Nirvana remains one of the biggest bands of all time. Their impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, and their impact is all the more impressive considering they were only a band for eight years. And they were only in the public eye for half that time.
The classic lineup of the band is common knowledge to even the more casual rock fans: Kurt Cobain on lead guitar and vocals, Krist Novoselic on bass and Dave Grohl on drums. This is the trio that made a dent on rock music in the 1990s. But Chad Channing was there before Nevermind and the grunge revolution took hold.
Chad Channing left Nirvana in 1991
Channing joined Nirvana in 1988, a year after its formation. He drummed on the band's debut album, Bleach, in 1989, and even appeared on the song "Polly" from the aforementioned Nevermind in 1991. Channing officially left Nirvana in 1990, though, right before it became a cultural force. Why?
Well, it came down to creative differences. Cobain and Novoselic were reportedly frustrated with the way Channing was playing drums during the making of their sophomore album. Channing, meanwhile, was frustrated that Cobain was hogging up most of the songwriting space within the band. Channing split from the band as a result, in what was deemed a "mutual decision." He was replaced by Grohl.
Channing told Kaaos TV that he doesn't regret leaving Nirvana, however. "I have no regrets because I always thought that things just sort of fall in place for a reason," he explained. "For example, I was that perfect puzzle piece for the band at the time, and then they needed another piece to do other things and stuff."
Channing was praised by replacement Dave Grohl
Channing was not included when Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. He was, however, singled out by Dave Grohl for the impact he had on the band during his tenure. The replacement drummer praised Channing's rhythms.
"If you listen to a song like 'In Bloom,' that’s Chad," Grohl asserted. "When I joined the band, I had the honor of playing Chad’s parts, so Chad, thank you very much for allowing me to play your drum parts; I appreciate that very, very much."
Channing has played with several bands since leaving Nirvana, including the Fire Ants and Before Cars. He's also performed with the tribute band the Nirvana Experience. It all seemingly worked out for the best.