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GenreAlternative, Rock
Rank8,579 (new)
Albums7
Songs67
About
Blind Melon is an American rock band from the 1990s.
Name
Reportedly, the name "Blind Melon" describes some hippies from Mississippi, as used (or coined) by Brad Smith's father. Also, "Blind Melon Chitlin" was the name of a fictional bluesman appearing in a routine on the self-titled Cheech and Chong LP, and a "Blind Lemon Pie" character appears in the 1978 movie mockumentary of the Rutles, "All You Need Is Cash". These may be a derivative of the name of bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson.
History
Blind Melon signed to Capitol Records in 1991 and recorded an unreleased demo. Frontman Shannon Hoon and Axl Rose (who was a friend of Hoon's sister) re-met, and Hoon sang back-up on several Guns N' Roses tracks, including "Don't Cry". The band's self-titled debut album, produced by Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam), sold poorly until the single and music video for "No Rain" hit the airwaves and became a smash success, along with the popular video which featured the equally popular "Bee Girl" (played by Heather DeLoach). Subsequently, Blind Melon went platinum four times. After opening for Neil Young, Lenny Kravitz, Soundgarden and The Rolling Stones, Blind Melon's own tour was cut short due to Hoon's escalating drug abuse.
Hoon and the rest of the band began recording their sophomore album in New Orleans with producer Andy Wallace. Hoon would later admit that he had no memory of the recording session. While Hoon checked into rehab, the album, Soup, was released in 1995, but sold poorly. The album featured backing vocals from Jena Kraus, who subsequently recorded a solo record with Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith. In 1995, Blind Melon also contributed the song "Out on the Tiles" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin, as well as a promotional CD with a cover of the School House Rock song "Three is a Magic Number".
Against the advice of Hoon's drug counselor, Blind Melon went on tour. Hoon was found dead of a cocaine overdose on October 21, 1995 in New Orleans. With some unreleased vocals in the vaults, the remaining members released Nico in 1996, with the profits going to a program that helps musicians with drug and alcohol addiction. After briefly attempting to continue, Blind Melon officially disbanded on March 4, 1999, and the various members went on to other projects.
In 2002, Capitol Records released a Classic Masters CD showcasing twelve Blind Melon songs. Thanks to stronger than expected sales, the band released The Best of Blind Melon in 2005, a CD+DVD package that features Blind Melon performing live from a September 1995 concert in Chicago.
In early 2006, a tribute album to Blind Melon is also set for release by Yakmusic in New Zealand and will feature bands from all over the world. The album's profits will be used for charitable purposes and will be available online from numerous websites.
In April 2006, Capitol Records released the Live At The Palace CD that was rereleased in the fall (October 17, 2006) with a new package.
On September 15th, 2006, it was announced that Blind Melon is back together with a new lead singer, Travis Warren (Rain Fur Rent frontman). Further information on www.beemelon.com.
Members
Shannon Hoon (deceased) - vocals, harmonica, kazoo and acoustic guitar
Christopher Thorn - guitar, mandolin and harmonica
Rogers Stevens - guitar and piano
Brad Smith - bass and flute
Glenn Graham - drums and percussions
Jena Kraus - backing vocals
Blind Melon is an American rock band from the 1990s.
Name
Reportedly, the name "Blind Melon" describes some hippies from Mississippi, as used (or coined) by Brad Smith's father. Also, "Blind Melon Chitlin" was the name of a fictional bluesman appearing in a routine on the self-titled Cheech and Chong LP, and a "Blind Lemon Pie" character appears in the 1978 movie mockumentary of the Rutles, "All You Need Is Cash". These may be a derivative of the name of bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson.
History
Blind Melon signed to Capitol Records in 1991 and recorded an unreleased demo. Frontman Shannon Hoon and Axl Rose (who was a friend of Hoon's sister) re-met, and Hoon sang back-up on several Guns N' Roses tracks, including "Don't Cry". The band's self-titled debut album, produced by Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam), sold poorly until the single and music video for "No Rain" hit the airwaves and became a smash success, along with the popular video which featured the equally popular "Bee Girl" (played by Heather DeLoach). Subsequently, Blind Melon went platinum four times. After opening for Neil Young, Lenny Kravitz, Soundgarden and The Rolling Stones, Blind Melon's own tour was cut short due to Hoon's escalating drug abuse.
Hoon and the rest of the band began recording their sophomore album in New Orleans with producer Andy Wallace. Hoon would later admit that he had no memory of the recording session. While Hoon checked into rehab, the album, Soup, was released in 1995, but sold poorly. The album featured backing vocals from Jena Kraus, who subsequently recorded a solo record with Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith. In 1995, Blind Melon also contributed the song "Out on the Tiles" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin, as well as a promotional CD with a cover of the School House Rock song "Three is a Magic Number".
Against the advice of Hoon's drug counselor, Blind Melon went on tour. Hoon was found dead of a cocaine overdose on October 21, 1995 in New Orleans. With some unreleased vocals in the vaults, the remaining members released Nico in 1996, with the profits going to a program that helps musicians with drug and alcohol addiction. After briefly attempting to continue, Blind Melon officially disbanded on March 4, 1999, and the various members went on to other projects.
In 2002, Capitol Records released a Classic Masters CD showcasing twelve Blind Melon songs. Thanks to stronger than expected sales, the band released The Best of Blind Melon in 2005, a CD+DVD package that features Blind Melon performing live from a September 1995 concert in Chicago.
In early 2006, a tribute album to Blind Melon is also set for release by Yakmusic in New Zealand and will feature bands from all over the world. The album's profits will be used for charitable purposes and will be available online from numerous websites.
In April 2006, Capitol Records released the Live At The Palace CD that was rereleased in the fall (October 17, 2006) with a new package.
On September 15th, 2006, it was announced that Blind Melon is back together with a new lead singer, Travis Warren (Rain Fur Rent frontman). Further information on www.beemelon.com.
Members
Shannon Hoon (deceased) - vocals, harmonica, kazoo and acoustic guitar
Christopher Thorn - guitar, mandolin and harmonica
Rogers Stevens - guitar and piano
Brad Smith - bass and flute
Glenn Graham - drums and percussions
Jena Kraus - backing vocals
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