MMMBand finds humor in fundraiser

Delone Catholic raises money for Katrina victims to the tune of '90s pop hit.

By COURTNEY LOMAX
Evening Sun Reporter

No one expected Hanson to participate in a high school fundraiser.

But when the pop trio learned about "Stop the Bop" at Delone Catholic High School, the three young musicians wanted to get involved in the action.

"We found it amusing," said Isaac Hanson in a phone interview from Los Angeles, Calif., Monday. "Any creative way to raise money is a good thing."

It all started when Delone's student council set out to annoy the money out of students and teachers by playing Hanson's 1996 hit "MMMBop" in the hallways.

The "Stop the Bop" fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina got the attention of CBS and was featured on "The Early Show" on Sept. 13.

Hanson learned about the fundraiser through CBS and matched the amount the students raised - more than $3,000 - and provided all 659 students with a copy of their CD "Underneath," released in 2004.

Isaac Hanson said he thought the fundraiser was a happy, proactive response.

"Anything we can do as people is really what makes a difference," he said.

"MMMBop" may get annoying when constantly repeated, but it made the band popular.

Isaac, the oldest Hanson brother, said he is very proud of the song.

"I love it. I have no issues with it at all," he said.

"MMMBop" was nominated for a Grammy, making Zac Hanson, 10 when the song was released, the youngest songwriter to be nominated.

"It's really given us an opportunity most bands never get," Isaac said.

But what does MMMBop mean exactly?

"Ah, that's the question," Isaac Hanson laughed. He said it's about fleeting time.

"It's about a metaphor for trivial elements of life. They fly by quickly," he said. "In an MMMBop, it's gone."

And some students wished the song were gone from their school.

"One kid said he'd write a blank check to stop it," said Meredith Cox, student council president.

Principal Dr. Maureen Thiec, who originally said the incessant playing was annoying, has changed her tune. She said she has nothing against the group and might even miss hearing the song.

"It's difficult to listen to anything over and over again," Thiec said. "I'm grateful to Hanson for matching the donation and being gracious band members."

Like the band, Thiec said the school will have good memories of the song.

Hanson will be touring to promote its new album, which will be released this year.

Contact Courtney Lomax at clomax@eveningsun.com .