🎸Gin Blossoms' Robin Wilson reflects on 30 years of 'Follow You Down' ahead of Summerfest return
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thirty years after the release of "Follow You Down," the Gin Blossoms are still doing what they dreamed about as teenagers: performing songs fans know by heart.
Ahead of the band's return to Summerfest, lead singer and co-founder Robin Wilson joined CBS 58 Morning News anchor Alex Corradetti to reflect on the enduring popularity of one of the group's biggest hits and what keeps bringing the band back to Milwaukee.
"Has it been that long?" Wilson joked when asked about the song's 30th anniversary. "We're really proud to still be together and to have a legacy that allows us every once in a while, to get on the news and to go out and do shows and stuff."
Released in 1996, "Follow You Down" became one of the band's signature songs and helped propel their album "Congratulations I'm Sorry" to commercial success. Wilson says the record wasn't easy to make, which makes its lasting impact even more meaningful.
"It was a very difficult record to make, and the fact that it's stood the test of time and produced a couple of hits is very, very satisfying," he said.
The Gin Blossoms are no strangers to Milwaukee or Summerfest. Wilson described the city's music fans as some of the best in the country.
"Milwaukee is a great rock and roll city, and I always enjoy being there," Wilson said. "Summerfest is a special show. It's always cool to be invited back."
While fans can expect to hear the band's biggest hits, Wilson says building a set list remains a balancing act.
"We try to create something where the set has some momentum and the hits are somewhat spread out," he explained. "A little bit of trial and error, we're able to create something that flows well, that the band enjoys and gives the fans everything they need."
More than three decades into the band's career, Wilson says the most rewarding part of performing is seeing audiences connect with songs that started as simple ideas.
"It's a thrill and a very satisfying feeling to be performing a song that you wrote in your bedroom at home, and now it's something where we can go to any city in America and people can sing along to it," he said.
"It's what you imagine and dream of when you're a teenager thinking about being in a rock band."
Wilson also shared his affection for Milwaukee, mentioning plans to visit the city's famed public market while in town and jokingly referencing a famous line from the animated television show "Futurama."
"My favorite TV show, Futurama, claims that Milwaukee is the most romantic city on Earth," Wilson said. "And I believe that. I believe that in my heart."
The Gin Blossoms will perform at Summerfest during the festival's July 4 weekend celebration, bringing decades of hits and nostalgia to Milwaukee's lakefront.
For Wilson, the opportunity to continue sharing those songs with audiences remains as special as ever.
"It's about the feeling you get when you're on stage sharing your music with people," he said.
The Gin Blossoms are performing at Summerfest on July 2nd at 9:30 pm at the Uline Warehouse Stage!
