Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale (left) and No Doubt vocalist Gwen Stefani.

FBI warns nation of possible Stefani/Rossdale collaboration

"We've attained certain evidence suggesting Stefani and Rossdale intend to work together on a project of some kind within the next few months," warned Attorney General John Ashcroft. Ashcroft did not specify the nature of the project, but did reinforce that both Stefani and Rossdale are "known vocalists easily capable of releasing an album or single in the U.S."

Ashcroft said the warning is based on credible information gathered by Interscope Records and other sources that have monitored Stefani and Rossdale since the singers were married Sept. 14.

"That Stefani has repeatedly shown a willingness to collaborate on other artists' albums only makes the FBI's suspicions that much more credible," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, referring to the 33-year-old singer's session work with Moby, Eve and Gameface. "Rossdale has also recently shown a readiness to record without his bandmates. American's should be aware that his contribution to the XXX soundtrack, 'Adrenaline' - which blew up [on] modern rock radio last month - was a solo effort. As known associates, it appears inevitable that Stefani and Rossdale will attempt to record something together soon, the only real question is when."

The FBI warning came only days after CNN began airing an excerpt of a videotape of Stefani and Rossdale acquired by the network following the couple's wedding. The amateur footage, which analysts say was shot during the couple's post-ceremony celebration, clearly depicts the newlyweds engaged in a crude a capella duet of Sonny and Cher's "I Got You, Babe."

"The CNN tape shows exactly what these two are capable of," said CNN video analyst Bob Grossman. "Time and time again we've seen how recording artists can lose their objectivity when blinded by love. The American people can not take this video evidence lightly and say, 'Oh, they were probably just drunk and having a good time.' The nation must expect and brace for the worst-case scenario: a full-length or even double-disc released unexpectedly in the U.S. Most likely, Stefani and Rossdale will even produce the record themselves."

Fleischer reassured reporters that the FBI has been working closely with Interscope Records in an attempt to predict an estimated release date should any serious collaboration be verified.

"Music fans should continue to live their lives the way they would otherwise live them, only with an elevated sense of alertness or vigilance," said Fleischer. "Continue purchasing albums by such popular artists as Nelly, Eminem or Disturbed just as you normally would. Just be cautious and on the lookout for releases featuring stickers that say, 'Featuring members of No Doubt and Bush.'"

November 2002