Complete List Of Gin Blossoms Band Members

Feature Photo: Jonathunder, GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>, via Wikimedia Commons

The band Gin Blossoms formed in 1987 and has released six studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and fifteen singles. Their major label debut New Miserable Experience was released in August 1992 and went quadruple platinum, selling over four million copies. The band broke up in 1997, reunited in 2001, and continues to tour extensively.

The band achieved significant chart success with multiple Top 25 hits including “Hey Jealousy” which reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went gold. Their follow-up album Congratulations I’m Sorry was released in 1996, went platinum, and featured the number 9 hit “Follow You Down.” The song “As Long as It Matters” earned the band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band appeared on numerous television programs including Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and were featured in films including Wayne’s World 2.

Since reuniting in 2001, Gin Blossoms has released Major Lodge Victory in 2006, No Chocolate Cake in 2010, and Mixed Reality in 2018. The band was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2017. Throughout their history, the band has experienced numerous lineup changes, particularly in the drummer position, while maintaining a core group of four members since 1992. The band has sold over ten million records worldwide and continues to perform approximately 150 shows per year.

Doug Hopkins

Doug Hopkins co-founded Gin Blossoms in 1987 with his longtime friend Bill Leen after the two had previously played together in a band called The Psalms while attending Arizona State University. Hopkins was born April 11, 1961 in Seattle, Washington and raised in Tempe, Arizona, graduating from McClintock High School in 1979. He served as the band’s lead guitarist and principal songwriter during the formative years. Hopkins wrote or co-wrote the band’s biggest hits including “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Mrs. Rita,” and contributed significantly to the independent album Dusted released in December 1989.

Hopkins played on the band’s debut album Dusted and the EP Up and Crumbling before his struggles with alcoholism became severe during the recording of New Miserable Experience in February 1992. A&M Records forced the band to remove Hopkins and withheld fifteen thousand dollars owed to him until he signed over half of his publishing royalties and relinquished his mechanical royalties. Hopkins reluctantly agreed due to his dire financial situation. Despite being fired before the album’s completion, Hopkins’ songwriting formed the foundation of the band’s commercial breakthrough. “Hey Jealousy” reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went gold, while “Found Out About You” also reached number 25 and climbed to number 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks.

After his dismissal from Gin Blossoms, Hopkins briefly formed The Chimeras with Lawrence Zubia but was eventually removed from that band as well due to his continuing alcohol issues. As the singles he wrote climbed the charts throughout 1993, Hopkins became increasingly despondent. He received a gold record for “Hey Jealousy” in November 1993, hung it on his wall for two weeks, then took it down and destroyed it. Hopkins died by suicide on December 5, 1993 at age 32 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The title of Gin Blossoms’ third album, Congratulations I’m Sorry, released in 1996, was a reference to Hopkins’ death. Hopkins also wrote “My Guardian Angel” for The Pistoleros, which became their only charting single in the United States.

Bill Leen

Bill Leen co-founded Gin Blossoms in 1987 with Doug Hopkins and has remained the band’s bassist throughout its entire history except for the hiatus period from 1997 to 2001. Leen was born March 1, 1962 and graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe before studying English and philosophy at Arizona State University, leaving during his junior year to focus on music. He had previously played with Hopkins in a band called The Psalms while both attended Arizona State University in the early 1980s. Leen worked at Tower Records in Phoenix where he met future bandmate Robin Wilson.

Leen played bass on all of the band’s studio albums including Dusted in 1989, New Miserable Experience in 1992, and Congratulations I’m Sorry in 1996. His steady bass playing provided the foundation for the band’s jangle-pop sound throughout the 1990s. During the recording of New Miserable Experience, Leen was part of the difficult decision to remove Hopkins from the band at the label’s insistence. Following the band’s breakup in 1997, Leen formed a band called Rai and then retired from music to operate a rare book store.

When Gin Blossoms reunited in 2001, Leen returned as bassist and has remained with the band since. He played on Major Lodge Victory in 2006, No Chocolate Cake in 2010, and Mixed Reality in 2018. On Mixed Reality, Leen co-wrote songs with guitarist Scott Johnson including “Still Some Room in Heaven.” The band’s 30th anniversary tour of New Miserable Experience in 2022 was cut short when Leen broke his arm in an accident in March 2022. Leen is known for his nickname “Soup-bone Del Monte” which originated from the band’s early days playing local bars in Tempe. He remains an active member of Gin Blossoms as of 2025.

Jesse Valenzuela

Jesse Valenzuela was born May 22, 1962 and joined Gin Blossoms in 1987 as the original lead vocalist. He had been playing guitar in public since age 15 and brought a lifelong fascination with music to the band. Valenzuela originally handled lead vocal duties when the band formed in 1987 alongside founding members Doug Hopkins and Bill Leen. By 1989, Valenzuela and Robin Wilson switched roles, with Wilson taking over lead vocals while Valenzuela moved to rhythm guitar and backing vocals. This lineup change stabilized the band’s sound and allowed Valenzuela to focus on his guitar playing and songwriting.

Valenzuela contributed four tracks to the band’s independent debut album Dusted in 1989. As a songwriter, he wrote or co-wrote some of the band’s most successful songs including “Til I Hear It From You” which reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Follow You Down” which peaked at number 9, “Mrs. Rita,” “Until I Fall Away,” and “As Long As It Matters” which earned a Grammy nomination. Valenzuela played rhythm guitar on New Miserable Experience and Congratulations I’m Sorry, appearing on television shows including Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Saturday Night Live during the band’s peak years from 1992 to 1996.

Following the band’s 1997 breakup, Valenzuela fronted a short-lived band called the Low Watts and released his first solo album Tunes Young People Will Enjoy in 2002. When Gin Blossoms reunited in 2001, Valenzuela returned as rhythm guitarist. He released additional solo albums including Hotel Defeated in 2015 and Pete in 2020. In 2004, he collaborated with Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Northey on the album Northey Valenzuela, and they co-wrote “Not A Lot Goin’ On,” the theme song for the Canadian sitcom Corner Gas. In 2016, he released Prairie Wind, a collaboration with Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts. Valenzuela has also worked as a session player, producer, and composer for film and television, contributing the song “Screwed Up” for the 2007 remake of The Heartbreak Kid. His song “Change 4 Me” was featured in NBC promotions for the 2008 Olympics. Valenzuela contributed four songs to the 2018 album Mixed Reality including “Angels Fly” and continues to tour with Gin Blossoms as of 2025 while also performing solo shows in the Phoenix area.

Robin Wilson

Robin Wilson was born July 12, 1965 and joined Gin Blossoms in 1988, replacing Richard Taylor as rhythm guitarist. Wilson had known founding members Doug Hopkins and Bill Leen from high school, as they were seniors when he was a freshman at McClintock High School in Tempe. Wilson initially worked at Tower Records in Phoenix alongside Leen. When Leen invited Wilson to audition for the newly-formed Gin Blossoms, Wilson was initially too intimidated to accept but was convinced by a friend to join the already established band. Wilson joined the band two months after their first show when they were already popular in the Tempe music scene.

By 1989, Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela switched roles, with Wilson taking over full-time lead vocal duties while Valenzuela concentrated on rhythm guitar. Wilson also contributed acoustic guitar, percussion, and harmonica to the band’s sound. He sang lead vocals on all the band’s major hits and wrote “Allison Road” which appeared on New Miserable Experience. On Congratulations I’m Sorry, Wilson contributed songs including “Highwire.” The album was co-produced with Marshall Crenshaw, and Wilson co-wrote “Til I Hear It From You” with Valenzuela and Crenshaw. Wilson’s distinctive voice became a defining characteristic of the band’s sound throughout the 1990s.

After Gin Blossoms broke up in 1997, Wilson formed the band Gas Giants with drummer Phillip Rhodes and Dan Henzerling. Originally called the Pharaohs, Gas Giants signed with A&M Records but faced label turmoil when A&M was sold to Universal and then inherited by Interscope. The band changed their name to Gas Giants and eventually released their debut album From Beyond the Back Burner in 1999 on indie label Atomic Pop Records. The album drew little attention despite Wilson considering it his “big shot.” Gas Giants announced an indefinite hiatus in June 2001. Wilson also opened Mayberry Studios in Tempe, Arizona (later renamed Uranus Studios) where he worked as a producer for various artists.

When Gin Blossoms reunited in 2001, Wilson returned as lead vocalist. He appeared on Major Lodge Victory in 2006, No Chocolate Cake in 2010, and Mixed Reality in 2018. On Mixed Reality, Wilson contributed four new songs including “Break” which opens the album and “The Devil’s Daughter.” Wilson moved to Valley Stream, New York on Long Island over twenty years ago to spend more time with his son Grey Wilson and ex-wife Gena Rositano, a longtime stage manager at Saturday Night Live. His house burned down on Valentine’s Day 2021, forcing a temporary relocation to Hicksville before returning to Valley Stream where he performed free house shows during the pandemic. Wilson was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in August 2023. He occasionally performs with members of The Smithereens and has been inducted into both the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Wilson remains lead vocalist of Gin Blossoms as of 2025.

Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson was born and raised in the Tempe, Arizona music scene where he first fronted a premier power pop band called The Squares in the 1980s. The Squares were a tight trio acclaimed for their crisp power pop sound alongside other legendary local bands of that era. The Squares disbanded in 1989, and Johnson’s first professional gig was playing country music with his brother at the Pointe South Mountain Resort in the early 1980s. After The Squares, Johnson joined The Feedbags in the early 1990s, led by singer-songwriter Jim Swafford, where he focused on guitar work rather than singing. Swafford co-wrote the Gin Blossoms song “Mrs. Rita,” and The Feedbags became a top draw on the Tempe music scene, performing several high-profile shows with Gin Blossoms.

In February 1992, when Doug Hopkins’ alcoholism forced Gin Blossoms to make a lineup change during the recording of New Miserable Experience, Johnson was chosen as Hopkins’ stand-in for touring. This was a difficult prospect as Hopkins’ menacing stage presence and melodic songwriting were the band’s building blocks. Johnson officially became a permanent member in 1994. Johnson had to learn Hopkins’ guitar parts and performed them on television appearances including Jay Leno and David Letterman throughout 1993. He played lead guitar on Congratulations I’m Sorry in 1996, contributing to the songwriting process. The album went platinum and featured the top ten hit “Follow You Down.”

Following Gin Blossoms’ 1997 breakup, Johnson joined Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, another Tempe-based band formed from the ashes of The Refreshments. Johnson played lead guitar on their debut album Honky Tonk Union in 1999 and toured extensively with the band. In December 2001, Johnson left Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers to rejoin Gin Blossoms when the band reunited. Johnson has played on Major Lodge Victory in 2006, No Chocolate Cake in 2010, and Mixed Reality in 2018. On Mixed Reality, Johnson contributed multiple co-writes with Bill Leen including “Still Some Room in Heaven.” Johnson also pursued solo work and hosted a singer-songwriter night on Mondays at the Yucca Tap Room in Tempe where he performed his own material for the first time in nearly two decades. Johnson remains lead guitarist for Gin Blossoms as of 2025 and has been with the band longer than any other lead guitarist in their history.

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor served as Gin Blossoms’ rhythm guitarist from the band’s formation in 1987 until 1988. Taylor was part of the original lineup alongside Doug Hopkins, Bill Leen, Jesse Valenzuela, and Chris McCann. He played rhythm guitar during the band’s earliest performances and helped establish the band’s initial sound during their first year. Taylor appeared on the band’s earliest recordings and performed at their debut show on Christmas night 1987. The lineup during this period was still evolving as the band worked to find its signature sound. Taylor left the band in 1988 and was replaced by Robin Wilson. This personnel change proved pivotal as Wilson would eventually become the band’s lead vocalist after switching roles with Jesse Valenzuela in 1989. Taylor’s departure occurred before the band recorded their first full-length album Dusted and before they signed their major label deal with A&M Records.

Steven Severson

Steven Severson briefly served as rhythm guitarist for Gin Blossoms in 1988, replacing Richard Taylor after his departure. Severson’s tenure with the band was short-lived, lasting only a few months during 1988. He played rhythm guitar during a transitional period as the band was still developing their lineup and sound. Severson performed with the band during local shows in the Tempe and Phoenix area as they built their following. Severson was replaced by Robin Wilson in 1988, who initially joined as rhythm guitarist before eventually becoming the band’s lead vocalist. Severson left the band before they recorded their debut album Dusted and before the lineup stabilized with Wilson, Valenzuela, Leen, Hopkins, and Rhodes.

Chris McCann

Chris McCann was Gin Blossoms’ original drummer when the band formed in 1987. He was part of the initial lineup that included Doug Hopkins, Bill Leen, Richard Taylor, and Jesse Valenzuela. McCann played drums during the band’s earliest performances including their debut show on Christmas night 1987. He performed with the band during their first year as they established themselves in the Tempe music scene and played local venues. McCann left the band in 1988 and was replaced by Dan Henzerling. His departure occurred before the band recorded any studio albums and before they achieved wider recognition. McCann left during the same period when other lineup changes were occurring, including Richard Taylor’s departure.

Dan Henzerling

Dan Henzerling joined Gin Blossoms as drummer in 1988, replacing Chris McCann. He played drums during a crucial transitional period as the band’s lineup continued to evolve. Henzerling performed with the band during 1988 as they gained popularity in the Phoenix area. During his time with the band, Robin Wilson joined as rhythm guitarist and the band was working toward the lineup that would record their debut album. Henzerling was replaced by Phillip Rhodes around 1989 when the band’s first recording lineup became stabilized. He left before the band recorded Dusted and before they signed with A&M Records. After leaving Gin Blossoms, Henzerling remained active in the Tempe music scene. Following the 1997 breakup of Gin Blossoms, Henzerling joined Robin Wilson and Phillip Rhodes in forming Gas Giants, where he played guitar. The band released their album From Beyond the Back Burner in 1999.

Phillip Rhodes

Phillip Rhodes was born May 26, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona and joined Gin Blossoms around 1989, replacing Dan Henzerling on drums. Rhodes’ arrival stabilized the band’s first recording lineup alongside founding members Bill Leen on bass and Doug Hopkins on lead guitar, with Jesse Valenzuela on rhythm guitar and Robin Wilson on vocals. Rhodes played drums on the band’s independently released debut album Dusted in December 1989. His powerful drumming style became an integral part of the band’s sound and he provided the rhythmic foundation for their jangle-pop approach.

Rhodes played drums on New Miserable Experience in 1992 and Congratulations I’m Sorry in 1996, appearing on all the band’s major hits. His drumming can be heard on “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Follow You Down,” “As Long as It Matters,” and all other singles from these albums. Rhodes performed with the band during their peak years from 1989 to 1997, appearing on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and other national television programs. He was part of the difficult decision to remove Doug Hopkins from the band in 1992. His nickname “Guido Del Monte” originated from the band’s early days playing at local bars in Tempe.

After Gin Blossoms broke up in 1997, Rhodes joined Robin Wilson in forming Gas Giants. Originally called the Pharaohs, the band released their album From Beyond the Back Burner in 1999 on Atomic Pop Records. Rhodes drummed on the album and toured with Gas Giants until they announced an indefinite hiatus in June 2001. When Gin Blossoms reunited in 2001, Rhodes initially did not rejoin the band as he was battling addiction issues. Scott Kusmirek took over drumming duties from 2002 to 2004. In January 2005, it was announced that Rhodes, who had been sober for over two years, would rejoin Gin Blossoms. However, his return was short-lived and he left again later in 2005. Kusmirek returned to replace him. Rhodes’ struggles with sobriety prevented him from maintaining a consistent role with the reunited band despite the other members wanting him back. Rhodes has not been active with Gin Blossoms since 2005. He used DW drums with Remo heads and Paiste Signature series cymbals during his time with the band.

Scott Kusmirek

Scott Kusmirek joined Gin Blossoms as drummer in 2002 when the band reunited, replacing Phillip Rhodes who did not initially return with the band. Kusmirek had previously played with another Tempe band called Bit O Jane. He filled the crucial role of drummer during the band’s reunion period and helped the band rebuild their live show and touring schedule. Kusmirek played drums during the band’s extensive touring from 2002 to 2004 as they worked to regain their audience.

Kusmirek played drums on the majority of tracks on Major Lodge Victory, which was released in 2006. He was credited as a session musician on all tracks except “California Sun.” The album marked the band’s return to recording after a ten-year gap since Congratulations I’m Sorry. When Phillip Rhodes returned to the band in January 2005 after achieving sobriety, Kusmirek left. However, Rhodes’ return was short-lived, and Kusmirek returned to the band later in 2005, taking Rhodes’ place. Kusmirek continued with Gin Blossoms until September 30, 2008, when a press release announced that he and the band had parted ways. He also performed drums on the track “Go Crybaby” from the 2010 album No Chocolate Cake, credited as an additional musician. Kusmirek had been with the band for approximately six years total, making him one of the longer-tenured drummers in Gin Blossoms’ history. He was replaced by John Richardson in 2008.

John Richardson

John Richardson joined Gin Blossoms as drummer in 2008, replacing Scott Kusmirek. Richardson took over the drum duties during a period when the band was actively touring and working on new material. He brought his own style to the band’s established songs while maintaining the essential elements of their sound. Richardson performed extensively with the band from 2008 to 2012, helping them maintain their busy touring schedule of approximately 150 shows per year.

Richardson played drums on most tracks of No Chocolate Cake, released in September 2010. He was credited as a session musician on all tracks except “I’m Ready” and “Go Crybaby.” The album reached number 1 on Amazon’s sales chart and the single “Miss Disarray” became one of the most requested songs in the band’s live set. Richardson contributed to the band’s continued success during the post-reunion era. In March 2012, Gin Blossoms announced that Richardson was leaving the band to pursue his passion for recording. The band stated in their news release that Richardson was a great drummer and they supported his decision to focus on recording work. The band thanked him for his hard work and dedication during his four years with the group. Richardson was replaced by Scott Hessel, who was initially announced as the band’s road drummer.

Scott Hessel

Scott Hessel joined Gin Blossoms as drummer in 2012, replacing John Richardson. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in Litchfield Park, Arizona before moving to Los Feliz, California near the Hollywood sign. Hessel had been pursuing a career in music since childhood, inspired by Stewart Copeland of The Police. Before joining Gin Blossoms, Hessel had spent over two decades recording and touring with various Tempe, Arizona bands including Gloritone which had a deal with RCA Records, and Let Go which was signed to The Militia Group. He had also worked with Lisa Loeb and Grammy-winning producer Chris Testa who produced for The Dixie Chicks and Jimmy Eat World.

Hessel had been telling mutual friends for years that if Gin Blossoms ever needed a drummer, he was the right person for the job. In 2012, Robin Wilson called him and after learning 25 songs in a week, Hessel auditioned with the band. A few days later he was playing his first show with them. Hessel has stated he feels he manifested being the drummer for Gin Blossoms and later learned several mutual friends had been campaigning on his behalf. During the summer of 2012, Doug Swartz temporarily filled in for Hessel during the Summerland Tour from July 24 through October 13, 2012.

Hessel played drums on the 2018 album Mixed Reality, which was produced by Don Dixon and received critical acclaim. The album showcased Hessel’s ability to honor the band’s classic sound while bringing his own style influenced by Stewart Copeland. Hessel noted that original drummer Phillip Rhodes was also a Stewart Copeland fan, which allowed him to bring more of that influence to the forefront in his playing. Hessel became the longest-tenured drummer in Gin Blossoms history, lasting over ten years with the band and surpassing all previous drummers. He is endorsed by Tama Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Ultimate Ears. Hessel performed with Gin Blossoms through 2024 and into early 2025

Check out more Gin Blossoms articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

Top 10 Gin Blossoms Songs

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.