Nirvana were a rock band that were highly instrumental and responsible for the grunge rock genre back in the 90’s. The band was formed in 1987 in Aberdeen, Washington by members Kurt Cobain (lead vocals, guitar) and Krist Novoselic (bass). Dave Grohl would later join the band in 1990. (drums, backing vocals).
Nirvana released their debut album Bleach in 1989 to little fanfare. However, the band were quickly launched into superstardom when they released Nevermind in 1991. The album’s lead single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” would go on to be one of the biggest songs in the 90’s and history, while the album itself would become one of the most influential and greatest selling albums of alltime. The album would also topple Michael Jackson’s Dangerous to reach the #1 spot in Billboard’s Hot 100. To date the album has gone on to sell over 30 million copies.
Following the release of Nevermind, the band could be seen all over MTV and heard all over radio. It is around this time that Cobain would marry Hole front woman and begin to partake in many heavy and illegal drugs such as Heroin. Despite bouts of exhaustion due to shows and media appearances, the band trekked forward and released their second album In Utero to much critical acclaim as it reached the top of the charts. Singles such as “Heart-Shapped Box”, “Rape Me” and “All Apologies” also hit near the top of the charts as well.
However, on April 8 1994, Cobain’s body was discovered in his Washington home after committing suicide from an apparent shotgun blast. He left only a suicide note. As the world mourned the loss of the biggest rock star of the 90’s, the band disbanded.
Grohl would then form his mega-successful band The Foo Fighters, while Novoselic would venture into the world of politics.
Nirvana will be remembered as the band that changed alternative rock and music forever by influencing such bands as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. In total the band’s records have sold over 60 million records worldwide.
Albums
Bleach (1989)
Nevermind (1991)
In Utero (1993)
Photos
Via fanpop.com
Videos