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The Gin Blossoms will perform at Celebrate Virginia Live tomorrow night. Look for hits including 'Found Out About You' and 'Allison Road.'
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BY ANDREA NEALON
If you listened to the radio back in the mid-'90s, you couldn't escape the Gin Blossoms' catchy "Hey Jealousy."
When it comes to Virginia's scenic landscape, the Arizona band might still harbor a little of that jealousy.
"We've played in Virginia for years," said guitarist and vocalist Jesse Valenzuela in a recent phone interview.
"The countryside is gorgeous, especially if you come from out West like us. We don't have that kind of greenery."
CELEBRATE VIRGINIA DRIES out
Tomorrow, the Gin Blossoms will have a chance to enjoy the local scenery again when they perform on the outdoor stage at Celebrate Virginia Live, along with Tonic.
It's the second show for the fledgling concert series, which had to cancel last Friday's performance by Fredericksburg native Keller Williams due to flooding. That concert has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1.
However, promoter David Peterson said all systems are go for tomorrow's show.
Peterson said he hopes an influx of visitors for Saturday's Marine Corps Historic Half race will help the concert build on the roughly 1,000 people who attended the Wailers' show two weeks ago.
And with the help of another household name--one of alternative rock's earliest post-grunge pioneers--the forecast looks good.
BLOSSOMING TALENT
Though the Gin Blossoms formed in 1987, it wasn't until the 1992 release of their second album, "New Miserable Experience," that the band found commercial success. The album generated five hit singles, including "Hey Jealousy," "Until I Fall Away" and "Found Out About You."
The band's 1996 follow-up, "Congratulations I'm Sorry," met with even greater acclaim, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart with singles such as "Follow You Down" and "Til I Hear It From You."
Despite these accomplishments, the Gin Blossoms broke up in 1997 as members decided to pursue other musical interests.
The band regrouped in 2002, and has been touring off and on since then.
THE PARADIGM SHIFTS
Following the '80s nostalgia wave that has brought everyone from Guns N' Roses to Flavor Flav back into the spotlight, it might follow that the early '90s are soon due for a resurgence.
The Gin Blossoms' recent activity gives every indication that they're ready for it. But the band isn't just sitting around waiting for it to happen.
"They've been tearing up the road this year," said manager Doug Merrick. "They're working around the clock touring and recording."
No longer on the major label A&M Records, the Gin Blossoms released a new album, "Major Lodge Victory" on Hybrid Recordings in 2006. Another album is planned for this fall.
The band also enjoys performing live, and has found success and staying power even in an age when the Internet has become the dominant source of music.
"In our day, we had to go into expensive studios and record our music," Valenzuela said. "But I love the efficiency of the Internet. It's an exciting time where you can make your own records."
Of course, the band's name recognition and songbook of hits still give it a degree of latitude in the music biz.
"For the young guys just up and coming, it has got to be harder," Valenzuela said. "But if you go out there and hustle, you could probably do better than through the old paradigm."
OLD MEETS NEW
The Gin Blossoms cite music from the '50s and '60s as major influences. But Valenzuela also sings the praises of Fountains of Wayne, known for the 2003 hit "Stacy's Mom."
"I love their music," Valenzuela said. "They're terrific and smart."
His Gen-X appreciation for the more recent generation is mutual. Though the band draws from an older era of music, the Gin Blossoms are sometimes surprised to find that their fan base is getting younger.
"I'd say 10 years ago we definitely had a large following of college kids, when we were hitting it hard," Valenzuela said.
"But I'm surprised to see young kids at the shows. Sometimes I just wonder where the hell did they even get us from, but I guess maybe they have older brothers and sisters who remember us from the '90s."
With two decades already under their belts, Valenzuela said he hopes the Gin Blossoms' history is only about halfway through.
"I hope that 20 years from now people are still listening to our songs," he said.
"Our goal is to produce at least a few songs that people will remember and enjoy."
| What: The Gin Blossoms and Tonic perform Where: Celebrate Virginia Live, off Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard near Wegmans When: Tomorrow; music begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $15 to $30 Info: 866/707-2289 Web: celebratevirginialive.com |
