As the summer sun heats up, so does the anticipation for Blind Melon’s return to the stage. In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, guitarist Christopher Thorn shares his excitement for the band’s upcoming tour, their creative process, and the moments that have defined his remarkable journey in music. With a bucket-list performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on the horizon and new music in the works, Blind Melon is ready to reconnect with fans and make new memories.
A Summer of Epic Shows
After a hiatus from touring, Blind Melon is gearing up for a series of performances, with the Red Rocks show standing out as a pinnacle. “We’ve never played there, so that was a bucket-list show for us. We’re pumped about them all, but that’ll be a good one.”
The band is diving into rehearsals at Thorn’s Joshua Tree studio, dusting off songs they haven’t played in decades and weaving in fresh material. “We’re going to try some songs we haven’t played in, like, 20, 30 years,” Thorn reveals. With a setlist of over 30 songs, including four or five new tracks each night, the band is keeping things dynamic. “We like to mix it up a little bit. It keeps us on our feet, changing up the set every night.”
The Voice of Blind Melon
A key element of the band’s enduring appeal is vocalist Travis Warren, who’s been with Blind Melon for nearly 15 years. “Travis does an amazing job,” Thorn says, laughing off the idea that Warren is still the “new guy.” “At a certain point, you can’t call him the new guy anymore. He’s been in the band a good long time.” Warren’s ability to honor the band’s classic hits while bringing fresh energy to new material ensures that fans get the best of both worlds.
The Joy of Making Music
For Thorn, the driving force behind Blind Melon’s return isn’t fame or fortune—it’s pure joy. “I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun,” he says candidly. “The only reason to do it is for the fun. We don’t go on the road to make money. We go because we like hanging out with one another and connecting with the fans.” That passion translates to the stage, where the band’s energy is infectious. “If you’re having a shit time, the audience is going to have a shitty time,” Thorn notes. “As long as we’re having fun, everybody can have fun.”
The Spark That Started It All
Thorn’s love for music was ignited early on. He recalls the visceral impact of hearing The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil as a child: “It was frightening and scary and seductive. I knew whatever that feeling was, I wanted to be a part of it.” His mother’s folk guitar performances of Jim Croce and Peter, Paul and Mary further cemented his connection to music. Years later, opening for The Rolling Stones was a surreal milestone. “That was a dream come true, without a doubt,” Thorn says, reflecting on the moment his childhood inspiration became reality.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
For those dreaming of a career in music, Thorn’s advice is simple yet profound: “You have to do it because it’s like you don’t have a choice. It has to be your passion.” He emphasizes commitment over commercial aspirations, noting that music is a lifelong pursuit. “You don’t get to clock out when you’re a musician. You’re trying to fulfill your well and create something every day.”
Thorn’s own “Hail Mary” moment came in 1988 when he left college in Pennsylvania to chase his dreams in Los Angeles with his high school sweetheart, now wife, Heather. Inspired by David Lee Roth’s mantra, “If you’re going to roll dice, roll big dice,” Thorn took a leap of faith. “We could always come back to Pennsylvania,” he reasoned. “Let’s go for it.” That bold move paid off, leading to Blind Melon’s rise to fame.
A Creative Haven in Joshua Tree
Thorn’s Joshua Tree compound is a testament to his lifelong dedication to music. With a recording studio, a newly built cantina, and accommodations for collaborators, it’s a creative hub where ideas come to life. “I get to wake up and make records in here every day,” he says. Beyond Blind Melon, Thorn is busy mixing records for artists like OG Marshall and working with bands like Mystic Knights and Chemical Therapy. He’s also collaborating with Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli on a new record, keeping his creative fire burning.
Defining Moments and New Horizons
Reflecting on Blind Melon’s legacy, Thorn points to iconic moments like performing on Saturday Night Live and gracing the cover of Rolling Stone. “There was something about being validated by that show,” he says of SNL. The Rolling Stonecover felt almost surreal: “It looks like one of those fake magazine covers you get at Disneyland.” Woodstock ’94 also stands out as a career highlight, a testament to the band’s cultural impact.
As Blind Melon prepares for their summer tour, new music is on the horizon. “We’re going to release another single here coming up,” Thorn hints, noting that Travis Warren’s prolific songwriting ensures a wealth of material. With a Red Rocks performance promising special guests and a vibrant setlist, the band is poised to create more unforgettable memories.
A Legacy of Passion
Christopher Thorn’s journey with Blind Melon is a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of joy. From a young boy captivated by music to a seasoned guitarist living his dream, Thorn embodies the spirit of rock and roll. As he puts it, “The fear of having a real job has kept me laser-focused on making records my whole life.” For fans, that dedication translates to a summer of electrifying performances and the promise of more music to come.
Catch Blind Melon at Red Rocks and beyond, and stay tuned for new releases that prove this iconic band is far from done. For more details on their tour and music, visit their official site or follow them on social media.
Paul Salfen is a co-host of The Drew Pearson Show and and Editor of AMFM Magazine.
