10 Amazing Bands Who Lost Members At The Height Of Their Potential
6. Blind Melon (Shannon Hoon)
The pressures of stardom can be immense. Blind Melon enjoyed only a couple years of success prior to singer/songwriter Shannon Hoons passing in October 1995. Their songs - like No Rain - received extensive radio and MTV airplay. The band played several big concerts, including Woodstock 94, and toured with several of the biggest names in rock. But personal problems plagued the band, in particular Hoon who visited rehab multiple times. So severe was Hoons problem with drugs that on their last tour, the band hired a counselor to go on the road and keep Hoon on the right track. Sadly, it wasnt enough. Shortly after the counselor - who was powerless or ineffectual in keeping Hoon on the wagon - was let go, Hoon was discovered in the bands trailer, dead from a cocaine-induced heart attack. At the young age of 28, he narrowly missed joining the 27 Club. Since Hoons passing, Blind Melon has been on-again, off-again. They hired a new singer and continue touring and recording, but theyve never recaptured the spotlight. Blind Melons lighter, freer material with Hoon is unique among 90s alternative rock bands, somewhat presaging the modern indie renaissance. Hoons idiosyncratic voice and psychedelic-tinged songwriting are still instantly recognisable.
Kyle Schmidlin is a writer and musician living in Austin, TX. He manages the news blog at thirdrailnews.wordpress.com. Follow him at facebook.com/kyleschmidlin or twitter.com/kyleschmidlin1.
