Music

Nirvana are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

by Mark Teo

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, of course, but Nirvana have entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More surprising, however, is how they entered: They join the ranks of rock greats in their first year of eligibility. The Hall of Fame’s rules state that bands can only be inducted 25 years after the release of their first record—and while Bleach, the band’s first undisputed classic, is only 24, their debut single, “Love Buzz,” came out in 1988.

So they’re in. And the band’s two remaining members couldn’t be more stoked.

“For once… I’m speechless,” said drummer Dave Grohl in a statement uncovered by Pitchfork. Of course, he was lying. A speech followed. “From the basements, to the dingy clubs, to the broken down vans, to… the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’d like to thank the committee not only for this induction, but also for recognizing Nirvana for what we were: pure rock and roll. Most of all, thank you to all of the fans that have supported rock and roll throughout the years, and to Kurt and Krist, without whom I would not be here today.”

Bassist Krist Novoselic, meanwhile, placed Kurt Cobain front and centre. “This is a great honor. Thank you to the people who nominated and voted for us,” he said. “Thank you most of all to Kurt Cobain. And to everyone who’s kept Rock music going strong for 60 years and counting.”

For their part, the Seattle-based trio join excellent company in the Hall of Fame. Kiss, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens, Peter Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt, and Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band all made the cut this year, and deservedly so. Others weren’t so lucky: NWA, Chic, LL Cool J, the Zombies, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Link Wray, the Meters, Deep Purple, and the Replacements—who did a round of reunion shows last summer—have to wait another year.

The band will be formally recognized on April 10 at a ceremony in New York’s Barclay Centre. Meanwhile, here’s “Love Buzz,” the track the band released 25 years ago.