Formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1988, the Nirvana that the MTV generation
came to love comprised Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. Grohl
was 'something like our sixth drummer', explained Cobain, and had been recruited
from east coast band Dave Brammage, having previously played with Scream,
who recorded for Minor Threat 's influential Dischord Records label. Their
original drummer was Chad Channing; at one point Dinosaur Jr 's J. Mascis
had been touted as a permanent fixture, along with Dan Peters from Mudhoney.
Having been signed by the Seattle-based Sub Pop Records, the trio completed
their debut single, 'Love Buzz'/'Big Cheese', the former a song written and
first recorded by 60s Dutch group Shocking Blue. Second guitarist Jason Everman
was then added prior to Bleach, which cost a meagre $600 to record. Though
he was pictured on the cover, he played no part in the actual recording (going
on to join Mindfunk, via Soundgarden and Skunk). The set confirmed Nirvana's
ability to match heavy riffs with melody and it quickly attracted a cult following.
However, Channing left the group 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 David 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 UK Top 10, further confirmation that Nirvana
now combined critical and popular acclaim. In early 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 'low-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'. His 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 formed 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.