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.
