Chad Channing

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Channing's path to Nirvana began in 1985 when he joined Stonecrow with future Nirvana guitarist Jason Everman, a friend since fifth grade. Later, while working as a sauté cook on Bainbridge Island, Washington, he formed Tick-Dolly-Row with musicians including Ben Shepherd, who would become Soundgarden's bassist. That band shared a bill with Nirvana when they were still called Bliss. A mutual friend then introduced Channing to Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, who were looking for a drummer. After several jam sessions, Channing joined in June 1988, just weeks before they recorded their first single "Love Buzz" for Sub Pop. The *Bleach* recording sessions began on Christmas Eve 1988 and finished toward the end of January 1989, with friend Jason Everman paying for the recording. Channing played drums on the album except for "Floyd the Barber" and "Paper Cuts," which featured Melvins drummer Dale Crover from earlier sessions. In April 1990, during sessions at Smart Studios with producer Butch Vig, creative differences led to Channing's departure by mutual decision after the April–May 1990 tour. Dave Grohl was hired and adapted Channing's drum parts for many songs. Channing's percussion on "Polly" was the only holdover from the Smart sessions and appeared on *Incesticide*, though he wasn't credited until the Deluxe re-issue.

In Their Own Story

In April 1990, Nirvana entered Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, to record eight songs with producer Butch Vig for what would become their second album. Channing sat behind his kit, working through new arrangements as Cobain and Novoselic pushed for a cleaner, more polished sound. The sessions were intense—creative and artistic differences simmered beneath the surface. When Cobain lost his voice, recording halted. After the band's April–May 1990 tour, Channing and the others agreed it was time to part ways. He left behind drum parts that Grohl would later adapt, including the iconic riff for "In Bloom." Years later, at the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Grohl made a point to publicly thank Channing for his contributions, noting that some of Nirvana's most recognizable drum riffs were written by Channing.

Reader's Guide

Chad Channing joined Nirvana in June 1988 and remained until April 1990. His drumming appears on *Bleach* (released June 15, 1989), with the exception of "Floyd the Barber" and "Paper Cuts" (which feature Dale Crover). Reissues of *Bleach* also include "Downer" with Crover. Channing's percussion on "Polly" from the Smart Studios sessions appears on *Nevermind*. The 1992 compilation *Incesticide* features three tracks crediting Channing: "Dive," "Stain," and "Big Long Now." Live versions of "Polly" and "Breed" with Channing appear on *From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah* (1996). The *With the Lights Out* box set (2004) includes a DVD of a December 1988 rehearsal and seven songs with Channing on drums. After Nirvana, Channing formed the Fire Ants (releasing the *Stripped* EP in 1992, produced by Jack Endino), The Methodists (album *Cookie* in 1998), Before Cars (single "Old Chair" in 2006, album *Walk Back* in 2008), released an album as Benkyo in 2015, and formed the duo Can of Clouds with Justine Jeanotte in 2024, releasing *Passing Vistas*.

Did You Know?

• Channing shattered his femur in a gym class accident at age 13, and his parents bought him a drum set to help rebuild strength in his legs.
• He worked as a sauté cook on Bainbridge Island, Washington, before joining Nirvana.
• Channing's percussion on 'Polly' was the only track from the 1990 Smart Studios sessions to appear on the compilation *Incesticide*, though he wasn't credited until the Deluxe re-issue.
• Dave Grohl publicly thanked Channing at the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, but did not attribute the drum riff for 'In Bloom' to him.
• Channing formed the duo Can of Clouds with Justine Jeanotte in 2024, releasing the album *Passing Vistas*.

Early Life and Musical Origins

His childhood was marked by frequent relocations across the United States due to his father's career as a radio disc jockey. At age thirteen, a gym class accident shattered his femur, leading to years of rehabilitation and surgeries that kept him away from school. During this period of immobility, his parents purchased a bass guitar, which became his primary outlet for expression. Once he recovered enough to leave his leg casts, they gifted him a drum set specifically designed to help rebuild strength in his legs. This early introduction to percussion laid the groundwork for his future career. Later, while working as a sauté cook on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Channing formed Tick-Dolly-Row alongside musicians who would later achieve fame in other grunge acts, setting the stage for his eventual connection to Nirvana.

Tenure and Contributions to Nirvana

Channing officially joined Nirvana in June 1988, just weeks before the band recorded their debut single, 'Love Buzz,' marking their entry into Sub Pop. His drumming defined the sound of their seminal first album, *Bleach*, released in June 1989, though he did not play on two tracks featuring Dale Crover. The recording sessions for *Bleach* took place over Christmas 1988 and were partially funded by Jason Everman. Channing remained with the group until April 1990, when creative differences during recording sessions at Smart Studios led to his departure following a tour. Although Dave Grohl replaced him, Channing's influence persisted; Grohl adapted many of Channing's original drum parts for subsequent hits like 'In Bloom.' Notably, Channing's percussion on the track 'Polly' was retained from the 1990 sessions and appeared on *Nevermind*, though he remained uncredited until a later deluxe reissue. His contributions were also preserved on various compilations and live releases, cementing his role in the band's foundational era.

Post-Nirvana Musical Ventures

Following his exit from Nirvana, Channing continued to build a diverse musical portfolio rather than fading into obscurity. In 1992, he formed the Fire Ants, releasing the *Stripped* EP produced by Jack Endino, who had also worked on *Bleach*. This project featured collaborations with the brothers of the late Andrew Wood. He later reunited with former Tick-Dolly-Row member Dan McDonald to form The Methodists, releasing the album *Cookie* in 1998. Seeking a new creative challenge, Channing stepped out from behind the drum kit to become the frontman for Before Cars. This shift saw him handling lead vocals and bass on their debut album, *Walk Back*, released in 2008.

Legacy and Recognition

Channing's legacy within the rock canon has evolved from being an uncredited contributor to a recognized architect of Nirvana's early sound. Despite his significant role in shaping the band's initial identity, he was notably omitted from their 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, which officially honored only Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl. Channing attended the ceremony, where Dave Grohl publicly acknowledged him, specifically crediting Channing with writing some of the band's most iconic drum riffs. In interviews following the induction, Channing expressed that he viewed the band's accolades as a gift for his daughter rather than focusing on his own exclusion. Over the years, reissues and box sets like *With the Lights Out* have increasingly highlighted his performances from 1988 to 1990. His work remains a vital piece of grunge history, bridging the gap between Nirvana's raw beginnings and their global superstardom.