No Doubt [ tickets ] and Blink 182 were fully energized for Wednesday's (6/23) sold-out show at Phoenix's Cricket Pavilion, turning the summer shed into a giant, pogo-hopping free-for-all.

Blink 182 hit the stage in overdrive, playing speeded-up versions of all of its hits, rendering them nearly unrecognizable; the only song during the 90-minute set that resembled the recorded version was the suicide ode "Adam's Song."

Bassist Mark Hoppus and guitarist Tom DeLonge--who both handle vocals for the group--seem to have toned down their act, which in the past included an abundance of swearing, farting, burping and sexual jokes. DeLonge did let loose one belch, which generated laughter from the crowd of mostly college-aged kids.

DeLonge also poked fun at the youngsters in the crowd, who watched the show in nearly 100-degree heat.

"We need to talk about this next one," he said while introducing "Stay Together for the Kids." "It's a little sad and is a little slow. In the old days--back before most of you were born back in the mid-1990s--we used to raise lighters during songs. That just does not make very good fire-safety sense.

"Besides that, this is the age of the Internet. So, in celebration of the year 2004, hold up your cell phones instead of lighters."

The opening band, Phantom Planet, best known for performing the theme song to the Fox television show the "O.C.," celebrated its last day on the tour by running on stage with a Spiderman kiddie pool in the middle of Blink 182's set. Several members mooned the audience.

Blink's stage design was sparse, save for asymmetrical video screens hanging against a back curtain. The stick-figure face that graces the cover of the group's recent, self-titled release hung over uber-inked drummer Travis Barker. Barker provided a backdrop of his own with his exaggerated arm movements while playing the drums.

Phantom Planet's prank wasn't the only surprise during the show. Barker disappeared near the end of Blink's set, only to reappear behind a revolving drum kit between the lawn and pavilion.

No Doubt's 90-minute set was more subdued, but nonetheless impressive. Kicking off with "Just a Girl," the band hammered through its greatest hits. Lead singer Gwen Stefani's coy sexuality shined through, charming the crowd.

In contrast with Blink 182's Spartan set-up, No Doubt outfitted the stage with plenty of props, from upright pianos to chaise lounges to giant crowns. Stefani arose fully clothed from a bath tub during "Bathwater," showing Britney Spears that women needn't be scantily clad to assert their sexuality.

A wall of lights accompanied the disco song "Hella Good," giving Cricket Pavilion a nightclub vibe.

"We came all the way here to see you. I want you to do exactly what I tell you to do," Stefani yelled. "Jump!"

The energy continued even through the ballad "Don't Speak," which she dedicated to her brother, Eric Stefani, an animator for "The Simpsons."

No Doubt's set felt more like a farewell performance than standard summer fare. Stefani, who is recording a solo effort, expressed her appreciation for her fans' support through the years.

"We did 'Just a Girl' first, which was our very first single ever on the radio," she said. "Thank you to all the girls who have supported us for the last 17 years I was able to be in No Doubt."

Afterward, she dedicated the pro-marriage and family song "Simple Kind of Life" to all the girls in the audience. The performance was stunning, with Stefani accompanied only by guitarist Tom Dumont in front of a white curtain. Midway through the song, the rest of the band joined in.

They ended their set with the pogo-friendly "Sunday Morning," leaving the audience exhausted and sweaty.