Gabriel ‘The Gun’ Gonzalez, the original trumpet player for No Doubt, has sadly passed away at the age of 57 following a motorcycle accident in Hermosa Beach, California. His death was confirmed to SPIN.
Gonzalez, born in 1967, began playing trumpet in school and met several members of No Doubt while attending Loara High School in Anaheim, California. He co-wrote some of the band’s early music when they were known as Apple Core, prior to adopting the name No Doubt. A few of the unreleased songs from this period were part of their later works, including tracks on their albums such as The Beacon Street Collection released in 1995. Notably, he is credited as a co-writer on the song "Total Hate 95" and is also recognized for his contributions to "Paulina" from their self-titled debut album in 1992.
In addition to his work with No Doubt, Gonzalez was active in the ska music scene and collaborated with other artists, including The Untouchables and Save Ferris. His most recent social media post featured rare footage of No Doubt's early performances, which elicited an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans and friends. According to comments on his posts, many remembered him as a genuine person who created a positive impact through both music and personal interactions.
Gonzalez recalled the beginnings of No Doubt during a January interview with SPIN, reflecting on the influence of bands like Madness and Prince Buster that shaped their early sound. His contributions were an integral part of the pioneering ska and pop fusion that defined No Doubt's signature style, solidifying their place in music history.
The music community mourns the loss of this influential artist, whose legacy will undoubtedly be felt. Fans and friends continue to pay tribute to his life and contributions to the music world on social media platforms, as his unforgettable spirit lives on through his music.
For more details, check NME's full report here.