90's Rock Tragedies and Misfortunes

1990s Rock Tragedies & Other Misfortunes:

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When I think of the 1990’s, several memories come to mind: the Tech Boom, the Gulf War, the era of Michael Jordan and the beginning of alternative music as we know it today. The 90’s founded the grunge scene, and with it came bands that will never be forgotten (although others already have been). But like every decade, the 90’s possessed tragedy and misfortune. This article is dedicated to exactly that; the tragedies and misfortunes of 90’s rock and roll.

10. Metallica visits Supercuts

It would be an understatement to say “...And Justice for All” and “Master of Puppets” are exceptional albums. But unfortunately, in 1996 Metallica unleashed their fresh, more polished do's, which was accompanied by their new conservative sound. Although “Load” and “Reload” may have some redeeming qualities, we wish these albums were released by a band other then the “Godfather’s of Metal”. Metallica may be back on track with their latest release, Death Magnetic, but the bands attempt to create a more mature sound in the 90’s may have led metal into an immature era (see Nu Metal).

9. The Toadies Remain Underwater

We were first introduced to this Texas based alternative band in 1994 with the release of “Possum Kingdom”. The bands edgy lyrics and muddy guitars influenced many of us to dash to the stores and purchase their debut album Rubberneck. From start to finish, Rubberneck exuded a fiery energy that perfectly complimented the alternative sound and left the listener yearning for more. Unfortunately our anticipation was never fully satisfied, as Interscope records put the axe on the Toadies second album Feeler (which was scheduled for release in 1998, therefore earning them a spot on our list). We were left empty handed until 2001 when the Toadies finally came out with the very underappreciated Hell Below/Stars Above. The seven year wait caused many to move on, and left a record label to blame for a talented band’s demise. Maybe Interscope was right and the Toadies second album would have been utter garbage, but it is fair to say that this band deserved a timely second release. Imagine if Nirvana’s career ended after Bleach or Radiohead’s with Pablo Honey! Instead Interscope dedicated its time and energy to a band that would eventually popularize the Shrek soundtrack- thanks guys!

8. Refused Are Dead

We're certainly not experts when it comes to Swedish Hardcore, but when we got our hands on the record, The Shape of Punk to Come by Refused, our thoughts of what music could encompass changed forever. This LP was beautifully crafted for such an aggressive sounding collection. Dennis Lyxzen’s vocals/screams can compete with any in the genre, and the arrangements were unlike any hardcore album before it. Unfortunately this album would be their last effort, for the band disbanded shortly after completing this work of art. Unless you were deep into the hardcore scene of the 90s, you probably missed out on seeing Refused live. Even though they have influenced many bands after them (and are one of the main catalysts of progressive music as we know it today), most of this bands fame has come after their breakup. If you prefer the louder side of rock music, chances are you will love this band and this album... that is if you don't already.

7. The Emergence of Rap Rock

We’re all aware that Aerosmith and Run DMC first mixed rap and rock in the mid 80s, but this was more of a novelty act at the time. It wasn’t until the 90s that rap rock truly came to be. Even bands like The Offspring succumbed to the pressure of trying to please the hip hop crowd. Not to say that “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” is literally rap rock, or loved by hip hop fans for that matter, but it definitely can be viewed as a spineless attempt at expanding their fan base. Now, we can’t fault Rage Against the Machine for this, because they were outright excellent. Our qualm lies with most of those that followed in their footsteps. Rap & Rock? How about we keep the two separate until someone (other than Rage or perhaps Linkin Park) figures out what the heck they’re doing.

6. Nu Metal

If you know someone that really loves music, there's a good chance that they hate the music and bands that are topping the charts. Why is this? We don't really know who lead to the start of the new metal sound, and quite frankly we don't care that much either. However we do know that since its inception, this genre has been polluting the airwaves. When you look back on it, some of nu metal’s forefathers were actually solid (Korn, Tool, maybe even Pearl Jam & Soundgarden). Much like our problems with rap rock, it’s how people interpreted this style, and what they then decided to do with the sound that’s gotten under our skin. Radio rock of today is typically lazy and weak (partially due to the rise of nu metal), and that’s why most of the best bands lurk in the underground or stay undiscovered.

5. Hoon’s Demise

Once upon a time, when MTV wasn’t just a dating/reality network, a band released a memorable music video that featured psychedelic colors and dancing bumblebees. Of course, who could forget the “No Rain” video. But Blind Melon was so much more than this bizarre outcast’s anthem. They released their self-titled debut in 1993, which showcased an eclectic array of excellent songs. Shannon Hoon’s vocal stylings were like no other, and it’s hard to pinpoint a more distinct rock vocalist. This is why Hoon’s overdose in 1995 was such a brutal blow to rock music as we know it.

4. NKOTB Pave the Way For Boy Bands & Pop's Reign:

We'd be lying if we claimed to never tap our toes to MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice, but in the early to mid 90s we were forced to take a stance against pop music. During this time, pop dealt a serious blow to rock n' roll, and one group in particular stands out as the reason: the New Kids on the Block. NKOTB are one of those groups that we can love to hate… girls went wild for them, they didn't play instruments, they were accused of lip syncing; you get the idea. Now, we're not saying they're all bad (we've actually come to enjoy Donnie Wahlberg as an actor; check out Band of Brothers and tell us he's not respectable), but there's no denying that they can be faulted with the partial collapse of good music radio. The rise of the New Kids on the Block has forever shifted the charts and fans away from rock music in favor of pop. We can further link this to the popularity of shows like American Idol, which help discover talented singers, but don't necessarily help further the rock band community.

3. The Death of Brad Nowell

From “40 oz to freedom” to “Boss DJ”, many of us grew to love this Long Beach based band. Often categorized as one of the most innovative groups of the 90’s, Sublime used hints of reggae & ska to liberate the sounds of punk. Saturated in drug abuse, we know Sublime’s story to be ill fated and tragic. On May 25^th 1996, singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell was found dead in a San Francisco Hotel Room from a heroin, valium and alcohol overdose. Nowell’s death occurred only (almost one year after the birth of his son) & two months prior to the release of the band’s self-titled third album, which would soon lead to multi platinum sales and the pinnacle of the group’s success.

2. The For Squirrels Accident

For Squirrels were a grunge band that many of us remember and miss, and others never heard. In 1995, the band released their first and last major label album titled, Example. Example was a powerful album showcasing the raw vocals of John Vigliatura, and a diverse lineup of songs that make this album enjoyable from cover to cover. The album featured a track titled “Mighty K.C.”, which ended up being the only single ever released by the band. On September 8, 1995, while returning home from a show in NYC at the highly regarded venue C.B.G.B., the band was in a tragic accident killing frontman Jack Vigliatura, bassist Bill White and tour manager Tim Bender. The end of this bands music career was certainly premature, but we are just thankful that when the quench for some good old fashion 90’s rock strikes, we can turn to tracks like “Stark Pretty”, “Under Smithville” and “Disenchanted”.

1. Kurt

This wouldn’t be a legitimate list without the inclusion of Kurt Cobain’s passing. The Foo Fighters are making “decent” music these days, but our minds are too busy envisioning what else Nirvana could have done. Need we say more?