Nirvana 'Bleach' Drummer Has 'No Regrets' About Leaving Band

Nirvana ‘Bleach’ Drummer Has ‘No Regrets’ About Leaving Band

2018-04-03

Story by Charles Ken

Chad Channing feels good about his decision to leave Nirvana following ‘Bleach’

Before Dave Grohl, there was Chad Channing, who played drums in Nirvana and toured the world with the guys. Channing, who performed on Nirvana’s “Bleach” album, says he has “no regrets” about parting ways with the group right before the band released their groundbreaking 1991 studio album, “Nevermind.”

“I have no regrets, because I always thought that things just sort of fall in place for a reason,” Channing said in an interview with Finland’s Kaaos TV. “For example, I was that perfect puzzle piece for the band at the time, and then they needed another piece to do other things and stuff.”

Channing served as Nirvana’s drummer from 1988 to 1990. He performed on all but three tracks on the aforementioned debut album from Nirvana, “Bleach.” He also toured North America and beyond while the band was on Sub Pop Records.

When Nirvana was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, Channing was not a part of the induction ceremony. Many Nirvana fans objected at Channing being left out, since he was such a big part of the band’s pre-“Nevermind” story. Instead, the induction ceremony only honored the late Kurt Cobain, as well as Krist Novoselic and Grohl.

But, Channing has no hard feelings. In the interview, Channing says he continued his friendship with the guys of Nirvana. He also says the reason he left the band was because of musical differences. “I look back at those days and I think, ‘Wow, I played a small part in something.’ So I’m happy with that,” he said.

Channing even remembers the first time he saw Nirvana perform with Grohl on drums. It was a warm encounter.

“In fact, I remember the first time I saw them with Dave at this place called the OK Hotel,” Channing said. “It was the first time I’ve seen the guys in probably a year or so, and it was really good to see them. It was like, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ It was very friendly.

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Charles Ken

Meet the expert - Charles Ken is a graduate of Michigan State University where he studied writing and history. He's a longtime music buff and covers classic rock for Audio Ink Radio. Contact him at ken@audioinkradio.com.