Gin Blossoms
Encyclopedia
Gin Blossoms is an American pop rock band formed in 1987, in Tempe, Arizona
. They took their name from a photo of W.C. Fields which bore the caption "W.C. Fields with gin blossoms
", referring to what appeared to be the actor's gin-ravaged nose, but was actually a skin condition known as rosacea
. The band released three albums and had several hits in the mid 1990s, before breaking up in 1997. Five years later in 2002, the band reunited, released a DVD, resumed touring, and promised a fourth album. Major Lodge Victory
, the Gin Blossoms' first album in ten years, was released on August 8, 2006 on the Hybrid Recordings
label. Their fifth album, No Chocolate Cake
, was released on September 28, 2010 through 429 Records.
, bassist Bill Leen
, vocalist Robin Wilson
, guitarist Richard Taylor, Taylor's original replacement Steven Severson, drummer Chris McCann, McCann's replacement Dan Henzerling, and Taylor's later replacement Jesse Valenzuela
. In their early years, the Gin Blossoms became well-known locally around their hometown of Tempe, Arizona
. The band's frequent touring resulted in an increase in popularity; the Blossoms also independently recorded their first full-length album, Dusted
, which was released in 1989.
By the early 1990s, the lineup had changed to Leen on bass, Hopkins on guitar, Valenzuela on guitar and vocals, Wilson on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Phillip Rhodes on drums. After being signed with A&M Records
, the band began to work on their major-label debut. Initial attempts to create a major-label record faltered and the band released an EP, Up and Crumbling
, instead.
Gin Blossoms named their first full-length studio album New Miserable Experience
. In February 1992, while still working to complete it, founding member and lead guitarist/songwriter Doug Hopkins
drank heavily and grew increasingly stubborn and disillusioned with the process. Faced with the prospect of being dropped by A&M
, the band terminated Hopkins and replaced him with Scott Johnson. The album was completed and the first single released from it was Hopkins' song "Hey Jealousy
". It would reach #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
and #4 on Billboards Mainstream Rock Tracks
, largely fueling the success of New Miserable Experience. However, the achievement would be overshadowed by Hopkins' suicide on December 4, 1993. The following year, another song penned by Hopkins, "Found Out About You
", would also reach #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climb to #1 on Billboards Modern Rock Tracks
.
Between their debut and second albums, the Gin Blossoms provided the single "Til I Hear It from You
" for the Empire Records
soundtrack. It reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second major album, Congratulations I'm Sorry, was released in 1996. Yielding one top ten hit, "Follow You Down
" - #9 Billboard Hot 100, the album met with mixed reviews.
The Blossoms broke up in the spring of 1997, and each band member moved on to his own project. Vocalist Wilson and drummer Rhodes launched the Gas Giants
. Bassist Leen retired from music to operate a rare-book store. Guitarist Valenzuela fronted a short-lived outfit called the Low Watts, released a solo album, and kept busy writing and producing. Wilson ventured into producing as well, at his Mayberry Studios in Tempe, Arizona (the studio is now called Uranus Studios).
The Gas Giants announced an "indefinite hiatus" in June 2001. On December 4, 2001, it was announced that Scott would leave his current band, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
, to rejoin the Gin Blossoms. The band regrouped and began playing together again in earnest (having done a couple of one-off shows in the interim) in 2002. In the words of frontman Robin Wilson at the time, "We always said our breakup wasn't forever and right now we're all feeling like we want to be Gin Blossoms again. We make a noise together that we can't make otherwise. We respect and appreciate that we need each other to create that sound. This time we hope to avoid being swallowed by the chaos."
In preparation to the band's official reunion show, Rhodes suffered a meltdown due to his ongoing battle with alcohol. Shortly after entering rehab, he was formally dismissed from the band. Phil Leavitt of dada
originally took Rhodes' place in the lineup, and then Gary Smith (of The Pistoleros, another Tempe band) stepped in. Scott Kusmirek took over drumming for the band from 2002 to 2004. In January 2005, it was announced that Rhodes, who had been sober for over two years, would rejoin the band. The re-entry of Rhodes was short-lived, however. Kusmirek returned to the band, taking Rhodes' place. "The Kooze", as he is affectionately known, served as drummer for the Gin Blossoms until September 30, 2008, when a press release issued by the band explained he and the group parted ways. The current drummer is John Richardson
.
The band's fourth album, Major Lodge Victory
, was originally recorded at Robin Wilson's Mayberry Studios in Tempe. However, the album was then re-recorded at Ardent Studios
in Memphis
, the same studio at which the band had recorded all of their previous albums, along with other notable groups such as Big Star and The Replacements. Major Lodge Victory was released by Hybrid Recordings
on August 8, 2006, and "Learning the Hard Way" was the first single. Major Lodge Victory debuted at number 159 on the Billboard 200 album chart. This was the first time the Gin Blossoms had appeared on the Billboard 200 chart in 10 years, one month, and two weeks. Gin Blossoms had last appeared on the chart during the week of July 13, 1996, with their previous album, Congratulations… I'm Sorry. Since reuniting, the band has toured at numerous locations across the country, occasionally joined by Kirk "The Judge" Karman on harmonica.
Frontman Robin Wilson is best known for his interaction with the crowd. He often hands off a tambourine to a lucky fan in the front row to strike in sync with the drum beat. He's also been known to sing directly into fans' cell phones during some of their more established hits such as "Follow You Down" and "'Til I Hear It From You". Often during live performances, Wilson will also introduce the band to the audience. He typically calls himself "Bif Del Monte", and introduces Jesse Valenzuela as his brother, "Pablo Del Monte". Former member and co-founder of the band, Doug Hopkins (deceased), was known as "Otis Del Monte", while bass player Bill Leen is known as "Soup-bone Del Monte", and drummer Phillip Rhodes as "Guido Del Monte". These nicknames came from the band's early days playing at local bars around their hometown of Tempe, Arizona. As the story goes, one night the band was set to perform a gig at Long Wong's, a local bar. However, the members were forced to change their names, in order to avoid trouble with the law. The band went on the bill as the Del Montes, and the name stuck.
Gin Blossoms released a live album, Live In Concert
, on May 15, 2009. This album contains live recordings of the band's hits such as "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down", as well as recent singles such as "Learning the Hard Way
" and "Long Time Gone," and also a live cover of Elton John
's "Rocket Man"
The band's fifth studio album, No Chocolate Cake
, was released September 28, 2010. The first single, "Miss Disarray" was released to stations on August 2, 2010.
Over the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday the band traveled to Iraq and played a series of shows for American troops stationed there.
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
. They took their name from a photo of W.C. Fields which bore the caption "W.C. Fields with gin blossoms
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by facial erythema . Pimples are sometimes included as part of the definition. Unless it affects the eyes, it is typically a harmless cosmetic condition...
", referring to what appeared to be the actor's gin-ravaged nose, but was actually a skin condition known as rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by facial erythema . Pimples are sometimes included as part of the definition. Unless it affects the eyes, it is typically a harmless cosmetic condition...
. The band released three albums and had several hits in the mid 1990s, before breaking up in 1997. Five years later in 2002, the band reunited, released a DVD, resumed touring, and promised a fourth album. Major Lodge Victory
Major Lodge Victory
Major Lodge Victory is the fourth full–length album by the pop rock band the Gin Blossoms. It was the first album released by the band since their 1997–2002 breakup. It was released on August 8, 2006, on , making it the Gin Blossoms' first new album in over 10 years.Hybrid promoted the album's...
, the Gin Blossoms' first album in ten years, was released on August 8, 2006 on the Hybrid Recordings
Hybrid Recordings
Hybrid Recordings LLC is a record label that is a division of Metropolitan Talent, Inc., which is led by John Scher and Al Cafaro.Hybrid Recordings recently announced a new worldwide distribution agreement with SonyBMG's RED Distribution. Hybrid Recordings kicked off 2007 with Recollection, the...
label. Their fifth album, No Chocolate Cake
No Chocolate Cake
No Chocolate Cake is the fifth full–length album by the pop rock band Gin Blossoms. It was released on September 28, 2010 worldwide, and the first single, "Miss Disarray" was released to stations on August 2, 2010. The album hit #1 on Amazon.com MP3 album charts on the release date...
, was released on September 28, 2010 through 429 Records.
History
Members of the band's early years include guitarist and songwriter Doug HopkinsDoug Hopkins
Douglas "Doug" Hopkins was an American musician and songwriter from Tempe, Arizona. He co-founded the Gin Blossoms, a popular modern rock band of the early 1990s, with Richard Taylor...
, bassist Bill Leen
Bill Leen
Bill Leen is a bass player from Tempe, Arizona. He is a member of the band Gin Blossoms, which he co-founded in 1987 with his longtime friend Doug Hopkins....
, vocalist Robin Wilson
Robin Wilson (musician)
Robin Wilson is an American musician, most notable for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band, Gin Blossoms.-Career:...
, guitarist Richard Taylor, Taylor's original replacement Steven Severson, drummer Chris McCann, McCann's replacement Dan Henzerling, and Taylor's later replacement Jesse Valenzuela
Jesse Valenzuela
Jesse Valenzuela was the original vocalist of the alternative rock band Gin Blossoms when it was formed in 1987. In 1988, he switched roles with the band's new guitarist, Robin Wilson. He continued to be a member until the band's breakup in 1997, and reunited with the rest of the group in 2002...
. In their early years, the Gin Blossoms became well-known locally around their hometown of Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
. The band's frequent touring resulted in an increase in popularity; the Blossoms also independently recorded their first full-length album, Dusted
Dusted (album)
Dusted is the first album by Alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms. It was released through San Jacinto Records, a small independent label as a 12-song tape and record in 1989....
, which was released in 1989.
By the early 1990s, the lineup had changed to Leen on bass, Hopkins on guitar, Valenzuela on guitar and vocals, Wilson on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Phillip Rhodes on drums. After being signed with A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
, the band began to work on their major-label debut. Initial attempts to create a major-label record faltered and the band released an EP, Up and Crumbling
Up and Crumbling
Up and Crumbling is an EP released by the Gin Blossoms on October 8, 1991. It was released after the Gin Blossoms signed with A&M Records and, while attempting to create a full-length album, ran into a creative drought during the recording sessions...
, instead.
Gin Blossoms named their first full-length studio album New Miserable Experience
New Miserable Experience
New Miserable Experience is the breakthrough album by pop-rock band the Gin Blossoms, released on August 4, 1992. The album was released to little fanfare and relatively lackluster reviews. However, nearly a year after its release, lead single "Hey Jealousy" ascended into the top 40, with "Found...
. In February 1992, while still working to complete it, founding member and lead guitarist/songwriter Doug Hopkins
Doug Hopkins
Douglas "Doug" Hopkins was an American musician and songwriter from Tempe, Arizona. He co-founded the Gin Blossoms, a popular modern rock band of the early 1990s, with Richard Taylor...
drank heavily and grew increasingly stubborn and disillusioned with the process. Faced with the prospect of being dropped by A&M
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
, the band terminated Hopkins and replaced him with Scott Johnson. The album was completed and the first single released from it was Hopkins' song "Hey Jealousy
Hey Jealousy
"Hey Jealousy" is a song by the Gin Blossoms. The song was included in the group's debut album Dusted , and then was re-recorded on their breakthrough 1992 album New Miserable Experience. It was written by lead guitarist Doug Hopkins, who was fired from the band shortly after the recording of the...
". It would reach #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and #4 on Billboards Mainstream Rock Tracks
Mainstream Rock Tracks
Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks is a ranking in Billboard magazine of the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations, a category that includes stations that play primarily rock music. Modern rock tracks are counted in the Alternative Songs chart.This chart began with the March 21, 1981, issue...
, largely fueling the success of New Miserable Experience. However, the achievement would be overshadowed by Hopkins' suicide on December 4, 1993. The following year, another song penned by Hopkins, "Found Out About You
Found Out About You
"Found Out About You" is the fourth single from the Gin Blossoms' second album New Miserable Experience, recorded in 1992. Written by lead guitarist Doug Hopkins, who was fired from the band after the album, the Gin Blossoms had previously recorded it on their 1989 debut album Dusted...
", would also reach #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climb to #1 on Billboards Modern Rock Tracks
Modern Rock Tracks
Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs...
.
Between their debut and second albums, the Gin Blossoms provided the single "Til I Hear It from You
Til I Hear It from You
"Til I Hear It from You" is a single from the Gin Blossoms. It was released as a single from the soundtrack to the film Empire Records in 1995...
" for the Empire Records
Empire Records
Empire Records is a 1995 coming of age film that follows a group of record store employees over the course of one exceptional day. The employees of this independent music store try to fight off a large chain, all while learning about each other...
soundtrack. It reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second major album, Congratulations I'm Sorry, was released in 1996. Yielding one top ten hit, "Follow You Down
Follow You Down
"Follow You Down" is the third song from the album Congratulations... I'm Sorry by Gin Blossoms, and was released as a double-A side single along with "Til I Hear It from You". According to an interview by Songfacts with Gin Blossoms songwriter Jesse Valenzuela, this song was written at the very...
" - #9 Billboard Hot 100, the album met with mixed reviews.
The Blossoms broke up in the spring of 1997, and each band member moved on to his own project. Vocalist Wilson and drummer Rhodes launched the Gas Giants
Gas Giants
Gas Giants were a pop rock band from Tempe, Arizona, formed as a successor project to the Gin Blossoms. The group was known as The Pharaohs when they formed in 1997, but changed their name after their label, A&M Records, merged with Universal Records and the band changed hands, re-signing with...
. Bassist Leen retired from music to operate a rare-book store. Guitarist Valenzuela fronted a short-lived outfit called the Low Watts, released a solo album, and kept busy writing and producing. Wilson ventured into producing as well, at his Mayberry Studios in Tempe, Arizona (the studio is now called Uranus Studios).
The Gas Giants announced an "indefinite hiatus" in June 2001. On December 4, 2001, it was announced that Scott would leave his current band, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers is a rock band from Tempe, Arizona, USA. The band is typically referred to by the fans as the abbreviation "RCPM"...
, to rejoin the Gin Blossoms. The band regrouped and began playing together again in earnest (having done a couple of one-off shows in the interim) in 2002. In the words of frontman Robin Wilson at the time, "We always said our breakup wasn't forever and right now we're all feeling like we want to be Gin Blossoms again. We make a noise together that we can't make otherwise. We respect and appreciate that we need each other to create that sound. This time we hope to avoid being swallowed by the chaos."
In preparation to the band's official reunion show, Rhodes suffered a meltdown due to his ongoing battle with alcohol. Shortly after entering rehab, he was formally dismissed from the band. Phil Leavitt of dada
Dada (band)
Dada is a three piece rock band from California . The band is made up of Michael Gurley , Joie Calio and Phil Leavitt ....
originally took Rhodes' place in the lineup, and then Gary Smith (of The Pistoleros, another Tempe band) stepped in. Scott Kusmirek took over drumming for the band from 2002 to 2004. In January 2005, it was announced that Rhodes, who had been sober for over two years, would rejoin the band. The re-entry of Rhodes was short-lived, however. Kusmirek returned to the band, taking Rhodes' place. "The Kooze", as he is affectionately known, served as drummer for the Gin Blossoms until September 30, 2008, when a press release issued by the band explained he and the group parted ways. The current drummer is John Richardson
John Richardson (drummer)
John Richardson is an American drummer who works in rock and alt-country with such artists as Gin Blossoms, Badfinger and Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett.-Early career:...
.
The band's fourth album, Major Lodge Victory
Major Lodge Victory
Major Lodge Victory is the fourth full–length album by the pop rock band the Gin Blossoms. It was the first album released by the band since their 1997–2002 breakup. It was released on August 8, 2006, on , making it the Gin Blossoms' first new album in over 10 years.Hybrid promoted the album's...
, was originally recorded at Robin Wilson's Mayberry Studios in Tempe. However, the album was then re-recorded at Ardent Studios
Ardent Studios
Ardent Studios is a recording studio located in Memphis, Tennessee. Ardent Records/Ardent Music is the in-house label.- History :Ardent Studios was founded by John Fry and was initially a studio in his family's garage, where he recorded his first Ardent Records 45's. In 1966 the operation moved...
in Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, the same studio at which the band had recorded all of their previous albums, along with other notable groups such as Big Star and The Replacements. Major Lodge Victory was released by Hybrid Recordings
Hybrid Recordings
Hybrid Recordings LLC is a record label that is a division of Metropolitan Talent, Inc., which is led by John Scher and Al Cafaro.Hybrid Recordings recently announced a new worldwide distribution agreement with SonyBMG's RED Distribution. Hybrid Recordings kicked off 2007 with Recollection, the...
on August 8, 2006, and "Learning the Hard Way" was the first single. Major Lodge Victory debuted at number 159 on the Billboard 200 album chart. This was the first time the Gin Blossoms had appeared on the Billboard 200 chart in 10 years, one month, and two weeks. Gin Blossoms had last appeared on the chart during the week of July 13, 1996, with their previous album, Congratulations… I'm Sorry. Since reuniting, the band has toured at numerous locations across the country, occasionally joined by Kirk "The Judge" Karman on harmonica.
Frontman Robin Wilson is best known for his interaction with the crowd. He often hands off a tambourine to a lucky fan in the front row to strike in sync with the drum beat. He's also been known to sing directly into fans' cell phones during some of their more established hits such as "Follow You Down" and "'Til I Hear It From You". Often during live performances, Wilson will also introduce the band to the audience. He typically calls himself "Bif Del Monte", and introduces Jesse Valenzuela as his brother, "Pablo Del Monte". Former member and co-founder of the band, Doug Hopkins (deceased), was known as "Otis Del Monte", while bass player Bill Leen is known as "Soup-bone Del Monte", and drummer Phillip Rhodes as "Guido Del Monte". These nicknames came from the band's early days playing at local bars around their hometown of Tempe, Arizona. As the story goes, one night the band was set to perform a gig at Long Wong's, a local bar. However, the members were forced to change their names, in order to avoid trouble with the law. The band went on the bill as the Del Montes, and the name stuck.
Gin Blossoms released a live album, Live In Concert
Live in Concert (Gin Blossoms album)
Live in Concert is the first full–length live album by pop rock band Gin Blossoms. It is the first live album ever released by the band. It was released on May 19, 2009....
, on May 15, 2009. This album contains live recordings of the band's hits such as "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down", as well as recent singles such as "Learning the Hard Way
Learning the Hard Way
Learning The Hard Way was the lead-off single from Major Lodge Victory, the first album released by pop-rock band, Gin Blossoms in ten years. It was promoted late summer and fall of 2006, and received heavy AAA airplay...
" and "Long Time Gone," and also a live cover of Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
's "Rocket Man"
The band's fifth studio album, No Chocolate Cake
No Chocolate Cake
No Chocolate Cake is the fifth full–length album by the pop rock band Gin Blossoms. It was released on September 28, 2010 worldwide, and the first single, "Miss Disarray" was released to stations on August 2, 2010. The album hit #1 on Amazon.com MP3 album charts on the release date...
, was released September 28, 2010. The first single, "Miss Disarray" was released to stations on August 2, 2010.
Over the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday the band traveled to Iraq and played a series of shows for American troops stationed there.
Discography
- DustedDusted (album)Dusted is the first album by Alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms. It was released through San Jacinto Records, a small independent label as a 12-song tape and record in 1989....
(1989) - New Miserable ExperienceNew Miserable ExperienceNew Miserable Experience is the breakthrough album by pop-rock band the Gin Blossoms, released on August 4, 1992. The album was released to little fanfare and relatively lackluster reviews. However, nearly a year after its release, lead single "Hey Jealousy" ascended into the top 40, with "Found...
(August 4, 1992) US #30; 4x Platinum - Congratulations I'm Sorry (February 13, 1996) US #10; Platinum
- Major Lodge VictoryMajor Lodge VictoryMajor Lodge Victory is the fourth full–length album by the pop rock band the Gin Blossoms. It was the first album released by the band since their 1997–2002 breakup. It was released on August 8, 2006, on , making it the Gin Blossoms' first new album in over 10 years.Hybrid promoted the album's...
(August 8, 2006) US #159 - No Chocolate CakeNo Chocolate CakeNo Chocolate Cake is the fifth full–length album by the pop rock band Gin Blossoms. It was released on September 28, 2010 worldwide, and the first single, "Miss Disarray" was released to stations on August 2, 2010. The album hit #1 on Amazon.com MP3 album charts on the release date...
(September 28, 2010) US #73
External links
- Gin Blossoms collection at the Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
's live music archive