Blind Melon Announces Concert in Missoula

Alt-rock band Blind Melon is set to take the stage at The Wilma on Friday, June 13, 2025!

Formed in Los Angeles in 1990, Blind Melon brought together a group of musicians from across the country, including Rogers Stevens (guitar), Brad Smith (bass), Glen Graham (drums), and Christopher Thorn (guitar), with Shannon Hoon stepping in as the band’s charismatic frontman.

The band became a staple of the alternative rock scene in the early ’90s, making waves with their self-titled debut album and the iconic single “No Rain.” Their distinct sound—blending psychedelic rock with stripped-down folk influences—led them to massive success, including a performance at Woodstock ‘94. However, tragedy struck in 1995 when Shannon Hoon passed away, leaving the band’s future uncertain.

After years apart, Blind Melon found new life in 2006 with vocalist Travis Warren, ushering in a fresh creative chapter that included the 2008 album For My Friends. More recently, their 2019 single “Way Down and Far Below” reignited excitement for longtime fans, leading to performances at major festivals and a renewed energy in their songwriting.

Now, Blind Melon is back on the road, delivering their signature blend of raw emotion and timeless rock. Don’t miss this chance to see them live in Missoula!

Blind Melon, formed in Los Angeles in 1990, was brought together by a group of musicians from different parts of the country. Rogers Stevens (guitar), Brad Smith (bass), and Glen Graham (drums) moved west from Mississippi, while Christopher Thorn (guitar) hailed from Pennsylvania. Completing the lineup was Shannon Hoon, a charismatic vocalist from Lafayette, Indiana. The band quickly gained recognition after Hoon lent his voice to Guns N’ Roses’ “Don’t Cry,” and their early demos caught the attention of Capitol Records, leading to a recording contract.

The band’s rise was meteoric. They moved from crafting their unique blend of stripped-down psychedelia in a quiet house—immortalized in the song “Sleepyhouse”—to dominating the Billboard charts and performing at Woodstock ‘94. But success came with challenges. Their 1995 follow-up album, Soup, received mixed reviews upon release, though tracks like “Mouthful of Cavities” have since been celebrated. Just weeks after the album’s debut, tragedy struck when Shannon Hoon died from an overdose during a tour stop in New Orleans.

Hoon’s untimely death at 28 left the band reeling. As a tribute, they released Nico, a collection of outtakes named after Hoon’s daughter, and a documentary, Letters from a Porcupine, which earned a Grammy nomination. Despite these efforts, the band disbanded in 1999 after struggling to find a vocalist who could fill Hoon’s shoes.