John Spence

Birth Name:

John Francis Spence

Birth Date:

February 3, 1969

Birth Place:

Anaheim, California

Death Date:

December 21, 1987

Place of Death:

Anaheim, California

Age:

Cause of Death:

Suicide - gunshot wound to the head

Cemetery Name:

Melrose Abbey Memorial Park

Claim to Fame:

Music

John Francis Spence was the singer best known as the original lead vocalist and a founding member of No Doubt. Born in Anaheim, California, Spence formed the ska-influenced band in 1986 with Eric Stefani and other friends, and he was responsible for the band's name, reportedly taking it from his frequent use of the phrase “no doubt.” As one of two driving forces behind the band early on, the band rehearsed in the Stefani's family garage, and Gwen was originally brought into the fold as a backup singer at the behest of keyboardist Eric. Known for his highly energetic and theatrical stage presence (including back flips on stage), Spence performed alongside a young Gwen Stefani, who initially sang backup vocals. His career with the band was brief: he died by suicide on December 21, 1987, at age 18, shortly before No Doubt was scheduled to perform at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. Following his death, the band continued, eventually with Gwen Stefani as its lead singer, and went on to achieve international success. Although Spence never recorded a No Doubt studio album, he is remembered as an important figure in the band's origins; its debut album was dedicated to him, and the band later honored his memory with the song “Dear John.”

Fun Fact

Gwen Stefani grew up on Mells Lane in Anaheim, California, but No Doubt famously rehearsed and recorded at a different family home on West Beacon Avenue. Gwen Stefani lived on 1579 W. Mells Lane during her childhood and early years. It is recognized by fans as her primary family residence from her youth. The Beacon Avenue House at 1173 W. Beacon Ave., Anaheim, California is where No Doubt regularly practiced in the garage of this house, which belonged to Gwen’s father’s side of the family (her grandparents). The band recorded The Beacon Street Collection album here. Parts of the music videos for “Just a Girl” and “Trapped in a Box” were also filmed at this location.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Melrose Abbey Memorial Park

2303 S Manchester Avenue

Anaheim, California, 92802

USA

North America

Map:

Melrose Abbey Memorial Park in Anaheim, California

Grave Location:

Paradise Garden

Grave Location Description

As you enter the cemetery turn left at the second road and drive straight ahead, turning right at the end of the road. As you enter the main cemetery take the first soft left and follow that road past the maintenance area on the left. Turn right at the end of the road and park 100 feet after the turn. Walk to your left 10 rows, directly past the two palms trees and you will find the final resting place of No Doubt’s original lead singer John Spence.

Grave Location GPS

33.793137, -117.894415

Photos:

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FAQ's

John Spence was born on February 3, 1969.

John Spence was born in Anaheim, California.

John Spence died on December 21, 1987.

John Spence died in Anaheim, California.

John Spence was 18.

The cause of death was Suicide - gunshot wound to the head.

John Spence's grave is in Melrose Abbey Memorial Park

Videos Featuring John Spence:

No Doubt: The HEART BREAKING Story Of Their Original Singer John Spence

No Doubt Dear John

No doubt - Live - 7/11/1987 – House Party – Sunny Hills, CA

The Tragic Story of No Doubt and their Forgotten Co-Founder

No Doubt - Total Hate -Live 1987 ( John Spence & Gwen Stefani on Vocal)

Watch YouTube video titled No Doubt live at Mod Expo 1987 (

John Spence