However, Channing left the band following a European tour, and as a likely replacement proved hard to find, Dan Peters from labelmates Mudhoney stepped in on a temporary basis. He was featured on the single "Sliver", Nirvana's sole 1990 release. New drummer Grohl reaffirmed a sense of stability. The revamped trio secured a prestigious contract with Geffen Records, whose faith was rewarded with Nevermind , which broke the band worldwide. This was a startling collection of songs that transcended structural boundaries, notably the distinctive slow verse/fast chorus format, and almost single-handedly brought the "grunge" subculture overground. It topped the US charts early in 1992, eclipsing much-vaunted competition from Michael Jackson and Dire Straits and topped many Album Of The Year polls. The opening track, "Smells Like Teen Spirit", reached the US and UK Top 10, further confirmation that Nirvana now combined critical and popular acclaim. In February 1992, the romance of Cobain and Courtney Love of Hole was sealed when the couple married (Love giving birth to a daughter, Frances Bean). It was already obvious, however, that Cobain was struggling with his new role as "spokesman for a generation".

The first big story to break concerned an article in Vanity Fayre that alleged Love had taken heroin while pregnant; this saw the state intercede on the child's behalf by not allowing the Cobains alone with the child during its first month. Press interviews ruminated on the difficulties experienced in recording a follow-up album, and also revealed Cobain's use of a variety of drugs in order to stem the pain arising from a stomach complaint. The recording of In Utero , produced by Big Black/Rapeman alumnus Steve Albini, was not without difficulties. Rumours circulated concerning confrontations with both Albini and record company Geffen over the "lo-fi" production. When the record was finally released, the effect was not as immediate as Nevermind , although Cobain's songwriting remained inspired on "Penny Royal Tea", "All Apologies" and the evocative "Rape Me".

Cobain's descent into self-destruction accelerated in 1994, however, as he went into a coma during dates in Italy (it was later confirmed that this had all the markings of a failed suicide attempt), before returning to Seattle to shoot himself on 5 April 1994. The man who had long protested that Nirvana were "merely" a punk band had finally been destroyed by the success that overtook him and them. The wake conducted in the press was matched by public demonstrations of affection and loss, which included suspected copycat suicides. The release of MTV Unplugged In New York offered some small comfort for Cobain's fans, with the singer's understated, aching delivery on a variety of cover versions and Nirvana standards enduring as one of the most emotive sights and sounds of the 90s.

Grohl went on to form the excellent Foo Fighters, alongside ex- Germs guitarist Pat Smear (who had added second guitar to previous touring engagements and the band's MTV Unplugged appearance), following press rumours that Grohl would be working with Pearl Jam (much to Courtney Love's chagrin) or Tom Petty. Novoselic formed Sweet 75 early in 1997 and Eyes Adrift in 2001. A legal squabble broke out in summer 2002 between Love and Grohl/Novoselic over the ownership of Nirvana's unreleased recordings. The dispute was eventually settled, however, and in October the first new Nirvana recording to emerge since Cobain's death, "You Know You're Right", made its debut in the US Hot 100. The enduring appeal of Nirvana was confirmed with the following month's publication of Cobain's private diaries.