Ep 5. Blind Melon

Behind The Music season 5 episode 5, Blind Melon, tells the story of the Californian band that found massive success in the early '90s. The episode delves deep into the journey of Blind Melon, from their humble beginnings, to achieving worldwide recognition, to ultimately facing tragedy and loss.

The episode starts by introducing us to Blind Melon's founding member and lead singer, Shannon Hoon. It takes us back to his early life in Indiana, where he grew up listening to classic rock, punk, and heavy metal. Hoon's musical talent was apparent from a young age, and he started playing the guitar at the age of six. We also learn of his early struggles with addiction, as he battled drugs and alcohol throughout his teenage years and into adulthood.

The episode then moves onto Blind Melon's formation in the late '80s, as Hoon met guitarist Rogers Stevens while they were both working at a movie theater in Los Angeles. They later joined forces with bassist Brad Smith and drummer Glen Graham to complete the band's lineup. The episode explores the group's early struggles as they played small venues and tried to get their music heard.

Eventually, their hard work paid off, and Blind Melon landed a record deal with Capitol Records. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1992 and received widespread critical acclaim. The album was a commercial success as well, selling over 2 million copies in the United States alone. The band's unique blend of southern rock, psychedelic, and folk elements, coupled with Hoon's distinct voice, made them stand out from their contemporaries.

The episode goes on to detail the band's whirlwind touring schedule and international success, as their hit single "No Rain" became a cultural phenomenon, with the video featuring the iconic "bee girl." However, the intense pressure and constant touring took a toll on Hoon's mental and physical health. The documentary chronicles the band's efforts to help Hoon deal with his addiction and emotional struggles on the road, including getting him into rehab and bringing in a sober companion.

Despite these efforts, tragedy soon struck when Shannon Hoon died of a drug overdose in 1995 at the age of 28. The episode explores the shock and grief felt by Blind Melon's members and their fans, as well as the challenging decision the band faced about whether or not to continue without their frontman.

In the end, Blind Melon did decide to keep going, and the documentary highlights their efforts to honor Hoon's legacy and keep the band's spirit alive. They released one more album, "Soup," before eventually disbanding in 1999.

Overall, Behind The Music season 5 episode 5, Blind Melon, is a moving tribute to a band that made a huge impact in a short amount of time. It showcases their immense talent, their struggles and triumphs, and the profound impact they had on the music world. It's a must-watch for fans of the band and anyone interested in the story of an iconic '90s act.