Doug Hopkins
Douglas "Doug" Hopkins (April 11, 1961 – December 5, 1993) was an American musician and songwriter from Tempe, Arizona. He co-founded the Gin Blossoms, a popular modern rock band of the early 1990s, with his longtime friend, Bill Leen. He was the band's lead guitarist and principal songwriter.
Hopkins' writing credits included the hits "Hey Jealousy," "Found Out About You," "Hold Me Down," and "Lost Horizons." His penchant for somber lyrics, matched with catchy guitar hooks and notable melodies underscored his memorable style.
Career
Hopkins graduated from Arizona State University in 1984 or 1985 with a degree in sociology. During his high school and college career, Hopkins played in a number of bands and even spent time in recording studios with them before founding the band which would give him his greatest fame, the Gin Blossoms, in 1987.
Hopkins suffered from chronic depression and battled alcoholism early on with the Gin Blossoms. When the band recorded its debut album, New Miserable Experience, it was reported that Hopkins was unable to stand during his recording sessions. Faced with the prospect of firing Doug or being dropped by A&M - before the ink had dried on the contract - the band terminated Doug. He was replaced by Scott Johnson, and while New Miserable Experience did not make a strong debut, it went on to reach multi-platinum status the following year.
After he returned to Tempe, Doug started another band, The Chimeras, with brothers Lawrence & Mark Zubia. Doug's role in the band came to an abrupt end during a show one night, when, after a less-than-fantastic solo, he quit. It would be the last band he ever played with in public as a member. He did appear on stage with DeadHotWorkshop and Hans Olsen in Tucson shortly before his death. The Chimeras later changed names to The Pistoleros, upon signing a short-lived recording contract.
Later that year, with the constant reminder of his former band's success being heard on virtually every radio station, Hopkins committed suicide on December 5, 1993.
The first several singles released by the Gin Blossoms, and the only mainstream hit released by the Pistoleros, prior to being dropped by their label, were penned by Hopkins. While Hopkins' death would partially overshadow the Gin Blossoms' success, the group went on to further critical acclaim without him, albeit in a lesser form.