Blind Melon “Wishing Well” video and tour annoucement

Take this as crass or whatever you will… but does anyone still care about Blind Melon? If you are you can blast me in the comments, but it seems like everyone is milking one hit song and the memory of Shannon Hoon. If you happen to be interested here is the latest news on the group.

Blind Melon’s new video for “Wishing Well” will premiere on Yahoo! Music on Monday, April 7th at midnight EDT. “Wishing Well” is the first single from the band’s long awaited upcoming album For My Friends, set for release on April 22, 2008. The video for “Wishing Well” was directed by longtime Blind Melon friend and famed rock photographer, Danny Clinch and is set to garner a new generation of fans.

Blind Melon has spent the last three months on the road and will continue playing at sold out venues across the U.S. this summer. In recent years, the tale of Blind Melon has taken a dramatic turn – from an abrupt and tragic end, to a rebirth and reconnection with their legion of fans. No matter how you slice it, the group was responsible for some of the most memorable and pure-sounding rock music of the ‘90s. And with their reformation in 2007 with singer Travis Warren, Blind Melon are poised to pick up exactly where they left off a decade earlier.

Blind Melon originally formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when five transplants from other states crossed paths – singer Shannon Hoon (from Indiana), guitarist Christopher Thorn (from Pennsylvania), and guitarist Rogers Stevens, bassist Brad Smith, and drummer Glen Graham (all from Mississippi). With a buzz created around the band, the group’s now-classic self-titled debut was released in 1992 and their song “No Rain” became a smash on radio and MTV.

Unfortunately, it was around this time that Shannon Hoon’s drug addiction took a turn for the worse and he overdosed while on tour at the age of 28. The four surviving members regrouped and issued an outtakes collection, 1996’s ‘Nico’ (named after Hoon’s then-baby daughter, and spawning such further Melon classics as “Soup” and “Soul One”), as well as the Grammy-nominated home video, ‘Letters from a Porcupine.’ At that point, an attempt to find a replacement for Hoon was abandoned, and in 1999, the group officially went their separate ways. Smith and Thorn subsequently formed a short-lived group, Unified Theory, as well as opening up their own recording studio (Wishbone), and becoming much-in-demand producers.

In 2006, Smith and Thorn were asked to produce some songs for Texas-based singer/songwriter, Travis Warren, who also happened to be a diehard Blind Melon fan. While working with Warren in the studio, Smith jokingly said to Thorn that Travis “could sing Blind Melon songs in his sleep.” The idea was born. The four remaining members – who hadn’t been in the same room in years – came together to be reacquainted with each other, and to meet with Warren. Soon after, it had become apparent that they had finally located Blind Melon’s new singer. With Stevens and Graham reclaiming their spots as well, Blind Melon was back in business. Setting up shop at Wishbone, the reformed band spent most of 2007 writing and recording. The result is For My Friends, which is set for release on April 22nd.

Blind Melon Tour Dates as of 4/4/08 – Subject to change without notice:

Apr 4 2008 8:00P Independent San Francisco, California

Apr 17 2008 8:00P The Howlin’ Wolf New Orleans, Louisiana

Apr 18 2008 8:00P House of Blues Dallas, Texas

Apr 19 2008 8:00P Antones Austin, Texas

Apr 20 2008 8:00P Meridian Houston, Texas

Apr 22 2008 2:00P FYE In-store Baton Rouge, LA

4580 CONSTITUTION AVE, BATON ROUGE LA 70808-3236

Apr 22 2008 8:00P Varsity Theatre Baton Rouge

Apr 23 2008 2:00P FYE In-store Mobile, AL

3250 Airport Blvd. Space 232, Mobile, AL 36606

Apr 23 2008 8:00P Soul Kitchen Mobile, Alabama

Apr 25 2008 10:00P Juanita’s Little Rock, Arkansas

Apr 26 2008 11:00P George’s Majestic Lounge Fayetteville, Arkansas

Apr 27 2008 8:00P Otherside Tulsa, Oklahoma

Apr 29 2008 5:00P ZIA In-store

105 W. University, Tempe, AZ 85281

Apr 29 2008 8:00P Club Red Tempe, Arizona

Apr 30 2008 5:00P ZIA In-store

4225 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Apr 30 2008 8:00P Jillian’s Las Vegas, Nevada

May 2 2008 8:00P El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, California

May 3 2008 2:00P FYE In-store Mission Viejo, California

27000 CROWN VALLEY PKWY STE 686, MISSION VIEJO CA 92691-6513

May 3 2008 8:00P The Coach House San Juan Capistrano, California

May 4 2008 8:00P Canes Bar & Grill San Diego, California

May 9 2008 8:00P 4th Annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at The Music Box @ Fonda Theater Hollywood, California

May 10 2008 8:00 PM Fat Cat Modesto, California

May 12 2008 9:00P The Paladium Salt Lake City, Utah

May 14 2008 8:00P People’s Court Des Moines, Iowa

May 15 2008 8:00P The Metro Chicago, Illinois

May 16 2008 8:00P Majestic Theatre Madison, Wisconsin

May 17 2008 8:00P Piere’s Fort Wayne, Indiana

May 18 2008 10:00A PointFest @ Verizon Wireless Amp. Maryland Heights, Missouri

May 20 2008 8:00P Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio

May 22 2008 10:00P The Machine Shop Flint, Michigan

May 23 2008 8:00P Bogart’s Cincinnati, Ohio

May 24 2008 8:00P Summer Camp 2008 at 3 Sisters Park Chillicothe, Illinois

Jun 13 2008 8:00P Jubilee! Jam Jackson, Mississippi

Jun 26 2008 5:00P Alive At Five Stamford, Connecticut

Aug 30 2008 8:00P Summerfest Grounds/ Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The least we could do is embed the band’s best song and video…