Grunge

by Greg Prato

If you know me, you know I love grunge. In fact, I strongly believe it was the last significant rock music movement - as there has been no other group of bands since that not only shifted the musical climate, but also affected culture, fashion and politics the way that certain Seattle bands circa '91-'94 did. And I will be forever be grateful to bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam for helping put an end to all that horrific hair metal that was being showcased by MTV (which sadly, has reared its ugly head again years later).

Before I became a writer, I always sought a book that told the entire story of grunge - from before its inception through to the modern day. But the few books that were out were either outdated (penned during the early to mid '90s, before several key events took place) or hard to follow. So, I set out to write a book that told the entire story, and on April 1, 2009, the fine folks at ECW Press issued my third book overall, Grunge is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music.

I conducted over a hundred interviews for the book (including such renowned musicians as Eddie Vedder, Kim Thayil, Jerry Cantrell, Mark Arm and Duff McKagan), learned a whole lot I didn't know beforehand, and truly feel like I put together the definitive story of the grunge movement.

Below is a quiz based on facts from the book - can you separate the truths from the untruths?
Grunge is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music is available for purchase here.
More Fact or Fiction

Comments: 3

  • Charlie Ledger from Celaya,mexicoGrunge is not dead.
  • Howard from Levittown, PaAmen, Greg. That was a big burst then and after seeing the Pearl Jam doc, I'm sorry I wasn't a bigger fan.There hasn't been a major renewal since the early-mid 90s. Since all the sources have been used up, I doubt there will be.another. That's why I'm calling for(with my small voice)for the RRHOF dinners to end by 2020 if not sooner. Coldplay, White Stripes, Black Keys, et .al would have to settle for their own plaque ceremonies.
  • Santiago Parera from ArgentinaSeattle Rock Rules!!!!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.