(LEFT to RIGHT) Isaac Hanson, Zac Hanson, and Taylor Hanson. Photos by Ilana Rapp
When someone asked me what the audience demographic was for the band Hanson, my response was, "Probably people in their 50's." Boy, was I wrong!
Hanson, which consists of three brothers from Oklahoma – Isaac, Taylor, and Zac – put on a killer show at the bergenPAC in Englewood, NJ, on October 23, 2025. No fancy screens, no pyrotechnics, just the guys and two other musicians, Dimitrius Collins and Andrew Perusi, who filled out the songs with fantastic precision.
The 1,300+ theater was packed with people of all ages, mostly teen girls and women in their 20’s. What made this concert so special was the harmonies, venue atmosphere, and nostalgia -- which is funny considering a huge chunk of the audience wasn’t even alive yet when the band’s breakout song MmmBop hit the airwaves in 1997.
Background on the Band
A fun little tidbit is that Isaac and Taylor both use their middle names as their stage names, with Isaac’s legal name being “Clarke Isaac Hanson” and Taylor’s being “Jordan Taylor Hanson”. In case you’re wondering what Zac’s full name is, it’s “Zachary Walker Hanson”.
The fact that they continue to live and work out of their hometown, Tulsa, underscores their grounded approach and authenticity. They’re the three oldest siblings out of seven, and grew up in a very musical household.
In the early days of the band, they didn’t realize how large of a following they had. Weeks after their debut album Middle of Nowhere was released (the album that MmmBop is on), the band was scheduled to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman. The record label also scheduled them for an appearance the day before at Paramus Park Mall in Paramus, New Jersey (go Jersey!), but the boys were so nervous about appearing on David Letterman, they just wanted to relax and emotionally prepare for their big evening on national television. Well, the band was told they’ve GOT to go to Paramus Park… and so they did… and were shocked to see an estimated 8,000 people there! Want to hear the story “in person”? Watch the video clip from the Bergen PAC concert!
The Harmonies & Musical Performance
Having listened to the Hanson brothers since the beginning, I knew they had something special with their harmonies. It was definitely an interesting time when their baby voices started changing into their adolescence and then adulthood voices, and how they’d start playing the songs in lower octaves to match their “new” sound.
At the bergenPAC concert, the three brothers weaved their voices into beautiful moments. Isaac led a vocal line while Taylor and Zac layered beautifully close harmonies behind him -- the kind of blend that can only come from siblings who have sang together their whole lives. Zac’s drums were crisp but not overpowering, Taylor’s piano added color, and Isaac’s guitar anchored the groove. Their setlist balanced nostalgia (“MMMBop”, “Penny & Me”) with deeper cuts and newer material, including a song from their Members Only club! Zac sung lead on that one, and it was just beautiful. (By the way, Zac turned 40 years old the day before the concert!) 40?!
The Concert Experience at Bergen PAC
The venue itself provided an intimate yet grand setting -- the acoustics allowed the harmonies to shine, the lighting swelled at key moments, and the audience was a mix of longtime fans (some with their children) and younger attendees discovering Hanson for the first time. The crowd sang along to the hits, cheered after each guitar solo, and there was a genuine warmth in the room.
Getting back to the lighting – I always wondered how the technicians know exactly when to “bang” the lights during an emphasized drum beat. Is there really time for a full rehearsal or is there just a sound check? If anyone knows the answer to this, please let me know!
The setlist moved at a comfortable pace with the show being an even two hours with no intermission. Each brother got to shine by doing their own solo. It was really fun to watch them switch instruments.
Photo by Penny Liss
Themes, Values & What the Band Stands For
What sets Hanson apart from many nostalgic acts is that they still feel purposeful. Their bond as brothers is visible -- not just in matching voices, but in how they share the stage, cue each other, joke together, and support one another musically. This sibling-unity is central to their identity.
They’re also grounded: they still call Tulsa home, they’ve built their own label and career on their terms, and they’ve avoided the more destructive trappings of fame. And in interviews, they’ve spoken openly about being proud of their 90s origins while still moving forward.
Reflection & Context
Seeing Hanson now -- decades into their career -- there’s less of the “boy-band” flash and more of a mature, tight-knit rock/pop outfit with something to say. The harmonies that grabbed people’s attention in 1997 are still here, but enriched by time, experience, and musicianship.
In terms of nostalgia vs. freshness: they struck a good balance. Long-time fans got the hits they came for, but the band also gave space to newer material. The audience seemed appreciative of both. For a fan of Hanson’s early era, this concert delivered more than remembered blasts -- it offered proof that the band has grown without losing what made them special. At no time did I feel a dip in energy – it was pure adrenaline the whole way through.
The Hanson show at bergenPAC was a reminder of loving music built by people who still respect it. I got the same cozy feeling when I saw the band at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, and more recently at the park in Burlington County, NJ. If you’re wondering whether Hanson still has it, the answer is yes. They’re not just a ‘90s flashback, they’re a living-and-breathing musical force that knows its roots and still has something to offer.
