A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon

by Greg Prato

Overview

One of the most tragic stories of the 1990’s rock world was that of singer Shannon Hoon, and his band, Blind Melon. Despite scoring one of the decade’s most enduring singles and videos, “No Rain,”and a quadruple platinum hit with their 1992 self-titled debut album (in addition to touring alongside rock’s biggest names), Hoon could not overcome a dangerous drug addiction. Only two records into a promising career, Hoon was dead from an overdose at the age of 28. ‘A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other’ is the first book to tell the group’s story—culled from over 50 exclusive interviews (including the surviving band members and those closest to the band) and featuring many never-before-seen photos. “I am honored that Greg has painstakingly accounted for what the hell happened during those crazy times. He has summed up all the chaos, jubilation, and paranoia that is Blind Melon.” -Brad Smith, Blind Melon bassist

Product Details

BN ID:	2940012047953
Publisher:	Greg Prato
Publication date:	01/07/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	331
File size:	256 KB

About the Author

Greg Prato is a Long Island, New York-based writer, who regularly writes for All Music Guide, RollingStone.com, and Classic Rock Magazine. He is also the author of several books, including 'A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon,' 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story,' 'No Schlock...Just Rock!', 'Grunge is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music,' 'The Eric Carr Story,' and 'MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video.'

Editorial Reviews

People who know and love Shannon will enjoy reliving the moments chronicled. Anyone who didn't know him will certainly know him now. You managed to capture the personality of Shannon, the good and the bad, I'm thankful it was mostly good. Thank you for immortalizing my son in print.

Nel Hoon

I am absorbed by what already goes down as one of my favorite all-time reads...'A Devil on One Shoulder.' I swear to you, it is a must read. I strongly recommend this. A killer effort.

Jeff Pearlman

From its startling jacket image of Shannon Hoon standing on the ledge of a high balcony apparently about to step off, there's an air of melancholic inevitability about Greg Prato's excellent history of Blind Melon.

Jon Hotten

Prato not only manages to gather the specifics, but more importantly paints a picture of a band and frontman possessed of brilliance yet troubled demons.

Frank Valish

This is a hard book to put down once picked up. I don't think I even blinked during the chapters entitled; 'October, 21 1995' and 'Aftermath.' I highly recommend this book.

Brad Weitz