Quiz: How much Grunge Are You?

Alice in Chains, led by Layne Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell, released 'Dirt' in 1992. The album delved into themes of addiction and despair, becoming a multi‑platinum landmark of grunge.

Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' opens with the famous line 'Load up on guns, bring your friends', capturing the angst and apathy that defined a generation.

Chris Cornell co‑founded Soundgarden, the first grunge band to sign to a major label (A&M). After Soundgarden disbanded, he formed Audioslave with members of Rage Against the Machine.

Pearl Jam formed in 1990 as Mookie Blaylock (after the basketball player). Due to legal concerns, they renamed themselves Pearl Jam and released the classic 'Ten' in 1991.

Sub Pop Records – the iconic Seattle label that launched Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and many more. Its early compilations defined the 'grunge' aesthetic.

Courtney Love formed Hole in 1989. The band's 1994 album 'Live Through This' was critically acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of femininity and rage.

Mike McCready, heavily influenced by Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, brings blues‑rock fire to Pearl Jam. His solos on 'Alive' and 'Yellow Ledbetter' are signature grunge guitar moments.

Screaming Trees, formed in Ellensburg, Washington, never reached the superstardom of their Seattle peers but left a lasting legacy with songs like 'Nearly Lost You'.

The flannel shirt – worn open over band t‑shirts, tied around the waist, or buttoned up – became a uniform of Pacific Northwest grunge, symbolizing anti‑fashion and comfort.

'In Utero' (1993) was intentionally raw and abrasive, a reaction to the polished production of 'Nevermind'. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.

The Melvins, led by Buzz Osborne and featuring early drumming by Dale Crover, created slow, heavy, sludgy riffs that became a blueprint for grunge. Cobain often cited them as key influences.

KZAM – the Seattle station in Cameron Crowe's 'Singles', a time capsule of the early '90s grunge scene. The soundtrack included Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Mudhoney.