Dave Grohl is the undisputed king among rock and grunge fans. Having begun in the hardcore scene, Grohl found his place in Nirvana after meeting Cobain and Novoselic at a gig. They were among the most adored and significant bands of all time, setting the standard for upcoming musicians for years as they pioneered and popularized grunge.
Grohl’s tenure with Nirvana came to an end with the frontman’s death in 1994, having contributed to the enormous successes of Nevermind and In Utero. The drummer had a difficult time making a comeback to the music industry at first. He spent short periods with Pearl Jam and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers before joining Foo Fighters.
Almost thirty years later, what started as a short-lived solo project has grown into one of the most powerful forces in the rock industry. All-time great hits like “Everlong” have brought the band international recognition and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Grohl has cemented his place in music history.
Dave Grohl rose to international fame with the sleek rock of Foo Fighters and the raw grunge of Nirvana. Sadly, one of Nirvana’s key inspirations wouldn’t share their financial triumph. Melvins, a grunge band from Washington, was openly praised by Grohl and Cobain. The drummer once dubbed them the “kings of that whole bratty nature of punk.”
The Melvins were pivotal in grunge, gaining notoriety through influences more than independent work in rock music. Their lack of commercial success was noticeable, especially compared to Nirvana, but it didn’t deter praise for their sloppy sound.
It appears that Grohl was especially inspired by the Melvins’ adaptability and their will to defy expectations from the public. The Melvins, as explained in an interview with Melody Maker, started off as a fast, hardcore punk rock band. They embraced the darkness, morphing into a sludgy Black Sabbath metal militia, knowing some would resist their sonic upheaval.
Melvins decided to reduce the pace of their play, despite the incoming animosity from their dedicated fan base. “To annoy everyone, they started playing as slowly as they could because everyone was screaming for them to play faster,” he recalled. They embodied the pinnacle of punk’s brash aesthetic.
Despite not enjoying the same level of commercial success as their grunge counterparts, the Melvins’ brash punk attitude sets them apart. It seems to have made them indifferent to mainstream appeal. Their legendary influence reaches into the future, as the next generation of rock royalty rises, their sound echoing the echoes of greatness.
