Gin Blossoms: Tragic Death of Guitarist Doug Hopkins Who Wrote Hey Jealousy & Found Out About You

Gin Blossoms: The tragic death of guitarist Doug Hopkins
Have a video request or a topic you'd like to see us cover? Fill out our google form!
bit.ly/3stnXlN
----GET A SECRET VIDEO PLAYLIST----
Sign up for email news and get a link to my secret playlist with 10 of my best stories.
bit.ly/3emyloM
----CONNECT ON SOCIAL----
Instagram: / rocknrolltruestories
Facebook: / rnrtruestories
Twitter: / rocktruestories
Blog: www.rockandrolltruestories.com
Patreon: / rnrtruestories
#ginblossoms #heyjealousy #doughopkins
I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.
“Let’s face it, Tempe, Arizona., is not exactly a thriving rock ‘n’ roll mecca. It seems more like one of those places that a budding rock band leaves, then later reminisces about for its boring but lovable qualities.”
That's what the LA Times had to say about Gin Blossoms during a 1993 profile they wrote about the group. Gin Blossoms rose to prominence in the early 90’s thanks to their second and third records which sold quite well, but it was a miracle that the band even released their second and breakout album New Miserable experience. By the end of the recording sessions the band would lose one of their key members guitarist Doug Hopkins whose life would end tragically just as his old band was finding fame.. Today lets talk about the life and death of the guitarist.
Gin Blossoms born and raised on R.E.M., Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, and the Replacements, which offered a stark contrast to the other popular bands of the early 90’s who were fed a healthy diet of punk rock, metal and bands like The Pixies. Gin Blossoms married joyful sounding melodies with young adult anxieties. Hailing from Tempe Arizona, Gin Blossoms first formed thanks to a Tower Records store in the city, where frontman Robin Wilson and bassist Bill Leen both worked. The band formed in 1987, and the first solid lineup consisted of Wilson, Leen, guitarists Jesse Valenzuela, ad Doug Hopkins, as well as drummer Phillip Rhodes.
While the band should’ve been celebrating, guitarist Doug Hopkins was not. Having suffered from severe depression from a young age he was against signing with a major label feeling pressure to deliver and also feeling like someone else’s property. His drinking would only escalate once the band signed wa smajor recording contract.. According to Rolling Stone he frequently showed up intoxicated at gigs, while band practices resulted in verbal screaming machines.
The band first convened in Los Angeles in 1991 to record their major label debut but it was a complete disaster. The band spent close to $100,000 and had nothing to show for it and were almost dropped by their label.
Singer Robin Wilson would tell Rolling Stone ,“We were a fragile mess. We were all just treading water trying to make the record. We knew this was our last chance. It was an intense experience on every level.”
During a a separate interview with billboard magazine he also credited the band’s label with helping turn things around letting the band release an EP instead, and touring a bit revealing “they gave us a chance to succeed or fail to learn about the studio and toughen up”. The band in the mean time recorded the EP Up and Crumbling, which came out in 1991.
As the band attempted to take a second stab at their first LP for A&M they chose a different producer and location recording New Miserable Experience in Memphis. That’s not to say the experience was perfect because it was anything but. The band soon started running into problems with Hopkins with Wilson telling the LA Times in 1996
“It’s just a sad thing when you’ve got somebody you love, [and] you’re just watching them destroy themselves before your eyes and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. And it’s all happening while you’re making the most important record you’ve ever made in your life.”
Wilson remembered that one incident that showed how checked out Doug was saying
“I came into the studio and Doug was in there with John, and I heard John say, ‘Well, someone is going to have to do these solos.’ Doug said, ‘I guess I’d rather Jesse do my solos.’ I was just floored. I could not believe that was something tha
But there was one solo that Hopkins did play on and .
Sources:
www.latimes.co...
en.wikipedia.o...
www.phoenixnew...
www.latimes.co...
www.rollingsto...
variety.com/19...

[@rnrtruestories]

a lot of people requested gin blossoms, more coming later this year on my channel... As always if you want to request topics use this form. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCQjTcPGrzUbG7H7t4toQehliwBS_Fcp78JeY_js4zZbX2jA/viewform

[@ae86hachi]

How about a vid on Social Distortion? Under appreciated band with a lengthy history

[@rnrtruestories]

@@ae86hachi yes, love them! Please request them using the form and if you have any specific social distortion ideas, please feel free to request them

[@rnrtruestories]

@FAT COUNTRY thanks

[@j.anthonyholder8514]

I'm sorry but the gin blossoms sucked. I'm surprised that song ever got any airplay. Hate the guy died, really. But, just another bland ass band with nothing to offer.

[@mistervertigoband]

Glad someone is giving Doug the props he deserves. But I must correct you on one thing. Doug did in fact play most all of the lead guitar on N.M.E. Plus Mrs. Rita & Allison Road used the same tracks as Up and Crumbling so those are also Doug. We got the pleasure of speaking to John Hampton in 2011 and I asked him about all of this. He said "Doug got his shit together to play all his leads, and rhythm parts for his songs. In fact if my memory serves me correct the only track to not feature Doug on NME is Cajun Song." We are huge fans of that record and reached out to John about doing a mix for us and we got to chatting. Cheers again for doing a Doug episode. One of the forgotten, best songwriters of the 80s/90s. Classic brilliant Power Pop! Lastly the lyrics to that record are far from uplifting. Doug also wrote all the words to his songs they can get pretty dark. But in a tragic romantic, poetic sort of way. He was also a great and underrated lyricist :(

[@rogueprince1341]

I still blast Hey Jealousy whenever I hear it. It's one of my favorite songs from when I was a kid.

[@captainbaseballbatboy7915]

Staple of early 90s music... such a great song

[@RedceLL1978]

A sad lyric fact about Hey Jealousy: Doug's original lyric in that song was "you can trust me not to DRINK; and not to sleep around". That lyric was changed to "think" instead of drink for the record after Doug was ousted. I've always loved the gin blossoms, especially songs like "Found out about you" and "Until I fall away" but listening and knowing alot of these emotionally powerful songs were about Doug's pain and his struggle while the rest of the band were making millions off of it was always kind of off-putting to me. Doug is to blame for his own addiction but it still never felt right that Robin and the rest still used his material and even gave him an ultimatum and cut his royalties in half knowing he needed the money and wouldn't be able to say no. They only propelled his descent into suicide by kicking him when he was down. He's responsible for his own actions, but the rest of the band definitely capitalized on his downfall, that's for sure. So it's always been a very bittersweet feeling trying to enjoy their music.

[@RedceLL1978]

@Matt T. if you go look at the song credits on New miserable experience, it changes your perspective when you go back and listen to all those songs again. Alot of those songs were great because of Doug's contributions, he was an excellent writer, both on guitar and lyrically. If he had ever cleaned himself up and gone on to fully pursue a career, he would've been very successful. An amazing talent lost to addiction and depression, it's just very sad.

[@rsohlich1]

Me too. I get really nostalgic hearing it. Reminds me of literally driving around my hometown as a kid.

[@nogrecords]

Yeah, I can't help it. That song is GREAT

[@janetduncan87]

I'm 60 now, but while in my 30s, I enjoyed their songs. I have them saved on my playlist. Their songs resonates with many .

[@ko-rp7ge]

That's dope

[@joyfulone1816]

​@@ko-rp7geliterally.

[@atman3437]

Same.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Thus proving that if a label "wants" a band to break big, they can usually do it. I'm glad they pushed Gin Blossoms though, they were a huge part of my life. Great band.

[@jameshisself9324]

Yes, label promotion is a HUGE part of conventional radio based success, it was rarely organic like we were led to believe.

[@baukadrun]

Maybe the label has a good connection on Mtv too, you know way back then Mtv were so picky on what the band/music playing on their platform. Well that leads to the 80s & 90s hair rock bands demise

[@Texturas75]

I don't know if they "usually" succeed at it. Remember they had to relaunch the single 3 times and make two more videos for the song. That's a lot of trying. It depends of the level of perseverance on the label's part. Of course the quality of the music has to do with it too. For example, at the time I didn't care about much successful songs, like Creep by Radiohead. Gin Blossoms was my thing, then.

[@InWitheNew]

Yup, all it costs was the suicide of their lead guitarist.

[@21Rushisaband12]

this is why I tell people that "you know why _____ artist (who's usually garbage) is popular? because the industry said so!"

[@Wolfdragon92584]

Every one of Doug's songs was a beautifulcry for help. They all contained some form of his aching melancholy, from his heavy drinking to lost relationships. His lyrics are painful to read, but so poetic.

[@sarahalbers5555]

You would have thought either the band, his family or management would made him go to a first class long term rehab.( a real rehab, not like those places in Malibu). I feel so bad for this guy.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

Someone, anyone, should have at least said something, or helped him manage his money at very least. Poor guy man.

[@cs292]

Gin Blossoms are grunge in a major key.

[@mrsamzambrano5740]

Oh yes he was in a prison. Instead of people helping him They were enjoying & capitilizing on his pain aka music. It’s so clear in the lyrics. The classic story of addiction. Nobody works harder to act normal than an alcohol & an alcoholics friends and family. By the end he obviously had no one not even his prior girlfriend he nick names jealousy in the song hey jealousy. He was actually writing about an addict regret & crying for help. It was obvious by the end. But their is not enough awareness for addicts who suffer even more than the ones they hurt. & then their is the fact that people want to believe what they want when they are getting something from someone being sick. So they convince themselves they aren’t that bad. What a tragic end. Many artist would have made amazing contributions had they not been struck down by addiction. And worst celebrated or seen as cool 😎 by our even sicker CAPITALISTIC society! It’s past time to stop stigmatizing addicts as either cool or scum. They are sick & need help. The truth is so simple many just don’t wanna see it.

[@seanc6042]

Sorry but he has to take responsibility for his actions. He basically pissed his life away.

[@sophiasantiago-fodor9221]

3:40 For the record, Robin stated in a much later interview that Doug played all of the guitar parts on NME. They felt they had to say he played none of them to make the new guy look good to the record buying public. So those great songs and great solo's were Doug's-not ole "what his face". The irony: they maligned Doug, only to realize they helped kill the goose who lay the golden egg. Brilliant guys.

[@noahmichael2213]

Hopkins is one of the most tragic and underrated figures of the 90s

[@IvanLendl87]

If Doug Hopkins had lived and gotten healthy I’ve no doubt Gin Blossoms would have released at least 2 more excellent albums. Hopkins was a talented songwriter. Just too many demons.

[@Metalbass10000]

A lot of talented songwriters, like painters, seem to have difficulties coping, and end up depressed, and many seem to end up going through substance abuse cycles. Something about communicating an idea, a statement, a feeling, or an emotion, drawing out a response from other people, whether through words, or imagery, that is somehow the related to certain difficulties in coping with life, or certain aspects of life. A lot of great artists seem to have these same struggles. It's just sad. Making him feel like he needed to sign away half HIS royalties, for songwriting, to which he is legally entitled, by withholding HIS payments, which those bandmates had NO legal, nor ethical, nor moral, grounds on which to stand, was an extremely SHITTY thing to do. It was especially so, doing such a dishonest and manipulative thing to a relatively easily manipulated person in his mental, psychological, and emotional, condition. If he had anyone advising him that had any knowledge of this situation, he should have, first, contacted a lawyer, but not agreed to any kind of a retainer, just to get some kind of legal representation as an option. He could also have consulted any number legitimate sources of legal advice, such as faculty at a good law School. Even better, there are organizations that do provide advice, and some kind of education in the basics of what are the laws regarding songwriters, songs, who is entitled to payments for those works of art when they are sold. He should definitely have contacted the record company directly, and made it extremely clear to them that any payments of royalties, any songwriter credits, any form of any payments, must be made to individual band members, ONLY,, and that the payments to him must be made directly to him and not through the band. They must do this unless somehow, in signing their record company contract, the individual members agreed to the band as an entity as being responsible for their legal representation. This would be incredibly stupid, but I do know of one situation where this actually did happen about 30 years ago. Thankfully, it wasn't me, but it was someone I knew well back then. Just as in this case, that band member was forced out of the group because of his substance abuse. Also, just as in this case, when they finally did sell a number of their albums his payments went to the band, deposited in a bank account that was held by the band. This was only in the name of one of the members of the band, and my friend did not see a dime of that money until after a lawsuit was resolved. Unfortunately, this was while he was in a hospital living his last days.

[@georgesawtooth]

Just 2? I believe they would have gone down among the top 5 rock bands of all time if only Hopkins hadn't died.

[@musicwithin7179]

@@Metalbass10000 Nice analysis of the situation, excellent advice. Unfortunately Hopkins wasn’t in the mental state to think things through and didn’t have anyone close who knew how to advocate for him.

[@IvanLendl87]

@@georgesawtooth Well, I said “at least 2”. So that means a minimum of 2 but probably more than 2.

[@robdykejr]

@Matt T. : We had seen the best they had with the album "New Miserable Experience". A great album, even by competitive 90's standards, but not in the league with the Beatles, Stones & other songwriting bands I mentioned who occupy the top spots in the top 20.

[@chrishowell6549]

Well that was depressing. Sad this band didn't do so much more. I love dark and heavy music, but this band and their uplifting songs are instantly nostalgic and always bring a positive feeling for me. Another one of a kind band that holds a permanent place in my life's memory.

[@glitchedmochi]

Doug was one of the most underrated songwriters of his time. There was a sadness and rawness to his lyrics and melodies, despite how bouncy and catchy they were. And they were never the same without him.

[@ChorusArtists]

Now you know why they called the next record, "Congratulations, I'm Sorry."

[@Ash-jx1dt]

Found out about you will always hit me in the heart. I love this song

[@Donamtrx]

“If u don’t expect too much from me you might not be let down”...brilliant writing❤️

[@bigjohn08865]

"Because all I really want is to be with you, feeling like I matter to."

[@Donamtrx]

@@bigjohn08865 👌🏻😎

[@NJGuy1973]

​@@bigjohn08865The past is gone, but something might be bound to take its place.

[@kylehegedus5498]

R.I.P. Doug Hopkins

[@teddyjackson1902]

Doug was one of those dudes who probably felt too much too deeply.

[@DonS-m9e]

I never knew he had passed. Really enjoyed their music. Something doesn't add up because he had everything to live for. Depression is a demon 😈

[@Iluvbisquits]

"She had nothing left to say So she said she loves me And I stood there grateful for the lie..."- Doug

[@jtajr]

Whoa! JHFC that's heavy! Damn. Sent a shiver down my spine.

[@saintjabroni]

What song is this from?

[@awesthou]

@@saintjabroni Lost Horizons, the first song on New Miserable Experience. A killer, devastating opener.

[@saintjabroni]

@@awesthou Thank you for your service.

[@cringirl]

@@Iluvbisquits actually, that’s Jesse’s line

[@munafo13]

Imagine working your whole life to achieve one thing, being on the cusp of achieving that one thing, and then suddenly realizing it's not what you wanted or thought it to be... Crushing...

[@teddyjackson1902]

Imagine being the principal writer and designer of the rocket ship, and falling off, as it carries the dudes who worked with you into the stratosphere.

[@abrahamlorenzo421]

@@teddyjackson1902 imagine having a 14 inch penis

[@teddyjackson1902]

@@abrahamlorenzo421 don’t have to

[@roadhockey]

Hey Jealousy is the saddest and best song ever.

[@megbyfield7895]

Omg hey jealousy brings back the feeling of driving around with my crush on a hot sunny day. Just being young and loving the shit out of life.

[@seeingeyegod]

cliche

[@megbyfield7895]

@@seeingeyegod i know hey!! But it does It wasn’t long after that that life took a turn for the worst which I guess is why I remember it so fondly, maybe through rose coloured glasses. But hey who gives a fuck. It was goodtimes and I am sticking by it. Lol

[@alenemarie]

@@megbyfield7895 ...as you should. It WAS good times! It was a great song. Never heard the whole story, though.

[@megbyfield7895]

@@alenemarie yeh me either. So sad for him. To think that life was unbearable for him. And yet his emotions and feelings he put into that song, make others so happy. It’s a beautiful gift to the world. And I celebrate it. Thanks for the kind message xx

[@davidl570]

Did you let the cops chase you around?

[@BanuHaqim]

Doug Hopkins saved my life. I mourn his death every December.

[@Albect777]

Living through the 90's as a teen was the best time... music was soooo good..

[@whoobastank8616]

Thank for the video..Found Out About You is such a great, melancholy song

[@JoeBlow-fp5ng]

Still love the gin Blossom's first album. RIP Doug Hopkins. Too bad you couldn't hold on long enough to see the happiness your music has brought to million of your fans, even 30 years on. And you were one hell of a guitarist. One of the most underrated guitar players and song writers. Good video. One of your best.

[@DazedxHipster]

Born and raised in arizona. Lived about 10 minutes outside of Tempe. Gin Blossoms are our local heroes.

[@bmelvin1234]

Found out about you is one of the most poetic songs that hits home to any person that has a high school love.

[@directcurrent5751]

Felt biographical

[@y0uknowmysteez]

Hey jealousy and found out about you I first heard as a 10 year old and just hearing them brings back so many childhood memories of having family and friends over my house with my dad playing the stereo in the garage

[@candiceyoung8244]

This guys so underrated today. Hey jealousy is one of the best 90s songs,amongst some of the greatest. God rest his soul 💙

[@mikeb.6783]

Absolute great album from the 90s .heard their songs all over the radio.Hey jealousy and found out about you, until I fall away, allison road,etc.

[@jimmypeeks6867]

It's inaccurate to report that Hopkins didn't play his solos on NME. Also, while this video says Hopkins wrote "half" the songs on NME, it doesn't make clear that the songs that charted or that were most successful were ALL written by Doug. The label pushed Doug out, and gave the band an ultimatum: either Doug goes, or their record contract does. It's obvious who the backbone of that band was. Once Doug was gone, Gin Blossoms couldn't even come close to recreating what Hopkins had brought to the band .

[@bainbridge-he6xp]

So let me get this straight. The guy who wrote the songs gets kicked out, screwed over on publishing then these idiots have no problem singing his songs? Sold their souls for rock and roll indeed

[@ds2jim]

yeah, that was kinda' glossed over, wasn't it? I understand that, given his issues, he had to go. but to screw him out of his money is a different thing altogether.

[@bainbridge-he6xp]

@@ds2jim The kick in the nuts was giving half of his publishing to the replacement. That's just wrong in itself

[@whoobastank8616]

What they did to him when he was at his lowest is so beyond shitty

[@bainbridge-he6xp]

@@whoobastank8616 yes it was. Those guys are pos

[@daveg4236]

How's it shitty? Drugs and drinking kept the band behind. Fuck him. See ya

[@ga3124]

If the guys hadn't pushed forward without him, the world wouldn't have heard Doug's work. Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, Lost Horizons, Angels Tonight, and Hold Me Down are on vinyl, tape, CD, and streaming on the internet. They all did good work. Unfortunately, what made Doug's songs (lyrics) so compelling is also what killed him.

[@BadGuyGoodAudioReviews]

"I don't remember where i was or when I heard he died"....Nice friends he had..jeeeezus

[@vernonheughan7526]

Like "Sir Paul's" comment on his writing partner's murder. "Drag, isn't it?" True colors shining through!

[@SprucedandGussied]

Came to find this comment. Messed up. Ugh.

[@larrydavid6852]

Sounds like they did him really dirty over the publishing money.

[@daveg4236]

When you're hoped up on drugs to where you can't function you left the band absolutely nothing else to do.

[@larrydavid6852]

​@@daveg4236 I am referring to having him sign over 50% of his publishing rights, not the decision to fire him. There has to be more to that part of the story.

[@daveg4236]

@@larrydavid6852 all the same transaction. He got paid..used it on booze

[@ballisticcranberrypeat7777]

@@larrydavid6852 Maybe things were so bad during recording they kind of felt like he deserved nothing? I have no idea obviously, but maybe they thought they were doing him a favor by letting him get half of something that(in their minds) he had barely contributed to. I know they said he was the "writer" but who knows what he really did, or even if the song sounds anything like what he wrote. Like I said, I don't have any idea, but those seem like reasonable areas for a little benefit of the doubt.

[@larrydavid6852]

@@daveg4236 publishing rights = future income. That song will still be brining in regular cheques almost thirty years later.

[@pixeldeath5846]

The sad thing was the two songs that blew up were both about Doug's unrequited high school love, so many people can relate to that feeling when you think about that one person you wish things could of been different with, you can feel his pain through those lyrics and they got a hit record from his pain...

[@heathernikki5734]

One of my favorite songs! He was a lyrical genius!

[@feliciakidd9358]

I love Gin Blossoms!! My favorite song by them is "Found Out About You" I've watched that official music video many many times.

[@cs292]

I love 29…their songs are really sad, but in a major key.

[@alexwestconsulting]

Thanks for making this. Tribute to Doug Hopkins, great songwriter.

[@ChorusArtists]

I was playing in bands and working in the record biz in the early 90's, and when I got a close look at just how enslaved these major label artists were, I immediately set aside any ideas I had about being a pro musician. I totally understand how Doug felt about signing with a major label. The business isn't for everyone, especially thoughtful, smart, independent people.

[@DLHarv]

I’m not a musician but the strife in this business is real. Some of my favourite bits from jre is when artists like Hetfield Travis barker and billy corgan talk about it. Thx for sharing Reuben music is life my bro

[@deansmith6593]

Managing The Partridge Family in the early 70's you would know all about the music industry.

[@ChorusArtists]

@@deansmith6593 Well I came by the nickname honestly at least. I wouldn't have picked it for myself, but it stuck and what can you do? Cheers, and Danny says hi!

[@ellenswift8598]

That's it in a nutshell!💯💯💯💯💯

[@scottcharney1091]

Weirdly, this video makes it seem that the label was actually very supportive of the band.

[@VanishedPNW]

Does another photo of Doug Hopkins even exist? It's tragic that this man wrote some of most iconic songs of that era and didn't get shit for it, not even a decent photo of himself.

[@LostHorizons0]

There’s an actual interview with him and Robin in the 80s on yt just start searching and there is video of him performing

[@AimingWanderously]

Gin Blossoms remain one of my top 10 favorite bands ever. Such good tunes.

[@ChorusArtists]

Oh, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! GB was one of my fave bands in the 90's, and Doug's story was just so sad. It coloured everything they wrote on their own after that. He was a great songwriter, and his music touched a lot of us very deeply. He was gone before most of us heard it. RIP Doug.

[@rnrtruestories]

more gin blossoms coming!

[@davidcudlip6587]

Tragic story. Sometime the closest to us are the most far away. He should be here now.

[@azdrummer1]

Being from Tempe/Mesa AZ, and being fortunate enough to see them with and without Doug, this is a truly sad story. I've played many shows on the same stages they did, and experienced first hand, the fickle AZ music fan, who usually preferred a DJ, over live music. They however gave the states musicians, hope it could be done. I will only say this about his firing - It was not the bands decision to fire Doug. The label confronted the band with an ultimatum - they were still considered kids/young men, with the idea of losing what they had worked so hard to get to. And I assure you, karma played her part, as after Doug died, they were never able to top his work.

[@flatlander5054]

Sadly Amen.

[@trainelavalais6280]

Exactly. This is why their third album "Congratulations I'm Sorry" never really went nowhere.

[@AhNee]

@@trainelavalais6280 That was their second, and had hits on it as well. Their third, "Major Lodge Victory" didn't go much of anywhere because of the record company.

[@trainelavalais6280]

@@AhNee But the only song on Congratulations I'm Sorry that hit the top 40 was "Follow You Down." "Dayjob" and "As Long As It Matters" didn't do too well.

[@ashfairley]

@@AhNee Congratulations... is the third album.

[@donaldlamkin1305]

I saw the Blossoms around 1993 2nd on the bill with Cracker and The Spin Doctors. At the time, I didn't care one way or the other about them. They were very polite, not what I expected. What impressed me the most was that they didn't kick off their set with a rocking number, but with the softer "Until I fall away". It completely changed my opinion of them.

[@rokhren4134]

His bandmates are really high quality guys: first waited so the record would be done and then fired him and even blackmailed him to sign over his royalties. Practical bunch of rock'n'rollers, no doubt.

[@jannuzijannuzicharlescharl3260]

They did what they had to do to satisfy the label. Hopkin's was actually seeing success with the Pistoleros but his life spiralled out of control. The GB didn't take everything from him--his estate is worth tens of millions of dollars because of the success of his songs.

[@Monster12367]

It's the same thing that happen with Syd Barret, the man who founded and even named Pink Floyd. Once the band started taking off, they needed Syd to be with them. But he wasn't, he was too busy getting high and tripping on acid. He would show up to the studio and ve unable to play. The band had to make the Dec to stop bringing Syd in, because they were on their way to making it and at that point Syd became a liability. The band didn't want to do it, but they weren't going anywhere with him. Wish You Were Here was written exclusively for Barrett, as the band never wanted to leave him behind. It's sounds like it was about the same as Hopkins. We wouldn't know them had Hopkins continued to bring the band down.

[@ggrrl1180]

@@jannuzijannuzicharlescharl3260 there is a great documentary on The Pistoleros

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

I feel like the lead singer's quotes at the end there were glib and spoken with the intention to be deflective in relation to how the band dealt with him. Ok, he was an alcoholic and maybe he did talk about committing suicide. With something like that you should either try and *help* or at the very least, give a wide berth and try not to exacerbate the situation. Instead, it seems like they knowingly took advantage of his circumstances to get ahold of a chunk of his publishing/royalties. Using his alcoholism and related personality issues as some kind of pass to justify and/or excuse that course of action. Or worse, to unburden themselves of the guilt associated with their role in his demise. Essentially saying "Well, he often talked about suicide and he's of course the one who shot himself so it would've happened regardless." As if the way they handled the situation with him in no significant way worsened, agitated or accelerated his physical and mental state. I'm sorry but outside looking in (which I understand has it's limitations) that just seems pretty shitty. People who discuss an inclination toward suicide, far more often than not are basically asking for help. It's fairly common knowledge that usually people who often threaten suicide don't go through with it but those who do rarely ever mention their intentions. How does the guitarist who replaced him cash in those royalties on songs he didn't write? Especially since the man ended up taking his own life. That's just gross. Just to reiterate the shittiness; ~ This man was one of the two *founding members* of the band (the other being the bassist, Bill Leen). ~ He wrote most of their songs including their 4 biggest hits which were *the* reason that album went quadruple platinum. ~ He didn't want to sign to a major label but relented for the sake of his bandmates who wanted to sign. ~ That *same* label told the other band members to *FIRE* him for being an alcoholic, saying they'd be *dropped* from their contract if not. ~ The band fucking *agreed* to this and to make it happen, they knowingly took advantage of his dire financial situation and withheld $15,000 that he was * already OWED* until he agreed to sign over *half* of his publishing royalties and *all* of his mechanical royalties to the band and his *replacement.* A guy who didn't write or record so much as one note on that album. 😑 Friends like those, huh?

[@AhNee]

There is only so much help you can offer someone set to destroy themselves and everyone around them. And they were young guys who didn't know shit about the industry, let alone how to help someone with mental health issues and addictions.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@AhNee its still a shit way to treat a human being whos tragedy you profit off of to this very day.

[@SprucedandGussied]

This is actually so dissapointing to learn. I liked them a lot as a kid in the 90s and go through different stages of getting back into their music over the years, like right now, i'm really into them because my bf put them on a playlist, but not a band I listen to regularly, but was never a hard core fan so I didn't know the background story but now everything makes sense on how they never surpassed their fame of the early-mid 90's. I also found it kind dumb that he stated that he couldn't tell you were he was when he got the news about Doug. Umm okay, Robin.

[@greggnumme299]

Rest in peace Doug Hopkins my brother! I myself have had some songs end up in the top 10 that were stolen from me and it breaks my heart man that they couldn't help you and they should have stuck by you and gave you another chance because we've all been there! RIP DOUG HOPKINS 🙏 💔

[@nosferitu]

He was obviousl a great talent. His band members helped kill him!

[@PhotogV]

Some friends and I decided one night to hit one of the few live music clubs in Bryan TX. Some band called Gin Blossoms were playing. There was a good crowd, the band sounded good. They kept saying they just got off the road with Toad and the Wet Sprocket. A few months later they were all over the radio.

[@Mandamf]

Genius is madness. Unfortunately it’s hard to find a middle ground.

[@nickrodriguez2677]

I was attending ASU 91-92, they were legends. Up and crumbling just came out. Doug was a terrific songwriter RIP

[@levimcdaniel]

I think I am like many others, fell in love with the bands catalog many years after it was released

[@gregggoss2210]

Here it is, 2024 and I just got my ticket for Gin Blossoms and Toad The Wet Sprocket touring together again. Can't wait.

[@juliegogola4647]

I did LOVE "Found out about you". So sad that guy had died:(

[@richsouthall1937]

The Gin Blossoms are perhaps one of the most under-rated bands of all time. 'New Miserable Experience' captured lightning in a bottle by mining the rich veins of the Eagles, REM, Big Star and others and creating a unique and timeless sound. I thought these guys were going to be huge; they deserved it.

[@laurenwarren8101]

Couple of good songs, that's about it. They where ok.

[@Mrdrivereight]

No they didn't after they robbed Doug who wrote their break out hits. Most of the music press knew what they did and didn't pay their fame game. They all knew even the new gin blossoms that's why they named their third album congratulations Im sorry or something like that.

[@davidl570]

@@laurenwarren8101 More than a couple.

[@ggrrl1180]

yeah, they've only sold 10 million records worldwide@@laurenwarren8101

[@mikemcintosh9933]

I'm glad I found this channel and enjoy these stories. Thank you. The intersection of mental illness, substance use and creative talent is fascinating.

[@willdenham]

That Gold Top he's holding is sick!

[@jraymond1988]

They also named the following album "Congratulations I'm Sorry" after what people often said to them about the success of the previous album and finding out about Doug Hopkin's death.

[@PoppysGuitar]

Hopkins was the heart of this band and the genius behind the songs. That band and that management screwed him. I have no idea how they justified 50% of the publishing royalties being transferred to who? his replacement? Well they got rid of Hopkins and got rid of themselves.

[@lowfijones3346]

There are 30,000 musicians that are part of important bands. 1% OF THEM have credits on hit songs. Doug was a hall of fame songwriter, striking lighting not once but multiple times. Horrible what damage drugs and alcohol can do, this young man had a bright future ahead of him and was taken too soon. The band had to move on, forced to tour non-stop or be nothing! Everyone involved had certain forces, i.e. Major label touring or being nothing for the band and Doug self-medicating into oblivion. Reality forged what became of this story, and it's really sad what happened.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Such a great band. Sad Hopkins imploded as I think he was the core of the success of Gin Blossoms. Some souls are doomed and I think success scared Hopkins to the point of failure.

[@DRINKER_MTK]

GREAT BAND !

[@cs292]

Doug died Dec, 93 and Kurt died Apr, 94.

[@jtmoore662]

I saw Gin in concert twice. Loved it

[@Paul-oe9sy]

nice job with this. the songs Hopkins wrote were melancholy melodic magic.

[@WarpedRecord]

Seems like the rockers from the ‘90s left us faster than the ones from the ‘80s, ‘70s and even ‘60s.

[@NottyGurlStyle]

The New Miserable Experience is one of my favorite albums to this day still in 2021. I love the entire album and use it in school projects in the 90s. It's sad that all of this was going on behind the scenes during the time the album was being made and coming out..

[@jamyc.5800]

That was really tragic. Sadly, not every story can be a fairy tale or even end "happy-enough".

[@Scarlet01812]

I went to Chuy’s every weekend for 3 months and Long Wongs on occasion before they hit it big. Jesse used to wear the same long sleeve red shirt at every gig it seemed. I always felt they kind of fucked over their most talented member but who could blame them. I saw him play with a band called the Pharoahs and he was a mess. It’s a shame he couldn’t get the help he needed

[@cringirl]

$500 in his pocket, eh? More than I have ever had. Surprised the stripper he spent his last night with didn't take it. I know exactly where I was when I got the news that he was dead. He had kissed me, and then told me that he was going to "off himself" I lost it and took acid and couldn't come down and my roommate admitted me to county hospital. The night before I heard I had a terrible time, I was in the hospital bed and it was like my body kept trying to prop me up against the wall. The next day my sister relayed the horror over the phone. I miss him so fucking much. I honestly have never recovered. Bastard.

[@joejones9520]

you sound like the coolest chick ever, seriously.

[@SMtWalkerS]

Doug Hopkins wrote some songs I love. I wonder what he would have done had he survived.

[@godzillamoraga]

My dad was friends with Doug and wrote a song about him after he passed.

[@jamesheath7601]

Doug is Gin Blossoms

[@TheChristianRiv]

Man, I never realized how badly they screwed him by making him give up his publishing. So shitty. 😔

[@CrocodilePile]

I miss Doug. I remember him crowded onto a tiny stage at Long Wong's. I remember him falling backwards off the stage at the Sun Club. I remember a party we were both at got busted by the cops, there was a mound of laundry detergent on the floor that the police though might be drugs. Doug told them straight, "If that was coke I'd be down there with a straw up my nose". At his funeral the rest of the Blossoms found out he was the one who had put sugar in the tank of their old touring van, just like his lyric. (This is true. Glad you included it in the video). Doug was a poet. He wrote ALOT about drinking but this is probably his best song, Pieces of the Night. If you have any interest in this story at all then you should listen to it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KYdWqgaJafos0

[@scottburrow8293]

Remember when they would play long Wong on tuesdays as the del monte’s? I was around Tempe during that era, and would hang out with them at the bar. I remember that they were waiting around before for about a year before the circus started. It was a fun time to be living in Tempe at that time. Good times!

[@CrocodilePile]

@@scottburrow8293 How do we not know each other?

[@scottburrow8293]

@@CrocodilePile Do we? I hope we do that would be cool. I lived in Tempe during that period of time, I hung out with the Gin blossoms a lot back then. I remember going to a storage shed somewhere where it was the gin blossoms and the sand rubies (side winders) I could not tell you the year, unfortunately. late '80's is all remember. I was out of the military moved in with some friends was working at Uhaul corporate in the mail room, enjoying every moment of my life. I had one band at the time, but never really played anywhere but our living room. We joked that we always played for the college Girls, as there was a huge group of College kids living off campus on our street. Fun times. At the time they weren't really to hard to hang out with, because they were always at long wongs drinking. I talked to Doug many, many times, many times. Dude just had the ability to right catchy tunes. I was always wondering how they were going to do once he was out. Many of band would have kept the cash cow and dealt with the Alcoholism. It's funny whenever I hear a song, I'm like yep I remember them...

[@edwardturner6319]

Tony Lasagna Pieces of the Night ,though it wouldnt get the airplay Found Out About You and Hey Jealousy did , it nevertheless remains

[@joshfifer6553]

The 90's will live...FOREVER

[@cassiecraft8856]

This was an excellent video. It has quality,in that, it was edited well,very informative;especially for the time length; and narrated excellently. I never cared much for GB, but this was done well enough to keep me listening. The downside is that Doug epitomized self-destruction. It is very, very, very hard to help someone who is that depressed. Too bad. Who knows what he could have done.

[@bobamus1987]

Whenever I sing along with hey jealousy, I always sing it “you can trust me not to drink” which was the original lyric Doug wrote that Robin changed to “trust me not to think” because he said it was too “boozy”. I’ll always sing it that way in honor of Doug, a kindred spirit who I hope is at peace.

[@bradxwx]

i always thought "you can trust me not to think" sounded unnatural in that line. it didn't make sense. why would someone state that you can "trust me not to think"?

[@bobamus1987]

@@bradxwx I have no idea, it never made sense to me either until I heard that it was originally drink. Just Robin being an idiot tbh. The band was named gin blossoms and he was worried about a lyric being overly boozy.

[@brandosmid2544]

Too "boozy"? wtf lol...

[@thecharlesfoley]

Doug was such a talent. I really wish he could have gotten himself straightened out...I also REALLY wish his band hadn't screwed him out of his publishing on the songs he wrote. Tragic story.

[@THARVEYTV]

Gin Blossoms and Toad The Wet Sprocket, both my go-tos to this day!

[@zenjon7892]

I love that album! I always thought "Alison Road" should have been a bigger hit

[@MegaFoghornleghorn]

" I can't remember why I like this feel ? When it always seems to let me down.

[@bayjustin3885]

Sad 😢 Hey jealousy is a classic. Can’t believe I’m 44 😮

[@giveandsake7785]

Who hasn't showed up at least once too drunk or high to play. He wrote all the good songs for which they were rewarded.

[@trainelavalais6280]

I like the music that goes along with the storyline. It fits it very well.

[@laudanum669]

'New Miserable Experience' is a masterpiece. After that with no Doug all there stuff is average at best. Doug's lyrics are so special to me, one in particular is the line "She had nothing left to say, so she said she loves me and I stood there grateful for the lie" breaks my heart every time, cause I lived it.

[@nexus7034]

I’ll drink enough of anything to make this world look new again. I’m drunk, drunk, drunk in the gardens and the graves.

[@davidl570]

That whole song is basically the story of my life. *sigh*

[@mackenziek8383]

"Robin Wilson would tell Forbes where he was when he heard the news: 'I don't remember exactly when or where I was.'" lol

[@SprucedandGussied]

What a douche thing to say. Not cool, Robin!

[@davidevans3492]

Went to high school with Doug. RIP

[@billriddle9215]

I saw them live once for free at a beach concert..sounded great.

[@janademetral4944]

Robin wrote the song “Seeing Stars” about Doug.

[@JohnBGood-ry9wj]

So they took his talent and cashed in and abandoned him. Nice. Karma came pretty quick though seeing that they rapidly slid into oblivion without Doug writing their hit songs.

[@jackiethompson3610]

''a little more uplifty''...where i was at i needed that little more uplifty

[@markrothe5903]

Exactly. In my opinion,the album is full of references to stumbling and bumbling and regrets of drinking and/or being drunk. If this guy wrote much of it,then I get it now. But,it ain’t uplifty to me.

[@RedceLL1978]

I don't even get that though because lyrically, their songs were actually quite dark. It was just the melodies in some that were fun.

[@joejones9520]

when he flew back to tempe he didnt know hed been fired, his girlfriend said he'd been sober for two days and sitting there in the apt. working on improving the songs, he got a phone call telling him he was fired and his life went downhill from that point on

[@amaccama3267]

What a great band and story. I'm going to listen to N.M.E. all day today.

[@sandoz0]

Doug Hopkins death was a big loss. Since he produced those signature sounds of Gin blossoms, people from overseas like me were able to learn about them. One of my favourite bands thanks to his iconic songs

[@paulyb58]

Robin Wilson tells where he was when he heard the news.....Robin Wilson then says he doesn't remember where he was when he heard the news.

[@glennaldosf]

This is too weird this morning I was having breakfast at a Hilton hotel in Doha, Qatar when a cover of Found out About you came on and I was like yah I always liked that song. So was just watching a few videos of theirs and then you make a video about this now... albeit a sad one..

[@trainelavalais6280]

I liked the way this story was covered. Very informative.

[@JasonSum1979]

One of the absolute best bands of the 1990’s (There music was a soundtrack for a lot of children of the 80’a & 90’s) very sad story but, at least his memory will live forever for adding so much joy to so many people lives (even if he’s not a household name) Lost Horizons is a song that sounds “happy go lucky” with a up-tempo feel but, if you listen to the lyrics it’s really dark and sad (It’s actually a true stand out song it’s beautiful but, very broken RIP Doug Hopkins hopefully you are at peace in a better place!