ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Nirvana

American rock band Nirvana
American rock band Nirvana

Nirvana was formed in 1987 and achieved mainstream success with their second album 'Nevermind' in 1991. The band disbanded in 1994 after Kurt Cobain's death.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1965-02-17
Birth of Samuel Bayer

Samuel Bayer, known for directing music videos for Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and Blind Melon's 'No Rain,' is born in Syracuse, New York.

1965-05-10
Krist Novoselic is born

Krist Novoselic, the future bassist of Nirvana, is born on May 10, 1965.

1965-05-16
Birth of Krist Novoselic

Krist Novoselic, the bass guitarist for Nirvana, is born in Compton, California.

1967-02-20
Birth of Kurt Cobain

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is born in Aberdeen, Washington. He receives his first guitar on his 14th birthday and starts mastering Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven.'

1969-01-14
Dave Grohl is born

Dave Grohl, who later becomes the drummer of Nirvana, is born on January 14, 1969.

1985-12
Original Nirvana line-up formed

In December 1987, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and drummer Aaron Burckhard come together to form the original line-up of Nirvana in Aberdeen, WA.

1987-10-17
Formation of Nirvana

In 1987, the band Nirvana was created by lead singer Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic.

1988-01-23
Nirvana records demo tape with Jack Endino

In January 23, 1988, Nirvana recorded a ten song demo tape with Seattle producer Jack Endino, known as the godfather of grunge. The tape caught the attention of Sub Pop co-honcho Jonathan Poneman, leading to the offer of releasing a Nirvana single.

1988-03-19
Nirvana First Uses the Name Nirvana

At the Community World Theater in Tacoma, Washington, Nirvana uses the name Nirvana for the first time. They had previously used various other names like Skid Row and Ted Ed Fred.

1988-10-30
Kurt smashes his first guitar

On October 30, 1988, Kurt Cobain famously smashed his first guitar during a Nirvana performance, marking a rebellious and iconic moment in the band's history.

1989-06-15
Release of First Album 'Bleach'

In 1989, Nirvana released its first album 'Bleach' as part of the Seattle grunge scene, establishing its presence.

1989-12-30
Krist Novoselic and Shelli Dilley's wedding

On December 30, 1989, Krist Novoselic and Shelli Dilley tied the knot in Tacoma, WA.

1990-01-12
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love Relationship

On January 12, 1990, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love began their relationship, which later became a significant part of Nirvana's history.

1990-09-22
Nirvana performs with Dan Peters on drums

On September 22, 1990, Nirvana plays with Mudhoney's Dan Peters on drums at the Motor Sports International Garage.

1990-09-25
Dave Grohl joins Nirvana as drummer

On September 25, 1990, Dave Grohl, former drummer of Washington DC's Scream, becomes the drummer for Nirvana.

1991-01-04
Nirvana Signs with Geffen Records

Nirvana signs with Geffen Records. In September of the same year, their album 'Nevermind' is released.

1991-08-17
Filming of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Video

Nirvana shoots the video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' featuring a deranged pep rally at 'Anarchy High School.' The video becomes a huge hit on MTV.

1991-09-10
Release of Smells Like Teen Spirit

Nirvana's biggest song, Smells Like Teen Spirit, was released on September 10, 1991, and is often cited as the moment when grunge music crossed over into the mainstream.

1991-09-20
Nirvana kicks off six-week U.S. tour

On September 20, 1991, Nirvana begins a six-week tour across the United States.

1991-09-24
Release of Nirvana's album 'Nevermind'

On September 24, 1991, Nirvana's iconic album 'Nevermind' is released.

1991-09-29
MTV Premieres 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Video

MTV plays the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video for the first time, introducing Nirvana to a wider American audience.

1991-10-12
Nirvana's 'Nevermind' album goes gold

By October 12, 1991, Nirvana's album 'Nevermind' achieves gold status.

1992-01-11
Nirvana's SNL Debut

Nirvana makes their first appearance on Saturday Night Live, performing 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and 'Territorial Pissings.' They leave a memorable mark by trashing the stage after their performance.

1992-02-01
Nevermind Reaches #1 on Billboard Album Chart Again

On February 1, 1992, Nirvana's album 'Nevermind' achieves the top spot on the Billboard Album chart for the second time.

1992-02-24
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's Marriage in Hawaii

On February 24, 1992, Nirvana's Kurt Cobain and Hole leader Courtney Love tie the knot in Hawaii.

1992-08-18
Frances Bean Cobain is Born

On August 18, 1992, Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, was born.

1992-12-15
Release of 'Incesticide'

Nirvana released the album 'Incesticide' in December 1992, which debuted at number fifty-one on the Billboard 200 and later reached number thirty-nine.

1993-04-09
Nirvana Concert for Bosnia-Herzegovina

On April 9, 1993, Nirvana performed a benefit concert at San Francisco's Cow Palace to support rape survivors in Bosnia-Herzegovina, featuring L7, The Breeders, and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.

1993-07-23
Nirvana Surprise Show at New Music Seminar

On July 23, 1993, Nirvana played a surprise show at the New Music Seminar in New York City's Roseland, showcasing songs from their upcoming album 'In Utero.'

1993-09-21
Release of In Utero

Nirvana's album 'In Utero' was released on September 21, 1993.

1993-11-18
MTV Unplugged concert at Sony Studios

The MTV 'Unplugged' concert featuring Nirvana was recorded at Sony Studios in New York on November 18, 1993.

1993-12-16
Airing of Nirvana's Unplugged Concert on MTV

Nirvana's Unplugged concert airs on MTV, showcasing the band in an acoustic setting. It is one of Kurt Cobain's final performances before his tragic death.

1994-03-01
Nirvana's final concert in Munich, Germany

Nirvana's final concert took place in Munich, Germany on March 1, 1994, as part of their European tour before the cancellation of the rest of the tour due to Cobain's health issues.

1994-03-04
Overdose of Rohypnol

On March 4, 1994, Kurt Cobain was rushed to the hospital after consuming Rohypnol with Champagne, resulting in an overdose. This incident raised concerns about his well-being.

1994-03-18
Suicidal scare and police intervention

Courtney Love called the Seattle Police to their home on March 18, 1994, reporting that Kurt Cobain was suicidal and had locked himself in a room with a gun. However, Kurt clarified to the police that he was not suicidal but wanted to leave Courtney.

1994-03-25
Unsuccessful intervention

An intervention arranged by Courtney Love for Kurt Cobain on March 25, 1994, proved to be unsuccessful as Kurt insulted the participants. This event highlighted the challenges in helping Kurt overcome his struggles.

1994-03-30
Purchase of shotgun and check into Exodus Recovery Center

On March 30, 1994, Kurt Cobain bought a shotgun with the help of his friend Dylan Carlson for home protection. He then checked into Exodus Recovery Center before eventually leaving and returning to Seattle.

1994-04-05
Kurt Cobain's Death

Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, struggled with heroin addiction, illness, and depression in the last years of his life. He was found dead on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27. While his death was ruled a suicide, there are theories suggesting other factors involved.

1994-04-07
Discovery of Kurt Cobain's body

On April 8, 1994, an electrician named Gary Smith found Kurt Cobain's body in the greenhouse above the garage of his home. This tragic event marked the end of Kurt Cobain's life and Nirvana's journey.

1994-04-08
Kurt Cobain found dead

On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain was found dead of a self-inflicted shotgun wound at his home in Seattle, drawing international attention and leading to public fascination and debate.

1994-04-10
Public vigil for Kurt Cobain

A public vigil for Kurt Cobain was held on April 10, 1994, at Seattle Center, with approximately 7,000 mourners paying their respects.

1994-11-01
Release of MTV Unplugged in New York

On November 1, 1994, Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged in New York' album was released. It featured acoustic performances of their songs and became a critical and commercial success.

1996
From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah released

Nirvana's live album From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah was released in 1996, becoming the third consecutive Nirvana release to debut at the top of the Billboard album chart.

1998
Publication of 'The Nirvana Companion: Two Decades of Commentary' edited by John Rocco

In 1998, John Rocco edited 'The Nirvana Companion: Two Decades of Commentary', a collection of commentary spanning two decades about the band Nirvana.

2001
Publication of 'Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain' by Charles R. Cross

In 2001, Charles R. Cross published 'Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain', a detailed biography focusing on the life of Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain.

2002-10
Settlement reached in legal battle

The day before the trial in October 2002, Love, Novoselic, and Grohl announced a settlement in the legal battle over Nirvana LLC. This settlement allowed for the release of the best-of compilation Nirvana, which featured the last song Nirvana recorded, 'You Know You're Right'.

2003
Nirvana Inducted into Mojo Hall of Fame 100

In 2003, Nirvana was selected as one of the inductees of the Mojo Hall of Fame 100, recognizing their impact and influence in the music industry.

2004-11
Release of With the Lights Out box set

In November 2004, the box set With the Lights Out was released, containing early Cobain demos, rough rehearsal recordings, and live tracks. This release was part of the legal disputes surrounding Nirvana LLC.

2005
Release of Nirvana's 'Silver: The Best of the Box'

In 2005, Nirvana released 'Silver: The Best of the Box', a compilation of their best works.

2006
Publication of 'In Utero' by Gillian G. Gaar

Gillian G. Gaar's 'In Utero' was published in 2006, delving into the details and impact of Nirvana's album 'In Utero'.

2007
Publication of 'Nirvana: The Biography' by Everett True

Everett True's 'Nirvana: The Biography' was published in 2007, providing a comprehensive biography of the influential band Nirvana.

2014-04-04
Nirvana Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

On April 4, 2014, Nirvana was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band's influence and legacy were recognized in the music industry.

2014-12-17
Nirvana Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2014, Nirvana was announced as part of the class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting impact on the music industry.

2016
Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party performance

Novoselic and Grohl reunited to perform the David Bowie song 'The Man Who Sold the World', originally covered by Nirvana in their MTV Unplugged performance, accompanied by Beck on acoustic guitar and vocals.

2017
Krist Novoselic founded Giants in the Trees

Krist Novoselic, after being involved in politics and music, founded the alternative rock band Giants in the Trees in 2017.

2018-10
Cal Jam festival finale performance

Novoselic and Grohl reunited during the finale of the Cal Jam festival at Glen Helen Amphitheater in California, joined by Jett and John McCauley on vocals.

2020-01
Benefit for the Art of Elysium performance

Novoselic and Grohl reunited for a performance at a benefit for the Art of Elysium at the Hollywood Palladium, joined by Beck, St Vincent, and Grohl's daughter Violet.

2021-09
Release of BBC documentary 'When Nirvana Came to Britain'

The documentary was released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nirvana's album 'Nevermind', featuring interviews with Grohl and Novoselic.

2023-10-27
Reissue of 'In Utero' for its 30th anniversary

DGC reissued the album 'In Utero' in several formats, including live shows from 1993 and 1994.

End of the Timeline
Nirvana
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.