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When grunge rock pioneers Nirvana are officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 10th at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, they will do so without one crucial member.
Chad Channing, one of the band’s earlier drummers — who played on their now platinum-selling debut record ‘Bleach’ — was recently informed that he will not be apart of the evening’s festivities and that only Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl will receive the venerated honor.
Last week, Future Rock Legends reported that Channing would indeed join bassist Novoselic and his successor Dave Grohl to take part in the official ceremony, and assume a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This report turned out to be false however, as the drummer was merely extended an invitation, rather than a full on induction. The Rock Hall clarified the mixup in a message to Nirvana’s management, which read in part, “Can you tell whoever looks after Chad Channing that he isn’t being inducted… It is just Dave, Krist and Kurt.”
Before receiving word that he would not receive enshrinement, Channing spoke to Radio.com of how much the honor would have meant to him. “When I told my daughter about the induction, she was super excited for me! So much of my excitement about it is for her! She’s pretty awesome! My little boy is too young to understand though. So yeah, it does feel pretty good!”
Channing joined up with Nirvana in 1988, taking over for interim replacement Dave Foster. He played his first show with the group in May and by Christmas Eve was in the studio, recording what would be the band’s first record ‘Bleach.’ Channing stuck around with Nirvana until the Spring of 1990 and even recorded a session of demos songs with producer Butch Vig, including ‘Polly,’ which would be included among the tracks of the Nirvana’s breakout record ‘Nevermind.’ Channing ultimately left the band when Cobain and Novoselic decided that his work behind the skins left something to be desired and brought in Dave Grohl.
Admittedly, the list of former Nirvana members is surprisingly long and it can be argued that the Rock Hall is correct in only recognizing the major players, however few had as much of an impact on the band’s future success as Channing. While it has to be a disappointment that his work with his old group won’t be officially recognized by that hallowed institution situated on the banks of Lake Erie, the drummer should hopefully find solace in his own achievements and the appreciation of the fans who haven’t forgotten him.
