Log in

Entertainment

Tempe honors homegrown Gin Blossoms with street signs

“New Miserable Experience” album celebrates 30th anniversary

Posted 6/10/22

If you drive past Creamery Park on Eighth Street, starting in October you'll see some colorful new street signs. The city of Tempe is honoring the Gin Blossoms band by designating a portion of Eighth Street as "Allison Road Avenue."

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
Entertainment

Tempe honors homegrown Gin Blossoms with street signs

“New Miserable Experience” album celebrates 30th anniversary

Posted

If you drive past Creamery Park on Eighth Street, starting in October you'll see some colorful new street signs. The city of Tempe is honoring the Gin Blossoms band by designating a portion of Eighth Street as "Allison Road Avenue."

The band made the announcement of the new street designation at their June 9 concert.

"Tempe is my home and heart forever. My recording studio was on 8th St. inside Four Peaks Brewery for 20 years. There are no words for the intense pride I feel for this honor," said lead singer Robin Wilson.

"I was born and raised in Tempe, and both my mother and father worked for the city, so this is a real honor for us," said guitarist Jesse Valenzuela. "Tempe is a great place to call home." 

It's the 30th anniversary of the band's iconic “New Miserable Experience'' album. The Gin Blossoms are credited with launching what was nationally called ‘The Tempe Sound.’ They were among the first and best-known local Tempe bands to make national airwaves in the '90s, along with The Refreshments (now Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers) and the Pistoleros.  

“New Miserable Experience'' sold more than 5 million albums, was on the charts for almost three years and produced five hit singles, including “Allison Road.”

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

Starting Oct. 14, people will actually be able to drive on Allison Road Avenue. Signs will be up from Rural Road to Una Avenue. This does not change mailing addresses on Eighth Street. It's an honorary designation. 

For those who want to visit other Gin Blossoms locations, head over to 115 W. University Dr.  The namesake of the song, Mrs. Rita, is located there. The band also has a Walk of Music plaque on Mill Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Tempe, where the band has often played.  

"It's a good feeling to honor the Gin Blossoms and their love of their hometown, Tempe," said Mayor Corey Woods.