Band Had 7 Big Hits in Just 3 Years...What HAPPENED to Them IS Truly TRAGIC... | Professor of Rock

Coming up… an interview with the most underappreciated band of the first half of the 90s, the Gin Blossoms. They created a newly flawless major label debut New Miserable Experience, but during the recording of it, their primary songwriter and guitarist Doug Hopkins had to be fired due to his out-of-control drinking. Then their debut album imploded when it was first released in the summer of 92. The Gin Blossoms thought they were DOA. But then a year later, their music video for Hey Jealousy caught fire on MTV and radio started playing this debut single which was over a year old and the band blew up. They would have four big hits including Hey Jealousy, Until I Fall Away, Allison Road, and Found About You and the album would sell 4 million copies, but with their rise, their former bandmate watched all of this from the sidelines and ended up taking his own life. The band would go on to have another three hits off their next album.. 7 hits in just over 3 years but then just a quickly as they blew up, they imploded… breaking up a short time later. I tracked down singer Robin Wilson and guitarist Jesse Velenzuala to get into it. The story is next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. if you remember making a pitcher of Kool Aid with just the right mix of sugar and the packet growing up you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia make sure to subscribe below right now and click the bell so that you always know when our new ones drop g. . also check out our exclusive content on Patreon and our latest merch… It’s time for out latest edition of Revelations- where featured artists go deep on their greatest songs. Stories you won’t hear anywhere else! Today we have a special session with one of the most underappreciated group of the 90s. one of my favorites of the time. In 1993 when Grunge was coming off of its peak and Hip Hop and Rap were starting to dominate the charts there was band that didn’t quite fit into a category. they weren’t grunge, they weren’t really alternative, there weren’t Pop they were an anomaly. Gin Blossoms released New Miserable Experience in the late summer of 1992… It didn’t do anything for almost a year.
Gin Blossoms were comprised of lead singer Robin Wilson, Guitarist Jesse Valenzuela bassist Bill Teen, Drummer Philip Rhodes and guitarist and primary songwriter Doug Hopkins who was credited for his performance and writing but not as an active band member. That’s because Hopkins who suffered from depression and alcoholism was fired near the end of the sessions and replaced with scott Johnson who didn’t play on the record. The band’s breakout hit was Hey Jealousy, it was written clear back in 1989 and released in 92 as the lead single from New Miserable Experience but it flopped. Things were going downhill fast.
However, A&M Records commissioned a video for the song and actually Three different videos were shot before the label approved one and sent it to MTV, This got them play and the label. re-released the song in the summer of 1993, and with the rise of the video and a steady stream and radio play it gave the band their first hit and sent the album into the stratosphere, eventually going 4-time platinum.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST song of the 90s?

[@peterd.9978]

What It's Like - Everlast

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Tomorrow Silverchair

[@christineml1476]

Weird Al's "It's All About the Pentiums" Just started tech school when it came out, provided motivation and humor.

[@80s-el9vc]

Megadeth - Symphony Of Destruction

[@surlechapeau]

“Smooth”- Santana ft. Rob Thomas. Runnerups: “You Oughta Know”-Alanis Morissette; “Are You Gonna Go My Way”-Lenny Kravitz; “Mr. Jones”-Counting Crows; Don’t Speak”-No Doubt.

[@GoddessLadyRei]

Bless their hearts for giving Doug credit where credit is due.

[@davidanderson-wn4ep]

Congratulations, I'm Sorry is a very good album, but New Miserable Experience is in my Top 20 Albums, I always assumed Doug was the secret sauce.

[@melissacharman827]

Tempe. AZ in the 90s. What a lucky girl I was then. Local bands like the Gin Blossoms used to play house parties just for fun. They were my backyard neighbors and you could hear them practicing out of their open windows. Cycling by Mrs Rita's everyday on the way to class. I sure do miss those days.

[@JoeVideoed]

I lived at Ocotillo Hall @ ASU for the 1st 3 years I went there. They played @ Mariposa Hall across the street from us. I still remember seeing their picture of that gig on the front of The State Press. A quintessential Tempe band. Being able to hear their music on local radio (98 KUPD primarily) 2 years before they broke nationally, which other local bands never were able to accomplish beforehand, is something I'll always cherish as an ex-Zonie. They really opened the flood gates for many other Phoenix area bands to get played locally & then nationally.

[@GringoLoco1]

I was a regular at Long Wongs when they played there. Even sat with Dave Pratt (KUPD) a couple of times. They were *OUR* band, right? Loooong time ago

[@TJTurnage]

Were the Meat Puppets around there then? If so, they’d have been great to see too.

[@wickedspank]

The Refreshments were part of that scene as well, weren't they? Always been a fan of them/Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers

[@GringoLoco1]

@@TJTurnage they were "around" but more early 80s? Think I saw them at the Jar but weren't really my cup of rum 😉

[@andreabeth2352]

I have never stopped listening to Gin Blossoms. They will always be one of my all time favorite bands.

[@barrysmith8920]

R.I.P. Doug 🌹 Doug Hopkins was my friend.. His earlier band The Psalms, opened for my band Gentlemen Afterdark many times in the Phoenix area. He was a very kind, brilliant and somewhat introverted person.. 🙏🏼

[@raywalsh9152]

Sorry that you lost a friend. Couldn't give a thumbs up. Felt morbid. I hope you have wonderful memories of Doug.

[@barrysmith8920]

@@raywalsh9152 Thank you so kindly 🙏🏼

[@mikefigueroa4075]

I saw The Gentlemen many times. Great music scene in Tucson and Phoenix at that time. (Gents were my fav😃The violin added so much to that sound back then) Doug was so good.

[@barrysmith8920]

@@mikefigueroa4075 Thank you!

[@davidfancher5228]

I remember Gentlemen Afterdark. Now I am really getting nostalgic.

[@TommyRibs]

Hard to believe that this music came out over 30 years ago. Time is having its way with us.

[@shelliemedema165]

I was born in the 60s, grew up in the 70s, partied in the 80s, fell in love with 90s. I absolutely love your channel. You bring it all back for me❤

[@danieldetrick1230]

@shelliemedema165 You and I both grew up in the same era. Although, I was born in '71. The Professor definitely brings back all those great memories and puts it into perspective and gives credit to those that never received it in their time too.

[@greggroovy001]

Found out about you .... still one of my all time favourite Songs! I actually played it earlier today. I've never got sick of this song, no matter how many times I've listened to it. A real Masterpiece.....

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same! Good call Greg!

[@alexpantaz3241]

I fulfilled a dream of being in a band a couple years ago, just a dad band but still something I’m really proud of and really love doing. Found Out About You is one of our songs. I chose it. Always one of my favorites. When we play it, it always goes over really well, even for those that have never heard it.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Me too.

[@pbales8951]

I can honestly say that the Gin Blossoms were never underappreciated by me. I've listened to them almost constantly since 1992, and I have all of their albums. Doug Hopkins had some of the most brilliant and gut-wrenching lyrics that have always resonated with me. "She had nothing left to say, so she said she loved me. And I stood there grateful for the lie" from Lost Horizons. "If you don't expect to much from me, you might not be let down" from Hey Jealousy. Some of music's finest lyrics and literature's greatest works come from those troubled souls that were able to express those feelings that we "normal" people cannot.

[@barrysmith8920]

Doug was my friend. He was absolutely brilliant, hugely sensitive and very kind.

[@marcwhite9234]

Doug Hopkins was a brilliant lyricist and his songs were gold.

[@marcwhite9234]

@@barrysmith8920 he was so great. I wish we still had him.

[@thaddaeusluper]

@@barrysmith8920 Truly fantastic writer… that is for sure. I also remember dusty and Roger had some tense rivalry with that whole blossoms crew… it was a really exciting time to live in the Tempe/mesa area if you loved music… even dead hot and One were playing great shows

[@barrysmith8920]

@@thaddaeusluper Yes, so true! ..the Star System/Merlins, Long Wongs, Edsels Attic, Sun Club, Sail Inn, Hollywood Alley, etc. A scene as vibrant as any.

[@billystutz55]

Doug Hopkins was amazing talent and songwriter. Criminally underrated. Had his demons not got the best of him he could’ve potentially became one of the greats. R.I.P. Doug Hopkins

[@shakarocks]

New Miserable Experience is one of the best albums of the nineties.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@steveokahn7249]

For me, Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket are the "must see" bands when in town. Both just did things their own way and just produced great music. I have always said that if I could have been in a band it would be one of those two because it is music you could play every day and not grow tired of it...just in that perfect groove in energy and listenability.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. I just saw Glen solo!

[@beeonthyme5760]

Loved Both bands!

[@flohough1870]

Agree 100%, two of my favorites. I remember when I first heard the Gin Blossoms thinking "if I had a band, this is what I would want them to sound like".

[@90LPPlayer]

@@ProfessorofRockabsolutely love Toad and Glen Phillips’s solo stuff. Brilliant song writer!!!

[@rhondafox8703]

OMG! I knew it was the Gin Blossoms!!!! My favorite!❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@the-dave-house-project]

I wasn't 100% sure. The title had me thinking The Tragically Hip... but they had a longer run than 3 years.

[@carollynnklimeck6678]

me too!

[@jonathanfloming1045]

Every once in a while....there comes a band with the right sound.. bringing the right words ...at the right time. 🔥

[@StevieDrawStuff]

I love how humble they are and that they are giving credit to Doug still.

[@peterd.9978]

I remember this song was played on the radio ALL the time. Never grow tired of it regardless.... Quintessential 90s song/sound that will always bring you back to the 90s.

[@ProfessorofRock]

FOr sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For real!

[@susangodejohn315]

I moved to phx in the early 90’s and made friends with a coworker who was into the local music scene. Spent many nights seeing the Gin Blossoms around Tempe before they hit it big. They were local hero’s playing grungy bars ( like the Sun club) and were always so much fun! It was a great time for the local music ❤ . Thanks for bringing back good memories

[@DashCrashCam]

Adam, you literally read my mind. I've been really getting into this band again lately, and wanted to ask you to cover "Hey Jealousy" as it's been a childhood favorite of mine along with Allison Road due to my father loving this band and playing this song a lot as a kid. I'm Gen Z, but their songs still speak to the same anxieties and troubles people face today. Truly a tragic story of a great songwriter, while I feel the band did him dirty at the time by making him sign away half his royalities, I do understand that a band can't function with a severe alcoholic. It's too bad that mental health wasn't commonly talked about in those times, but I think his songs have really stood the test of time today and are still very relatable.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So sad. Hope you enjoy the interview!

[@siriusfun]

Excellent comment. Cheers.

[@KnuckleHunkybuck]

He asks really good questions with such sincerity that you can tell he really, really loves music, and this isn't just some KZbin profit idea he had. I never get tired of seeing how excited fellow musicheads get when they're talking about music.

[@DarrellSt.Blaine]

The Gin Blossoms and the Counting Crows really defined that era for me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@spiffy8576]

Along with Spin Doctors and Soul Asylum for me.

[@mistersniffer6838]

You all make me shake my head... I only have 4 words "Toad the Wet Sprocket"!

[@scottp.5055]

I would add Our Lady Peace to that list as well.

[@DarrellSt.Blaine]

@@mistersniffer6838 TtWS was awesome though I have to admit I didn't really fall in love with then until Coil. That album just had such a great edginess to it. 🤟 Their earlier stuff was great but a bit mellower than what I was listening to at the time.

[@flavellinator]

Bands like the Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Better Than Ezra gave me hope during the grunge area of the '90s...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here Flave!

[@stephenhanft1226]

I stopped following music because of the Grunge era. If those groups have nothing in common with Nirvana nor the other Grunge bands, I'm willing to give them a listen.

[@mikeschmidt3382]

@@stephenhanft1226Stephen, we already saw your main comment. So if you have nothing to do with being a stinky turd maybe somebody will care what you have to say.

[@jerryb4453]

@@stephenhanft1226I think you should listen to Toad The Wet Sprocket’s “Fear,” from 1991. If you love that (like many of us do), go back to 1990 and listen to their “Pale,” album. Or 1994’s “Dulcinea.” Or 1989’s “Bread & Circus.” They still tour and sell out 2-3k seat theaters. Nicest bunch of guys, too. My band used to play with them during their first three years back in Santa Barbara area-shared a lot of shows. Honest music, thoughtfully written and played.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@jerryb4453 Thank you for your recommendations. Definitely sounds like a group I need to look into and explore their catalog.

[@IronSikh44]

When the Gin Blossoms rose to prominence, I was going to university. You couldn’t go anywhere back then without hearing their great songs. Very melodic and catchy tracks! Great episode.

[@brianjones6210]

I saw them at my university in 1996! I never understood why the played such a small venue, it was literally on the basketball court of a D3 school. But I'm glad they did.

[@i-Maven]

The Gin Blossoms were definitely one of those bands who’s sound help shape and define the 90s era. There was so much great music unique to the time and the Gin Blossoms are most definitely. I remember moving to Tempe a few years after they had been made their mark and after their principal songwriter was no longer with them. Everyone was so proud of them. My favorite song if you can choose one is Found Out About You.

[@bishdizzle67]

They were the perfect transition from 80's to 90's pop. Very easy to listen to with thoughtful lyrics.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! Good call!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’ve certainly got unique music unlike any other band I have listened to.

[@__cypher__]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980That's the most accurate, yet nicest, description of gin blossoms I've ever heard.

[@FullRaidersAlchemist]

Gin and Better than Ezra were two bands that had their own styles and still got mainstream success. Very talented Gin crew an array of strong albums!

[@hollyking2580]

I've always loved the Gin Blossoms! I'm lucky enough to work at a radio station that still plays their music.

[@michaelrochester48]

Found out about you is one of my favorite songs of the 90s. There is a feeling of sadness in their songs. It is almost like a poppy version of Wilco.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good way of putting it Michael!

[@siriusfun]

Yes, Wilco were definitely influenced by The Gin Blossoms - that's clear.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@siriusfun They'd never admit it.

[@austintrousdale2397]

@@ProfessorofRock 😆

[@larrylampshade1734]

@@ProfessorofRockJay Bennett seemed like the type of guy that wouldn’t be above admitting something like that. Tweedy wouldn’t be caught dead though, the prick.

[@Bloodangel1977]

Gin Blossoms was a staple of the 90s. This album is nothing but good memories for me.

[@christopherbatio5600]

Honestly, I like all of their hits but really did not realize they were all Gin Blossoms songs. Talk about a talented group that is underappreciated. Thanks Doc for telling their story.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither! They all sounded familiar!

[@aprilrich807]

I used to confuse Gin Blossoms and Toad The Wet Sprocket for some reason. 🤷‍♀️

[@harborhobby]

I was introduced to New Miserable Experience via the cassette player in my father’s blue 1989 Chevy Blazer. I was 10 and the blazer was my father’s primary residence at the time. We would drive around all night listening to the Gin Blossoms. My father never let me know how hard things were for him at that time but in hindsight, I believe he got the message across through the music he shared. The Gin Blossoms automatically became my favorite band.

[@christineml1476]

"New Miserable Experience" is so solid. My favorite track is "29" - really spoke to me and hit my heart, but it didn't get the love I thought it deserved.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Christine!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I will have to listen!

[@jasonfortier4074]

Finally!! One of my all time favorite bands covered on my all time favorite KZbin channel!! Thank you so much! I was born in 78 and got into music in the early to mid 80s, I listened to so much from the 50s and 60s and loved Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Turtles, The Association, Platters, Coasters, Little Richard, etc. Then I moved on to 70s rock and especially KISS, but as I "came of age" in the early 90s grunge had just broke and I was in love with so much music from the contemporary time period for the first time in my life. I have a deep appreciation for so many genres of music from country-rock to punk and all points in between. All that said, no album has meant more to me than GIn Blossoms New Miserable Experience. It was the soundtrack to my early teen years, the first band I was in, the first girl I was in love with, that album was with me through it all and still continues to be there with me as I stare down 50. I have listed to it thousands of times and it never gets old. It is a shame that the band and album I fell in love with no longer existed by the time I first heard Hey Jealousy for the first time. NME is Doug Hopkins masterpiece. He is all over that album. He is that album. I still listen to the Gin Blossoms work after this album and have seen them many times live and I have even met Robin, Jesse, Bill and Scotty. Even had a few beers with them at a casino in the middle of nowhere Northern Michigan. But they never could match the greatness that is NME. What a fantastic work of art from a moment in time that I cherish the most. Thanks for this video Adam. Keep up the solid work.

[@jrodohio]

Doug was such a great lyricist, and he had a huge part in their success. I'm glad his legacy lives on in those songs. Such a great band. Still love them to this day. My favorite song by them was Keli Richards. Wongs forever!

[@aaronwhite3298]

Oh Yes thank you Professor for this 90's installment. The Gin Blossoms debut album is one of my favorite records of all time. Till I Hear it from you from the Empire Records soundtrack is a great song from a great movie. Follow You Down is my favorite song by them. Congratulations on over 1 million subs. I'm happy to be one of your crowd!

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Aaron!

[@deantoso5376]

As a kid in the 70's I thought rock was dying fast in the 90's. These guys were one of the few groups I really enjoyed on the 90's. I was sad the group did not continue on. I think they really had sound of there own and it spoke to me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here! Good call!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I haven’t listened to them…but I will today!

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

90’s, I were borned in 1956, I quit music radio in 1981!! Because nothing new was being done, it was just more “he/she done me wrong” songs that had been done from 1955-1980!! Still today in 2024 it’s nothing new. Yes new bands, yes new songs, but it’s still just rock n roll, nothing new!!

[@GrizrazRex]

They called it "desert rock," but I had a band in LA in 1988 that sounded awfully similar. It's a style that's essentially timeless rock, but it can still take a back seat to a more prevalent trend, a good deal of the time. Grunge was massive in 1992. The Gin Blossoms were in the back seat.

[@DveMcGuire]

Excellent promotion of an amazingly under appreciated band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right! They need more recognition.

[@willymccoy3427]

I grew in the 60s, became an adult in the '70s always loving the music. As I got older in the 80s, it became less important for me. Then in the early 90s, I heard Hey Jealosy on the radio and it rekindled my love for rock and I was hooked as a Gin Blossums fan. Which got me listening to other 90s bands like Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul and Coldplay. I still listen to them as much as I do my 60s and 70s rock that I grew up with. I've always felt it was a great shame that Doug Hopkins couldn't get his life straightened out. The band was never the same without him.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

I can’t tell you how much I love this band. I still remember every song from this album and the order they’re in on the album. This album represented one of the happiest times in my life. I’d just gotten married, moved to a new state gotten a great job, and felt that the world was at my feet. Great times. Thanks for helping me relive that today. ❤️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@pricey6177]

Was 11 when Hey Jealousy was released and was hooked immediately and it’s still on my daily playlist. Massively underrated band.

[@rockmamaoff5796]

In my long life every decade has some fantastic music but the 90’s hold a very special place in my heart. Bands like Gin Blossoms, Tonic, Collective Soul, Semisonic, Matchbox 20, Dishwalla and Bush dominated the soundtrack that constantly ran through my head. Recently I’ve had Found out about you stuck in my head so it makes me smile on how good your timing is! Thank you, Adam. *Currently obsessed with Walk on the Ocean by Toad the Wet Sprocket. Awesome band.

[@fusionbaguio8941]

Finally!!! Someone is giving this band its due. i absolutely love them!!!

[@MzShonuff123]

These songs are me driving in my first car during college. It's wild how music is the soundtrack of our lives.

[@MannyDMedina]

Letting the cops chase you around?

[@joustwave6541]

Even to this day, Robin still has one of the most hauntingly beautiful voices I've ever heard.

[@ericgaskins571]

I saw these guys at Saturday night live in 96. Phil Hartman was the host. It was the last time he was ever on the show. We got to meet the band when they were coming in for sound check. They were really nice to us and I got a pic with them. One of my favorite bands. The 90s were just the best years. Today sucks

[@BewitchCraft]

Its so wild that this is todays upload because I was literally reading a thread about "songs that hit different once you know the history" and someone said Hey Jealousy and I fell down a rabbit hole about reading about the band. Someone once asked me what band I thought best represented the "air of the 90s" for me and I said Gin Blossoms. The music reminds me oof walking home from elementary school, cruising with my older sisters, wearing sunflower dresses + jean jacket+ doc martins and a mini backpack LOL anyway, what timing on your part! I love lifes little synchronicities like that.

[@johnb5482]

Never saw anyone rock as hard with a smile on his face as Scotty Johnson when the band was on SNL back in the day. I got to meet Scotty at a corporate gig in Boston a few years back. A really nice guy.

[@brettkoranda3922]

Thanks for this one, Prof! I'm a huge fan of Gin Blossoms! I've seen them perform a half a dozen times, and they never fail to deliver. We even covered "Hey Jealousy" in one of the bands I played with in the 90s.

[@rabby-u]

Adam, tragic rock n roll stories, are always tough to hear, but in hearing them, they're like bitter medicine. Hey Jealousy is a tune that I could spin for hours, anytime it comes on the rotation, its the center of my universe. Rock on Prof! 🙏🕊🤘😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thanks Rabby!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s the only song I’ve known from them so I have to dig into more of their stuff!

[@rabby-u]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hey Jealousy, reminds me so much about being young and confused about love and life, so let's just get in the car and drive wherever the road leads you. Sort of desperation behavior, if cars didn't exist, I don't how I would have gotten through life.

[@cellyblank9919]

New Miserable Experience was the greatest purchase for my first year of university. Too busy studying and tuition poor, I played it front to back and never wanted for any other grunge artists. Truly one of the greatest tapes of the 90s! And tough interview, after all the genius behind their success is no longer with us and Robin and Jesse were cautious about speaking for Doug. But you were able to pull out some golden nuggets, great interview.

[@stephenculpepper6818]

I'm 73 and the Gin Blossoms were as good as any band in my Era of the 1960's. New Miserable Experiece is one of my favorite albums.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@ColtraneTaylor]

I love 60s folk and Gin Blossoms as an 80/90s child. Moody Blues, Byrds, Pentangle ...

[@JamesErxleben]

Hey, Professor! Long time viewer here! Just wanted to say that this is an awesome in-depth video. I have been very privileged to get to know leading man, Robin Wilson, as I became friends with his son, Grey, in college. They are both so great and so talented, and I am grateful to know them and to have worked with them. All of us here are big fans of the history, and in terms of everything you have provided in this video… THANK YOU for bringing attention back to the Gin Blossoms and their history. Amazing interview. Much love!

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I'm a native Arizonan and didn't know these guys were a homegrown band. I really like all of the songs mentioned in the video; they were in heavy radio play during my Jr high/high school years

[@guywillis1281]

This is why I love this channel. The Gin Blossoms music was never anything that moved me in any way, but also music I don't turn off when it comes on. However, listening to these interviews and stories are what really stick with me and this video alone made me truly respect them. That's what music is all about.

[@CoachSully44]

My favorite 90’s band. Thanks for featuring them!

[@RaiderfanCali]

I haven’t forgotten! Thanks for posting!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@theCaslin]

Gin Blossoms scratched the itch beneath the scab of grunge

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Great take.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I like how you put it.

[@chadbartlett771]

What I loved about the Gin Blossoms was that the lyrics were absolute poetry and, as the Professor mentioned, they tapped into the zeitgeist for those of us that were coming of age at the time. Practically every song lyric is profoundly sad but the upbeat sounds of the songs made it feel like everything was going to be okay. So it was a tragedy that Doug's demons got the better of him while his lyrics gave us all the hope that we needed. The world lost a true artist.

[@seulment]

Thanks for the history and interview with this great band. They epitomize the 90s music. Well written songs, with deep meanings and wonderful music. So many different ways to read into a song.

[@allrequiredfields]

The Posies' Frosting On The Beater was the REAL hidden gem of the 90s.

[@chadbartlett771]

I was partial to Dear 23 mainly because of "Any Other Way" but Frosting on the Beater was also great. Such an underrated band.

[@DC8091]

“if i hadn’t blown the whole things ago, I might not be alone . . . The past is gone but something might be found to take its place. . . . “ Kristopherson & Dylan would be DAMM proof of that lyrical gold!

[@todddickinson3262]

100%!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup!

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😉

[@jonathanchin3396]

Thanks for posting this, love the Gin Blossoms, very sad about what happened to Doug, an incredible artist who should still be here.

[@toddsmith3199]

I was a hard rock head and a Dead head. I heard Hin Blossoms "I heard about you"and instantly i loved the sound. At the time I was 30. I still absolutely love them!

[@chrispfeifer7628]

A reminder that mental health and addiction are intertwined into each other. They feed each other in a neverending loop if a person can't find their way to step out of it. This has to be a individual decision or choice by the person spiralling in and out of control. People in the outdoors can't fix it or force it. You can't make someone want to like themselves and want to be better. Supporting them is the only and best way to help. Just be their friend and hope they find a way out

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right. Addiction can often have a negative impact on mental health.

[@GrizrazRex]

The sole purpose of some lives is to be an example to others, positive or negative. Doug Hopkins spoke to me and he spoke for me. While I never got to meet or know him, I have always felt a sense of emotional kinship. It's in my will that my cremated ashes are to be released from the Mill Avenue bridge. I want them to mingle in the Salt River bed with Doug's.

[@HotRod12667]

I watched a coworker spiral downward. Our boss and I tried to help but we really couldn't do much. She died of alcohol related organ failure. I still miss her.

[@amyjohnson135]

They are the only one that can save them. They have to want it. And rock bottom can be a real bitch sometimes. It’s very difficult to witness, knowing you are helpless to stop the spiral.

[@sc100ott]

Unfortunately, addiction and mental illness seem to be painfully common among the most creative people.

[@brandonkock]

Gin Blossoms are my jam! They just opened up for George Thorogood at Carb day in Indianapolis. Their songs connect with a lot of generations. They have some classic songs I can put on anytime of the day and it will put me in a good mood. Glad you got to meet him. I always thought Hey Jealousy was about a girl that wanted to get a guy to settle down with her, but he didnt want to. So he slept with her and crashed at her house.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I bet you could make an argument for that meaning in the song. Thanks for watching!

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

Was just thinking this, re: carb day! Good timing on this video. Love Indy, and this is a great band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Have you seen them live?

[@reno911isawesome]

Thank you!!! This band is very underrated, underappreciated, and overlooked. While I am glad they are back together performing, I wish there were more interviews of them out there. Thank you, thank you! Thank you for making this happen. Can't wait to hear even more of their story

[@prufrock1977]

Holy moly! I loved that album. Thanks for sharing their story!

[@molsongrrrl]

Not forgotten by me! I love the Gin Blossoms. Great episode!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bobainthome]

My FAVORITE band of all time...

[@breakercassidy6946]

RIP Doug Hopkins. “Found Out About You” and “Hey Jealousy” are maybe the two best songs ever written about a break up.

[@gajukes]

I'm so glad you could interview this band, one of those great bands that lost someone important so it must be harder for them to do interviews since they don't want to keep talking about and reliving the loss of their friend and bandmate. New Miserable Experience is a complete album that has no filler

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great band! The early 90's were a great time for me and hearing the Gin Blossoms brings back that great feeling! Great interview Professor!👍

[@fredgroenke2586]

The early 90’s were a defining period in my life: got sober, married a women with 3 small kids and got promoted and relocated several times. Music went onto the back burner. I never realized that the Gin Blossoms were that good. I’m going to have to revisit them. Thanks, PArofessor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Do it! Thanks Fred!

[@fredgroenke2586]

@@ProfessorofRockthanks Adam. I will, and I apologize for the typos!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@fredgroenke2586 No problem!

[@tse90723]

I could say almost the same thing. Walked away from addiction in 1992, joined the Navy, served 4 years, met a woman that had two kids but not custody, married her, came home and had 3 more kids. Loved the Gin Blossoms and took her to to them at HOB. Good times.

[@mistersniffer6838]

90's plowed into the 2000's pretty good!

[@andyr462]

so excited to see you showcase these guys.

[@johnlombardo7816]

one of my favorite albums of all time, thanks for putting it out there!

[@janisi9262]

Congratulations I'm Sorry is still one of my favourite album titles, and I love so, so many Gin Blossoms songs.

[@rhondafox8703]

Favorite songs: Found out about you, Lost Horizons, Hold Me Down. They still record and tour! The Professor didnt mention this! Saw them live in 2006, excellent show! Part 2 is coming soon I hope. Thanks POR!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It will be!

[@chapmancarruthers]

Love these guys. Been seeing them live since 05 at the belly up and won’t stop. Absolutely incredible and hope you or someone else will do an even longer sit down with them.

[@j-dub132]

I liked this video before I even started watching! I really loved this band and think their albums have withstood the test of time! still hoping to catch them on tour since they've gotten back together in recent years

[@jsedbe0624]

Hold Me Down - a criminally underrated song off of NME.

[@siriusfun]

One of my favourite albums of that era! Nice! I always considered them a cross between alt-rock/country, southern gothic and college radio. If the mixes had the electric guitars bumped a bit, they would've sounded heavier but that was a production aesthetic that really stuck out at the time and worked well with the plaintive, fragile vocal Cheers from Toronto and thanks for another great ep!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great comment! Love it.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

What southern gothic bands do you like?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They definitely mixed in a few genres.

[@robinpfohl9989]

I LOVE LOVE the Gin Blossoms!! I was lucky enough to see them live twice. You are right the were underrated. Thanks for covering them!

[@mattshafer1959]

Thank you for this one....one of my favorite bands from the 90s! Hey Jealousy, to me, is a girl I let get away when I was in high school

[@rogertemple7193]

the Gin Blossoms had a great sound and their videos were on MTV everyday and they were really good while they lasted and I still hear their music occasionally from time to time thanks Adam.🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎵🎶🎼

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. They really had a big impact for a short time.

[@thepayne7862]

The Gin Blossoms aren't one of my favorite 90's bands, they are one of my favorite bands of all time, they just happened to be a 90's band. I can listen to New Miserable Experience from start to finish over and over again. When I first got the album it was the only music I listened to for about 5 days. According to Amazon prime music for 2023 , Hey Jealousy was number 23 out of the 50 songs I listened to the most.

[@Tat2dDude67]

What a great album. Thanks for the video!

[@alexandriacolonialtours1269]

Thanks again for another great video. They made a great album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Thanks for watching!

[@RestrainingHollywood]

I was Never a Huge Fan of this Band. More into Faith No More. Soundgarden. Beastie Boys. Nirvana. Jane's Addiction, etc. Regardelss, "Hey Jealousy" & "Found out about you" Helped Define the 90s...Such Great Songs! When I hear them they take me back to a Simpler Time. My Teen Angst , Chasing Girls, Loving Life & being optimistic about the Future ❤

[@johnrunion5357]

along with badfinger, big star, the raspberries, the knack, brian wilson : one of the most sad stories in all of power pop.

[@TheErrorGrammatical]

I've been waiting for this interview. This band had so much going for them. You can really interpret what Doug was going through during his writing process. "Lost Horizons" also hits different because of this

[@AwlDeigh]

Thanks for this one!

[@dereklewis4321]

They really do have a bunch of hits but arnt talked about like other bands from the 90s. Sick discography.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Silverchair!

[@DashCrashCam]

I think they fit in with groups like Collective Soul and Tonic, not really grunge or alternative but more easy and accessible rock music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@Sweet--Richard.4981 Another great one!

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@DashCrashCam Good call.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure.

[@Lee-nr7ob]

We're all pushing 60 now

[@ProfessorofRock]

Whoa!

[@chrisoakley5830]

Yes we are, I'll be 58 in October, can't believe it.

[@Whisper_292]

And still rocking.

[@magiccheeseball]

It's already in my rear view mirror

[@kingdave77]

Gin Blossoms are my favorite band from the 90s. Listening to their songs takes me back….

[@andrewkeehan8059]

New Miserable Experience is still one of my favorite records. Exceptional song writing and singing performances that bring back so many memories. One of the most perfect moments is when the solo/bridge drops out on Hold Me Down, and there’s just a hint of a pause before the music comes back. Gets me every time.

[@davethompson3800]

Love The Gin Blossoms and have seen them several times, however they never had that energy on stage as heard on the albums. Just my opinion of their live performances!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ok!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I couldn't leave a comment on your channel until now

[@wtfayfrffs]

Loved hearing their story, sad and inspiring at the same time. Loved their music then and still love it now. Always wondered what happened to them. Thank you for the revisit.

[@katylake212]

I wore out the DVD on NME. Loved, loved, LOVED Gin Blossoms!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Don't know them. I stopped following music in the early 90's when the Grunge Era emerged and Rap/Hip Hop became dominant. If this group has nothing in common with those 2 genres, I'm willing to give them a listen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m willing to dig into more of their stuff. I hope they have an interesting catalog.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 After I watched this POR episode, I looked up Gin Blossoms and listened to some of their songs. I liked what I heard. It was good, melodic, rock. Further down in the comments section, others said Gin Blossoms were one of the few bands they liked who got them through the 90's as an alternative to Grunge. After giving them a try, I can see why. Their music is nothing like Nirvana, and, to me, that's a good thing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@stephenhanft1226 I’m very happy that you liked them Stephen. The lead singer’s voice is really good and the songs are really simple but not simple enough to be boring like grunge.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Love Gin Blossoms! But, I must confess I actually prefer the Vodka Blossoms. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great band for the 90s. I listen to them frequently on Sirius 90s on 9. Thanks Professor. Have a great day!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha! Thanks Roger!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

How about the Tonic Blossoms?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jameslegrand1624]

Had all of their albums. One of my favorites of the 90s, and still today…