Nirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. The band consisted of vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain, bassist Krist Novoselic, and drummer Dave Grohl. Nirvana is often credited with popularizing the grunge genre and bringing it into the mainstream.
Fact 1 - Nirvana was originally called Skid Row, but they changed their name after discovering that there was already a band with the same name.
The band released their debut album, "Bleach," in 1989 on the independent label Sub Pop. While the album was not a commercial success, it did garner critical acclaim and helped to establish the band's reputation in the underground music scene.
Fact 2 - Kurt Cobain wrote the lyrics to "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as a sarcastic response to the overused phrase "He smells like Teen Spirit," which referred to a deodorant marketed to teenage girls.
Nirvana's big break came with the release of their second album, "Nevermind," in 1991. The album's lead single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and helping to define the sound of a generation. The album itself was a massive commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
Nirvana's raw and emotive sound, combined with Cobain's confessional lyrics, resonated with a large audience and the band became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 1990s. In addition to "Nevermind," Nirvana released two more albums, "In Utero" in 1993 and "MTV Unplugged in New York" in 1994.
Fact 3 - Before joining Nirvana, Dave Grohl was the drummer for the Washington D.C. hardcore punk band Scream.
Tragically, Kurt Cobain died by suicide in April 1994, effectively ending the band. Despite their brief career, Nirvana has continued to be a major influence on subsequent generations of musicians and their music continues to be popular and relevant today.
Fact 4 - Nirvana's iconic "smiley face" logo, designed by Cobain, was inspired by the "Love" symbol used by artist Klaus Nomi.
In addition to their musical achievements, Nirvana has also had a significant cultural impact. Cobain's persona and the band's music were closely associated with the grunge movement and the 1990s counterculture. Cobain's lyrics often dealt with themes of social alienation, apathy, and a desire for authenticity, and his songs continue to be relatable and resonant for many listeners.
Fact 5 - Cobain had a fear of flying and often traveled by bus or car to concerts, which contributed to the band's decision to tour less frequently in their later years.
Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing their place as one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time.
Fact 6 - Nirvana was the first band to have three albums go platinum in the same year.
Fact 7 - In 1995, a year after Cobain's death, Nirvana was ranked number one on MTV's "Top Ten Greatest Artists of All Time" list.