The most played song of 2001 wasn't what you'd expect. Jenny From The Block, Hot In Here, Complicated and With Arms Wide Open didn't come close.
Surprisingly, the song which racked up more air time than any of the above was Hanging By A Moment, the first ever single released by Lifehouse.
Propelling the American band to the top of the charts, at first it appeared the group had a path carved to success before they had even begun.
But just when you think you know what to expect from a band, they go and surprise you.
Lifehouse albums over the years have been met with all manner of praise and criticism, something lead singer Jason Wade says gave them a hidden confidence.
"It's funny, but there comes a point when you just stop caring so much," he said. "We're in Jakarta right now, we came from a baseball game in Arizona, and we'll be in Dubai in February. We weren't really sure people even knew who we were in all those places, but you play and it's amazing to see people singing every word of songs which nobody said they liked in the US."
Playing at the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, which takes place from January 20 to February 18, the three big nights finishing things off on February 16-18, Wade tells tabloid! what life on tour is like.
"It's always tough on tour," he said. "It's like a real love/hate relationship, to be truthful. When you're at home too long, you miss the road; and when you're on the road, you want to be home. You miss a fluffy pillow, your own bed. I'm on the tour bus now and I know I'm heading for a low-budget hotel which won't be the most comfortable. The only saving grace is that we all still enjoy each other's company. That goes a long way."
Two identities
For the duration of Los Angeles-based Lifehouse's ten-year career, they've been delicately balancing two identities: radio-ready song craftsmen and raucous live rock and roll band. On their fifth studio album, Smoke and Mirrors, the band finally unites these two personalities. "We toured for over a year before we started making this record," said Wade. "With the new album we really wanted to capture what we were doing on the road, but halfway through recording, it was apparent we hadn't focused enough on the equally important radio side. It finally dawned on us to just do both."
The guys from Lifehouse have an impressive resume. Founding members Wade and drummer Rick Woolstenhulme Jr met in Los Angeles and formed the band in the late '90s. Lifehouse released their smash debut No Name Face in 2000, which launched them to global stardom.
Building on the initial success, they were joined first by replacement bassist Bryce Soderberg and more recently by guitarist Ben Carey.
"Sure there have been some bumps along the way," said Wade, also referring to Rick's brother Sean who left the band in the early days. "You just have to keep going. Somehow you remember the good stuff more."
From the offset it was "the bigger the better" according to Wade. "We aimed high," he said. "In 2000, we hit the road with Pearl Jam, which was incredible. In 2003 it all got a bit surreal when we supported The Rolling Stones. It was so weird. When I look back now, I remember us all saying it was like it wasn't happening. Charlie [Watts] gave Rick his drum head and I'm not even sure he managed to say thank you."
From very early on, Lifehouse fans demonstrated a resilient loyalty to the band, so much so that several of the band's hits still maintain chart positions on iTunes, years after their initial release. The band also have a formidable online presence — their video streams are at 70 million and counting.
"The internet has really changed things," he said. "In a good way," he was quick to add with a giggle. "We had no idea we had such a wide fanbase and it gives you a confidence you never knew you had. Because all of sudden people can listen to songs, interviews and get to know you without you even having to be anywhere near.
"It's like hunting for gold. Wherever our fans are, we are looking for them."
