Third Eye Blind
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Third Eye Blind is an alternative rock band which formed in the early 1990s. The original members were Stephan Jenkins (singer, song writer, electric guitar), Kevin Cadogan (guitar,song writer), Adrian Burley (drums), and Jason Slater (bass guitar). The band's original line-up changed several times before the release of the group's debut album, and again shortly after the release of the band's second album Blue — at which point the band's main guitarist Kevin Cadogan was released from the band under circumstances that still elicit controversy among fans. Third Eye Blind's current line-up is Stephan Jenkins (vocals, electric guitar), Arion Salazar (bass guitar), Brad Hargreaves (drums), and Tony Fredianelli (electric guitar).
Third Eye Blind recorded their first demo in 1993. Through a lot of recording and after opening a show for Oasis, the band finally signed with Elektra Records in June of 1996. Third Eye Blind's 14-track self-titled debut album Third Eye Blind was released on April 8, 1997. This album included the smash hit "Semi-Charmed Life" and others, including "Jumper", "How's It Gonna Be", "Losing A Whole Year", "Narcolepsy", and the fan favorite "Motorcycle Drive By". The album has since gone on to sell over 6 million copies.
In 1999 the band began writing new material and recorded their 13-track album Blue, which was released on November 23, 1999. Despite the general agreement by the band's fans that as a whole Blue was a much moodier, darker album, the pop-esque "Never Let You Go" helped launch the album to selling over 2 million copies.
During the Band's tour shortly after the release of Blue, Kevin Cadogan was "released" from the band (allegedly following a vote by the band's other members). Tony Fredianelli, who had some limited experience with the band previously, joined the band shortly thereafter. Cadogan subsequently sued Third Eye Blind for breach of contract, with a settlement of an undisclosed amount permanently ending the relationship.
The band's third album Out of the Vein was released on May 15th, 2003. Despite a strong debut at #12 on the Billboard 200 and many quotes from the band remarking on their happiness with the album, Out of the Vein has largely been a commercial disappointment. The lack of professional music videos for the album's two singles "Blinded" and "Crystal Baller" have been lamented by fans.
A fourth album is reported to be in the works. A short East Coast swing around the Baltimore and New Jersey area in Early 2005 sparked some renewed interest in the band and this album, as four new songs were played. Two of these songs had been played at an earlier concert in Salt Lake City. These song titles are "In The Skin", "Summer Town", "Second Born", and "Don't Believe a Word". Fans feel Summer Town is the most instantly accessible. Speculation has it that this song could be the first single if and when the 4th album is released.
A common misconception is that the name of the band is an euphemism for penis. However, on a radio station interview Stephan Jenkins indicated that the band's name came from the metaphysical idea of a mind's eye, a topic of a book he had read. The other group members liked it and chose it as the band's name. In the past, Stephan has also joked about a Ouija board and alcohol being the sources of the name.
Discography
- Third Eye Blind (1997)
- Blue (1999)
- Out of the Vein (2003)
External links
- Ultimate Band List entry (http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,571416,00.html?artist=Third+Eye+Blind)
- Official site (http://www.3eb.com/)
- 3eb.co.uk Fan Site (http://www.3eb.co.uk/)