Nirvana (band)
American rock band (1987–1994)
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Key Takeaways
- Nirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987.
- Nirvana's success popularized alternative rock, and they were often referenced as the flagship band of Generation X.
- In the late 1980s, Nirvana established itself as part of the Seattle grunge scene.
- Their sound relied on dynamic contrasts, often between quiet verses and loud, heavy choruses.
- A cultural phenomenon of the 1990s, Nevermind was certified thirteen-times platinum in the US and is credited with ending the popularity of hair metal.
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Source summary
WikipediaNirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Founded by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic, the band went through a succession of drummers, most notably Chad Channing, before recruiting Dave Grohl in 1990. Nirvana's success popularized alternative rock, and they were often referenced as the flagship band of Generation X. Their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence rock culture.
In the late 1980s, Nirvana established itself as part of the Seattle grunge scene. They released their first album, Bleach, on the independent record label Sub Pop in 1989. Their sound relied on dynamic contrasts, often between quiet verses and loud, heavy choruses. After signing to the major label DGC Records in 1990, Nirvana found unexpected mainstream success with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", the first single from its landmark second album, Nevermind (1991). A cultural phenomenon of the 1990s, Nevermind was certified thirteen-times platinum in the US and is credited with ending the popularity of hair metal.
Characterized by a punk aesthetic, Nirvana's fusion of pop melodies with noise, combined with its themes of abjection and social alienation, brought them global popularity. Following extensive touring and the 1992 compilation album Incesticide and EP Hormoaning, the band released its highly anticipated third studio album, In Utero (1993). The album topped both the US and UK album charts, and was acclaimed by critics. However, in April 1994, Nirvana disbanded following Cobain's suicide. Further releases have been overseen by Novoselic, Grohl, and Cobain's widow, Courtney Love. The live album MTV Unplugged in New York (1994) won Best Alternative Music Performance at the 1996 Grammy Awards.
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