Blind Melon Is Back! Slowdown in Omaha, 3/22/08.

Brad Smith, Christopher Thorn, Travis Warren, and Roger Stevens of Blind Melon

The fabulous Slowdown in Omaha, NE played host to Blind Melon with opener Old Boy Network on Saturday, March 22. Shannon Hoon's death in 1995 left Blind Melon without a key point of their act. They continued along, releasing an album entitled Nico following Hoon's death, which included previously recorded tracks of the band and some of Hoon's solo material. Blind Melon tried to continue on until their inevitable disbanding with the absence of Hoon's unique vocals. To make a long story short, the late Hoon was irreplaceable.

The Late Shannon Hoon. R.I.P.

Fast forward to 2006. The former members of Blind Melon announced that they would be reuniting with Travis Warren, formerly of Rain Fur Rent, as their new lead singer. One question on many fans' minds was if Warren would even come close to Hoon's often screamingly beautiful voice. Comments of several skeptics were heard throughout the venue, but I was trying to keep an open mind, as I had heard nothing but good things about the re-formation. Besides, who would start touring again after a nine-year hiatus if there weren’t something there, right? The verdict on Warren will come in later, but first, Old Boy Network.....

Jimi and Scott of Old Boy Networkem

Old Boy Network was set up to play a short opening set. Hailing from Omaha, these guys had a decent amount of local backing at the venue. They have been around the local scene since 1994 but have recently made a comeback to support their 4th studio album, Blinding Heights. The set began as it appeared that techies were finalizing the tuning on their instruments, when in all actuality, it was the band itself. OBN seems talented, but there is just something that is lacking from their music. Nothing personal, but the guys sound like a million other bands out there that all have this same, radio-friendly, fast-paced rock sound. They made for a good opener, but in my eyes, this is as far as OBN goes. Nevertheless, OBN ended after a brief half hour or so set.

Dave of Old Boy Network

It took only 30 minutes for Blind Melon to set up. The band quickly took stage sans Warren. He too would soon appear, and the age gap between the elders and 25-year-old Warren was obvious. He looked quite emo, to be completely honest with you. This was a time for the skeptics to chime in with their two cents on Warren, but he would soon give them an enormous backhand to the cheek.

Brad Smith, Travis Warren and Roger Stevens

Travis Warren

The show began with a fury as they tackled three songs off of Soup, including “2x4”. The instant Warren belted out the first lyrics of the night, it was obvious they hadn’t just pulled some bag of douche off the street. He had the same type of energy as his predecessor, and sure as hell sounded a lot like him. Of course, no one could ever replace the legendary Hoon, but Warren is without doubt the next best thing. In all honesty, it was quite creepy to close your eyes and just listen to how spot-on Warren's sound was. There were times it seemed as if it were Hoon singing. It has to be a daunting task to try to fill his shoes, but Warren struts his shit in all of Hoon’s size ten Pumas (No, I don’t really know his shoe size, dickfor).

Glen Graham of Blind Melon

Enough about Warren. He is awesome and I think was well received by the Omaha crowd. The band traveled musically through their brief past, playing several of their old songs. The answer to your question is yes, they did play “No Rain” towards the encore. A lot of people would think that this was the highlight of the night, but I for one would not agree. The screeching vocals of Warren on “Paper Scratcher” seemed to get the quaint crowd going. You could feel the energy on stage as well as in the audience. They also played, to my count, about 7 tracks off of their new disc due out on April 22, 2008 entitled For My Friends. Much of the newer content seemed to blend in with the sound of the old material quite well. Long story short, I don’t think anyone left Slowdown disappointed that Saturday night. Blind Melon is back.

Christopher Thorn

I am always quite cynical about bands that re-form after death or hardship. The truth is a lot of band members are so pivotal to the success of that band that there is just no way that they could continue to progress. Shannon Hoon was definitely that type of guy. Somehow, by the grace of god, these gentleman have been enabled to carry on Hoon’s legacy, as well as their own, and continue to play great music night in and out. Warren adds that little spark which I believe will allow this once great band to continue to succeed.

I have always been a Blind Melon fan and was quite happy to see them re-form. As always, these “reunions” should be taken with a grain of salt, and many times end up being no more than a mere cover band. These guys are the real deal though, and I would highly recommend seeing them, regardless of your past allegiance to the band.

Travis Warren and Roger Stevens

For providing a fast-paced rock show that left me with a taste for something more in my mouth, I give Old Boy Network 5.5/10 slices.

For a kick ass Saturday night with some old school rock that has spanned generations and Warren’s wonderful vocals, I give Blind Melon an 8.25/10 slices. Sorry for another high rating Pancake, but goddamn I only go to the good shit I guess. For a two word description of the show, I leave you with BUENAS NOCHES!!!