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A brief history of Grunge

Some of the most important influences of the grunge scene during the 80s were hardcore and punk local bands that were developing the grunge style already as well as alternative rock bands in the US. Sonic Youth and The Pixies were to iconic bands for the grunge scene. Kurt Cobain remarked the influence of The Pixies on Nirvana, and Sonic Youth was a great supporter of the Seattle grunge scene.

The Melvins, from Seattle, were the ones to slow down hardcore music in order to create the heavy sound that would characterize grunge; and would be the mentors to many of the grunge bands that would later make it big.

Nirvana is both the most famous and most influential band of the Seattle grunge scene. Kurt Cobain was considered the tortured voice of a generation, a label that tortured him even more. The release of Nevermind, in 1991, with the single Smells Like Teen Spirit represented a significant moment in the history of grunge; it became the anthem of a generation. However, In Uterus was even a better album.

 

Cobain’s unique talent created some of the most beautiful, interesting, inspiring and important music in the history of rock n’ roll music. Cobain’s suicide (caused by a severe depression) in 1994 is considered the end of grunge as well as one of the biggest tragedies in the history of music.

Another important grunge band was Pearl Jam, but it had little to do when compared to Nirvana and soon was accused of lacking originality and authenticity. As their career developed, they started receiving some good critical attention.

After Cobain’s death, many bands tried to be grunge and create music as good as the good grunge bands’ one.  Some examples are Nickelback or Creed; both huge failures. Grunge died at the hands of corporate America.

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