In 1993 Doug Hopkins watched his hit song “Hey Jealousy” climb to #25 on Billboard’s top 100. The re-released album went gold.
But the band had fired Doug in 1992, in large part due to his battles with alcoholism and depression.
Shortly after the album’s success, Doug attempted suicide. According to his family, it was his sixth attempt in ten years. His sister explained:
“When I saw him Thursday, I knew I’d never see him again. I just said, ‘Goodbye, Doug,’ and my mother did the same.”
She was right. A friend found Doug Hopkins on December 5th, 1993, with a .38 caliber pistol nearby.
Some 30 years later, the Gin Blossoms are still on tour.