Smuggled Sounds: Blind Melon - Three is a Magic Number

BLDM001 Blind Melon signed to Capitol Records in 1991 (see 1991 in music) and recorded an unreleased demo. Whereas most up and coming alternative bands of the early '90s borrowed from the leaders of the pack (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, etc.), Blind Melon was an exception to the rule -- their roots lay in classic rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin). 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. Shannon77

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 (see 1995 in music), 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".

BLDM002 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.