10 Moments That Changed Rock Music History
2. Nirvana Destroyed Hair Metal
When Nirvana released Nevermind in 1991 it wiped away the superficial and overly commercialised hair metal music that had dominated the world of rock during the 1980s.
No longer were kids enamored with rocks stars with teased hair, leopard print leggings and a penchant for cocaine, strippers and non stop partying. No, now rock had something to say, it became about owning the things that made you feel isolated, sticking the middle finger to those who put you down and not worrying about conformity. But you did have to wear a flannel shirt...
There were other bands influential in the alternative rock scene at the time. In LA The Red Hot Chili Peppers had been doing their funky thing since the mid '80s, and Janes Addiction were also making waves. The Smashing Pumpkins had been making some noise on the East Coast but for the most part it was the Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe's of the world that had been garnering the most attention from the masses.
Enter Nirvana. Grunge was the new hot thing on the block and with them came a whole range of alternative rock bands, ready to indulge in teenage angst and moody guitar.