Time Capsule: Oct. 21, 1995

10/21/08 10:53am

by Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

Blind Melon's lead singer, Shannon Hoon, was found dead on the band's tour bus 13 years ago.

Hoon, whose drug abuse had worsened in the years leading up to his death, had been on an all-night cocaine binge and did not wake up the next morning. Blind Melon were touring behind their sophomore album, Soup, and were at the height of their fame. They had embarked on the tour against the orders of Hoon's drug counselor. Hoon had managed to negotiate an early release from rehab to go on tour.

One of the band's roadies tried to wake Hoon for a soundcheck prior to a show in New Orleans, and when he realized that he could not, he called an ambulance. Hoon was pronounced dead at the scene from an accidental cocaine overdose. He was 28 years old.

After Hoon's death, Blind Melon released their final album with Hoon, Nico, named after Hoon's daughter. They officially broke up in 1999, but reformed in 2006 with a new singer, Travis Warren. They released three songs that year. A full-length album, For My Friends, followed this April, and the band are currently touring in support of it.

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