Review/Story:
By Vonny Kaye
Well, let's see! I met Shannon back in 1994 threw MTV. I found all of the band members to be quite remarkable as well as, the most down-to-earth bunch of guys that I have ever met. (And, I have met many bands!) Well, alot of their songs off of "Blind Melon" really hit home to me coupled with the ultimate, raspy, voice of Shannon. Well, to my ears, it was the best thing I have heard come out of music since Robert Plant!

So I decided after hearing their album for the billion + times to tribute Shannon with a self-portrait of him (that I drew) tattooed on my back, left shoulder! (It's huge & boy did it hurt!!!) When MTV called I told them of my plans - and they even announced it on their show! After that I got a call telling me that Shannon wanted to see it. They were to open up for the Rolling Stones the fallowing Sept. 29, 94 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at the Three Rivers Stadium. Well here is my story of that incrediable night and a friendship that did last an eternity - Shannons'!

The day of the show came and it was beautiful out. I had a friend of mine, Jim Sweeney go with me. Well we got to Pittsburgh and all of the crew for the Rolling Stones were acting like they knew nothen about my meeting Blind Melon. Well, infact they were actually quite rude about it! Telling me there must of been a mistake and that no one was allowd backstage at a Stone's show. And, to just forget it. When I finally came accrossed an elderly man - who acted like he knew me for years. He said wait here! Finally, the band was there and they all just flipped over my tattoo. Especially Chris Thorn. He wanted to see it over and over again. Haha - when I think back, Shannon acted kind of embarassed about it.

When he signed his name I looked at it and said; "you write like shit!!! you can't even read what it says" He looked at me and gave me this funny look and said but that is how I sign my name. (I see his point - but I am the one going threw the pain of getting it tattooed on my body) Well, after all of that, it was time for the show. We got into the van to drive around to the other side of the arena. When the band got out they sandwiched me in between them and started walking. We got to the door and some security guard for the Stones said "hey, she cant come in here!" All of the band said at once "she is with us!!!" and on to the stage I went. I was the only one up on stage that wasnt in the band. I was looking out at 50,000+ ppl & I was so nervous as if it were I who was going to sing! I needed a change of underwear that day too! lol

Well, the show was awesome and Shannon kept looking back at me (more then at the crowd) it was awesome! I felt on cloud 18 looking down on 9! So after the show, I was allowed to go down front row after Blind Melon played to see the Stones. But I was so mad at the way they treated ppl that I could of cared less about Mick walking out (where I was standing)threw my pile of cigarette butts! Well, after the show Shannon, the band & I had become friends from that point on.

They are a remarkable bunch of guys who have made me feel like a very special person that day & every day after. Shannon will always hold a major part of my heart. So folks now you know why I have dedicated my page to Shannon Hoon. A wonderful, caring, sweet, talented, beautiful man! & you can call me greedy, but my ears weren't done hearing the sweetness of his talent! I saddly miss him so. (tears)  Click HERE to go to her site.