

HANSON @hansonmusic

Baca use of announcing Loud and Play today I thought I would paint some LP's. -Z #GetLoud #MakePlay

12:07 AM - 19 Mar 2016

4. They are philanthropists

flynetpictures.com (2008) / Via zimbio.com

Hanson have their own charity, Take The Walk, which holds "Walks" worldwide to provide ongoing support to AIDs affected communities in Africa. Find out how this venture came about and join a Walk here.

Food On The Move provides food and health information and resources to those that would otherwise go without, and has been established in Tulsa, in part by the work of Taylor.

5. They are just kind of a bit awesome in general.

Via hansongifs.tumblr.com

All the members of Hanson have some super life multi-tasking skills, with each having fairly substantial families, as well as all these ventures.

Plus, they’re a whole lot of fun. Look at these goofballs.

Via hansongifs.tumblr.com

Via hansongifs.tumblr.com

6. Did we mention the music?!

Go listen to Hanson on hanson.net or Spotify immediately!

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PS Here's what MMMBop sounds like now