Nirvana’s influence on the 1990s music scene is undeniable, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. However, according to former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, another band had the potential to eclipse even Nirvana’s immense success. Grohl’s view isn’t just about nostalgia; it stems from a profound admiration for a group that played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey.
The Band That Grohl Believed Could Surpass Nirvana
Though Dave Grohl wasn’t Nirvana’s original drummer, he played a key role in their rise from Seattle’s underground scene to global superstardom. Their raw energy, coupled with Kurt Cobain’s haunting lyrics and tragic death, made Nirvana a cultural phenomenon. But Grohl, who later found success with his own band, Foo Fighters, pointed to another band that he believed could have rivaled Nirvana’s fame: The Pixies.
Grohl’s deep connection to Nirvana was never far from his thoughts, even after Cobain’s passing. A poignant moment with a hitchhiker wearing a Kurt Cobain t-shirt served as a reminder of his past and the unique place Nirvana holds in music history.
Grohl’s Admiration for The Pixies
In a 1997 interview with Montreal Mirror, Grohl expressed his belief that The Pixies, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s, should have been much bigger than they were. Instead of focusing on the commercial success of his new band, Grohl took the opportunity to highlight The Pixies’ missed potential.
“We were all shocked that The Pixies never made it big,” Grohl said. “Their last album had tracks that could have easily been hits on the radio. They were so influential because they managed to be a pop band while still being totally weird. It’s crazy they didn’t blow up on MTV.”
The Pixies’ Impact on Foo Fighters
Grohl’s respect for The Pixies wasn’t just admiration from afar—it deeply influenced his work with Foo Fighters. Their second album, The Colour and the Shape, was shaped by The Pixies’ signature sound, particularly their unconventional arrangements. Grohl even brought on Gil Norton, the producer behind several of The Pixies’ albums, including Doolittle, Bossanova, and Trompe le Monde, to help craft the record.
“We hired Gil Norton because he knows how to bring clarity to even the most distorted sounds,” Grohl explained. “But more importantly, his work on Trompe le Monde really stood out. The way The Pixies structured their songs, with some parts almost mathematically mirroring each other, was fascinating. Gil revealed so much about how they achieved that.”
Success and Lasting Legacy
Grohl’s decision to collaborate with Norton paid off, as The Colour and the Shape achieved critical acclaim and charted in the top 10 in countries like the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Sweden.
The album cemented Foo Fighters as one of the leading rock bands of the era, with The Pixies’ influence playing a vital role in shaping their sound.
Dave Grohl’s belief that The Pixies could have surpassed Nirvana shows his deep appreciation for the band’s innovative spirit and their effect on his own music. While Nirvana’s place in rock history is secure, Grohl’s recognition of The Pixies’ impact speaks to the broader elements that influence truly great music.
