Pato Banton

1996's Stay Positive was followed by Life Is a Miracle in 2000. After briefly attempting to continue, Blind Melon soon broke up and the various members went on to other projects. After a 1994 British hit in "Baby Come Back" (originally by Eddy Grant performing with The Equals), with Robin and Ali Campbell of UB40, a best-of album was released. With some unreleased vocals in the vaults, the remaining members released Nico in 1996 (see 1996 in music) with the profits going to a program that helps musicians with drug and alcohol addiction. Banton then worked on a live album and with Mad Professor, and then released 1992's Universal Love. Hoon was found dead of an overdose on October 21, 1995. After an EP in 1998, Banton released a more pop-oriented LP, Visions of the World, followed by 1990's Wize Up! (No Compromise), which included an college radio hit in "Spirits in the Material World" (The Police cover) and another collaboration, this time with David Hinds of Steel Pulse. Against the advice of Hoon's drug counselor, Blind Melon went on tour.

His solo debut was 1987's Never Give In, which included a collaboration with Paul Shaffer. In 1995, Blind Melon also contributed the song "Out on the Tiles" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin. He began recording in 1982, appearing on "Pato and Roger a Go Talk" (from Special Beat Service) with Ranking Roger of English Beat. While Hoon checked into rehab, the album, Soup, was released in 1995 (see 1995 in music), but sold poorly. Pato Banton (born Patrick Murray) is a reggae singer and toaster from Birmingham, England. Hoon would later admit that he had no memory of the recording session. Hoon and the rest of the band began recording their sophomore album in New Orleans with producer Andy Wallace.

After opening for Neil Young and Lenny Kravitz, Blind Melon's own tour was cut short due to Hoon's escalating drug abuse. Subsequently, Blind Melon went platinum four times. Their debut album, Blind Melon, produced by Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam) sold poorly until the single and music video for "No Rain" hit the airwaves and became a smash success, along with the popular video which featured the equally popular Bee Girl. Hoon and old friend Axl Rose re-met, and Hoon sang back-up on several Guns n' Roses tracks, including "Don't Cry".

Blind Melon signed to Capitol Records in 1991 (see 1991 in music) and recorded an unreleased demo. Also 'Blind Melon Chitlin' was the name of a fictional bluesman appearing in a routine on the self titled Cheech and Chong LP. The name Blind Melon describes some hippies from Mississippi, as used (or coined) by Brad Smith's father. Blind Melon was an American rock and roll band from the 1990s, composed of Shannon Hoon, Brad Smith, Glen Graham, Rogers Stevens and Christopher Thorn.

Glen Graham - drums. Brad Smith - bass. Rogers Stevens - guitar. Christopher Thorn - guitar.

Shannon Hoon - vocals.