Founded in 1987

Gin Blossoms was founded in 1987. During the band’s early years, its members included lead guitarist and songwriter Doug Hopkins , bassist Bill Leen, and lead vocalist Jesse Valenzuela . The lineup shifted multiple times, and other band members included Richard Taylor (rhythm guitar), Steven Severson (rhythm guitar), Chris McCann (drums), and Dan Henzerling (drums). Later, Robin Wilson replaced Severson as rhythm guitarist. The band’s name comes from a photo of W.C. Fields in Kenneth Anger ‘s book Hollywood Babylon , which bore the caption “W.C. Fields with gin blossoms”, referring to the actor’s telangiectasia -spotted face and rhinophymic nose by the slang term for the skin condition known as rosacea .