Genesis fans stayed away from the Calling All Stations album in droves, yet despite the fact that the lead singer’s name was neither Phil or Peter, Ray Wilson helped Genesis make what I think is one of the best Genesis albums. Not to mention an album that falls directly into the “underappreciated albums” category.

Yeah, AIC was cool – for the Chicago show – I actually took a bus up to Chicago, and had to be back on a bus about 20 minutes after the show to make it back to Cleveland. A lot of coordination went into making all the pieces fit on that one They shot a live DVD about a year and a half ago – hopefully it will see the light of day, perhaps as a bonus inclusion for the rumored studio album that they’re working on.

I guess all of the Matts really came together on this post. Glad I could help!

Thanks for stopping by… heh, as an interesting aside, my name is Matt as well… so there’s a conversation of three Matts going on at the moment in this comment section

That’s a great story. I guess what it all boils down to is an element of fear; either fear that the new incarnation won’t live up to the past, or conversely, that it will… and that you’ll have to let go of that idealistic view of the past.

Side note… Alice in Chains? I’m jealous man…

I’m not a Blind Melon fan, but I would compare this to how I felt when I saw that “Alice in Chains” were getting back together. I had seen William Duvall play with Cantrell on Cantrell’s solo tour, so I knew that Duvall had the goods vocally to pull it off.

I had to see it, and when I saw one of the early reunion shows at the Chicago Metro (!) there was no letdown. And when I saw the greatly expanded set at the House of Blues in Cleveland a year later….another great show. Everyone that went to the shows on the AIC reunion tour walked away believers, and fully satisfied. Most, if not all of the shows on the tour were sold out. I didn’t talk to a single person that didn’t dig what they had seen.

AIC were better live with Duvall than they were back in the day with Layne (my opinion.) They were always great musicians, but time has made them even better musicians, and they were VERY happy to be back on stage and playing together.

What does this have to do with Blind Melon? I’m guessing that the members of Blind Melon still enjoy making music together as much as the surviving members of AIC do. I’m not sure the world is waiting for a new Blind Melon record, but I’m guessing from what you wrote that you dig Blind Melon as much as I dig Alice in Chains. I’m sure what they are doing, is going to be great – and you’re right, though there is sadness attached, hopefully the fans will dig in, and give it a shot.

However, that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to get behind these guys. As I say, they’ll have to work hard, but I havent made up my mind on them yet… I’m keeping an open mind about this, and hoping that they dazzle me, as I’m sure they will. I dunno; I guess I didnt explain myself very well in the post. I suppose if I was to try an analogy… let’s say you have a favourite author, who passes away. And then a book of his is published posthumously… that’s a wonderful thing, right? But there’s a sadness attached to it, because that new publication reminds you of the sadness of his passing.

I dunno. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I really do think this is going to be great. And although it brings up these feelings of sadness in me, that DOESN’T mean that it also can’t be a beautiful thing.

Just one last comment as well… with regards to your:
“shannon’s demise was a punch-line to these people and the reunion will give them yet another shot.”

… I have no time for these people. I’m not taking shots at the band… just speaking about my love for their past.

And my hope for their future.

Again… thanks for the great comment Matt.

…hey burgo, i have to guess that you haven’t seen BM actually perform again yet (ie: attending one of their latest shows), or you would no longer be filled with the incredible sadness. they are ripping it up live these days and its a great experience. believe me. i would definitely recommend trying to hit a show. they might win you back.

i can certainly understand your apprehension about their decision to play again, and everybody is entitled to form a judgement when it comes to entertainment. if its not going to do it for you, that’s ok. it’s only rock and roll. just keep in mind that there will be more than enough people that were never fans to begin with that will start to pile-on with the insults as this gets more attention. shannon’s demise was a punch-line to these people and the reunion will give them yet another shot. based on the impact this band had on you, i can’t imagine you want to be in that camp either.