Tempe to honor local rock band Gin Blossoms with street designation

PHOENIX — The city of Tempe announced Friday it will honor local band Gin Blossoms by designating a portion of Eighth Street after a song on the band’s debut album.

The stretch of roadway from Rural Road to Una Avenue starting on Oct. 14 will be known as “Allison Road Avenue” and include colorful new street signs.

“Tempe is my home and heart forever,” lead singer Robin Wilson said in a press release.

“My recording studio was on Eighth Street inside Four Peaks Brewery for 20 years. There are no words for the intense pride I feel for this honor.”

This year is the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut album “New Miserable Experience,” which sold more than five million copies.

The Grammy-nominated rock band’s song “Follow You Down,” from the album of the same name, reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1996 and spent 46 weeks on the chart.

“I have a lot of fond memories of watching the Gin Blossoms perform on Mill Avenue,” Councilmember Joel Navarro said in the release.

“They were our own Tempe band, but they also brought our city substantial national attention. The fact that this album is still being played on the radio today is a testament to their talent. The Tempe City Council is pleased to honor the band with Allison Road Avenue.”

Gin Blossoms was among the Tempe bands that rose to prominence in the ’90s, along with The Refreshments (now Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers) and the Pistoleros.

Other important sites in the band’s history are 115 W. University Drive, where the namesake of the song “Mrs. Rita” is located, as well as their Walk of Music plaque on Mill Avenue and Fourth Street.

The honor does not change mailing addresses on Eighth Street as it is an honorary designation, the city said.

Gin Blossoms continues to tour and dates can be found on the band’s website.

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