A few years ago, Gin Blossoms singer Robin Wilson had an idea for a band t-shirt featuring the title of one of their most popular songs in the style of a satanic metal band. “It was all blood, there were pentagrams and it said 'Follow you down' in an old English script,” he says. Billboard's Behind the setlist podcast. “There was blood and flames everywhere, and I loved it. I thought it was really fun and cool.”
The other four members of Gin Blossoms, a melodic rock band whose enduring hits from the '90s alternative rock era have little in common with dark heavy metal, did not share Wilson's enthusiasm and the idea never got beyond the planning phase. conception. The reason the shirt wasn't made helps explain how Wilson and his bandmates have kept Gin Blossoms going for 37 years: Wilson was outvoted.
“Part of what makes our band work is that everyone has a vote,” Wilson says from his home in Arizona. “And even though I work harder than anyone else, my vote no longer counts. It wouldn't work for us. “If he took any power, that would be one of the things that could lead to the end of the band.”
Formed in 1987 in Tempe, Arizona, Gin Blossoms first released an independent album, dustedbefore signing with MCA Records and releasing New miserable experience in 1992. The band's catchy, melodic songs sounded drastically different from the heavier grunge sound capturing the attention of programmers at the time, but Gin Blossoms eventually found a welcome place on radio and MTV. Their breakout hit, “Hey Jealousy,” reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993 and was matched by “Found Out About You” the following year. A double A-side single with “Follow You Down” and “Til I Hear It From You” and the 1996 album. congratulations sorryit peaked at No. 9 and No. 10 on the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts, respectively.
After a four-year breakup and three studio albums later, Gin Blossoms' democratic approach to running the band has proven effective. They spent much of 2024 touring the country playing music venues, fairs and festivals. In August, the band went on tour with '90s compatriots Toad the Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon. In January, the band will board The '90s Cruise in Tampa, Florida, which will also feature Blues Traveler, Everclear, Lit and Lisa Loeb.
“I think everyone in the band made a lot of sacrifices to stay together,” says guitarist Jesse Valenzuela. “But after 20 years, you start to look at it as, I guess, this is my life's work, and what are you supposed to do? You better make peace with your situation and try to be positive and be the best person you can be. Try to help others and be honest.”
“Punctuality,” adds Wilson. “Punctuality is important. You don't make your bandmates wait for you. Do you want to keep a band together? “Arrive at the airport on time.”
Listen to the full interview with Gin Blossoms' Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela in the embedded Spotify player below, or go to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iheart, Amazon Music, Audible, pod bean either Everand.
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