ZAC-Little Bro Knows Best
He's the youngest and the zaniest member of Hanson, and his brothers have always said his actions were really due to shyness. But one thing's for sure, where Zac is, there is never a dull moment. Older rock critics have called him "Keith Moon, Jr." (referring to the late drummer of The Who, as famous for his on-the-road hijinx as for his prowess pounding the skins).
Zac is great at lots of sports, including RollerBlading and hockey, and they provide a great outlet for his pent up pre-pubescent energy. But drumming provides the greatest release and is probably the most creatively fulfilling. Says brother Isaac, "He's got the hardest job in the group" and they will be the first to tell you he is probably the most technically proficient musician of the three.
Being the youngest member of the group naturally sets up Zac for a lot of taunting from his older brothers, although they mean it in a loving way. During an interview in New York last February, they called him offbeat names such as "Ritalin Boy" and "Satan". It's especially amusing if you consider the fact that Zac has a baby face if there ever was one. Maybe it's his sweet-faced, teddybear looks that really lets him get away with his outrageous behavior.
Even more than his brothers, Zac is awed by the sudden success his group has encountered in the past few months. After the group's early May performance at a Sam Goody store, he told an interviewer, "we're used to a couple of hundred people, but not 4000".
While most kids tend to argue with their parents a lot at his age, Zac treats his parents with the utmost respect at all times. They have been the band's greatest support through the five years they have been "pro". When asked if he has "stage parents", Zac is the first to respond, "Our parents didn't push us into this. This was our thing. But they helped us with it. They said 'I'm going to drive you to where you want to go and get what you need.'"
The way to Zac's heart is to be as playful as he is and appreciate his non-stop clowning. Like the other Hansons, he is very spiritual and loving, and makes sure his non-stop antics are not offensive to anyone. Says one former musician friend from Tulsa, "He is hard to figure out at first but once you have really spent time with him, you are provided with non-stop entertainment. He's such a damn interesting person, really wise beyond his years. He seems hyper but he is really cute."
Zac is the member of Hanson closest to the younger siblings in the family who range in ages three to eight. He remarked to the New York Times earlier this year, "We're willing to let them be in the band. We've asked them before but I really think they want to do their own thing."
The question most asked of Zac is "Does he have a girlfriend?" He responds sarcastically with a one sentence answer. "They'd see us one minute a year!" When asked if his success has allowed him to meet girls easily he told Reuter New Reporter, "You can't help getting girls when you are a guy in a band".
Zac's best kept secret is that for a little peace and quiet, he escapes to a treehouse the brother's built in their backyard. Yes, even the most highly kinetic member of Hanson needs to relax now and then.