SHANNON HOON DEATH PUT BLIND MELON ON MAP

Blind Melon talk about the importance of the Musicians Assitance Program and why they’ve had a long relationship with MAP even before Shannon’s death.

Blind Melon took part in the 4th Annual MusiCares Musicians Assistance Program (MAP) benefit show that honored Slash and Alice Cooper and the band performed a few songs from their new album and showcased new vocalist Travis Warren. Blind Melon rose to prominence in 1992 with their hit single ‘No Rain’ which was off their self titled debut album and hit #1 on the Rock Charts. But during the tour in support of their sophomore album ‘Soup’ lead vocalist Shannon Hoon was found dead of a drug overdose in New Orleans in 1995. The MusiCares MAP Benefit, which is held every year, provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

We caught up with Blind Melon on the red carpet just before performing a few songs at the benefit to get their thoughts on how important MAP is to the music community and why they wanted to give back to the organization.

‘It affects so much of us. I mean we all know somebody or had family members that struggled with addiction. This is a great organization that helps people out when they need it. It helps musicians out. We have a long relationship with Musicares. They helped Shannon out twelve, thirteen years ago. So we’ve been there from the beginning with them and they really help us out so, it’s good to give back and play the event tonight.”

Blind Melon’s new album on Adrenaline Records, titled “For My Friends,” is currently available and the first single is “Wishing Well.” A U.S. tour in support of the album began at the end of February 2008 and runs until August 30th with a performance at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wi for the 105th Anniversary of Harley Davidson.