In recent years, the tale of Blind
Melon has taken a dramatic turn
– from an abrupt and tragic end, to
a rebirth and reconnection with
their legion of fans. No matter how
you slice it, the group was
responsible for some of the most
memorable and pure-sounding rock
music of the ‘90s. And with their
reformation in 2006 with singer
Travis Warren, Blind Melon are
poised to pick up exactly where they
left off a decade earlier –
as evidenced by their new single,
"Wishing Well," and
forthcoming/as-yet-to-be-titled
fourth full-length overall, due
April 22, 2008.
Blind Melon originally formed in
1990 in Los Angeles, California,
when five transplants from other
states crossed paths - singer
Shannon Hoon, guitarist Christopher
Thorn, guitarist Rogers Stevens,
bassist Brad Smith, and drummer Glen
Graham. The group’s now-classic
self-titled debut followed in 1992.
A year later, the song "No Rain"
became a smash hit and Blind Melon
became one of rock’s feel-good
‘overnight success stories, opening
for acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Neil
Young, Lenny Kravitz, and the
Rolling Stones, as well as giving an
unforgettable appearance at
Woodstock ’94. Unfortunately, Hoon’s
drug addiction took a turn for the
worse and just two months after the
release of the group’s 1995
sophomore release, ‘Soup,’ Hoon died
of an overdose.
After failing to find a replacement
for Hoon, the group officially went
their separate ways in 1999.
However, it was clear that there was
still an unmistakable demand for the
band. When Smith and Thorn were
asked to produce a few tracks for
Texas-based singer/songwriter,
Warren
– who also happened to be a diehard
Blind Melon fan –
it soon became apparent that they
had finally located Blind Melon’s
new singer. With Stevens and Graham
reclaiming their spots as well,
Blind Melon was back in business.
The reformed band spent most of 2007
writing and recording. But before
issuing a new album, the group
decided to introduce their newest
member via a highly successful and
completely sold out club tour in
late 2007. If the strong response
from fans at these shows is any
indication, the group’s 2008 tour
and forthcoming new album will
spread the word further. Without a
doubt, Blind Melon is back.
