Do you know that a black woman may have invented grunge?
I’m not lying.
In 1983, in Seattle, Tina Bell formed and fronted Bam Bam. At the time, their sound was completely unique – but would prove to contain all the ingredients for grunge.
Bam Bam’s unique sound was characterized by its heavy, down-tuned guitars, anguished lyrics, and an overall raw and “dirty” sound – a potent cocktail of punk, metal, and rock that would later be recognized as the sonic blueprint for grunge. With their incendiary live performances and unapologetic sound, they created a new wave in the Seattle music scene, paving the way for a generation of grunge bands.
Many of the early grunge bands, including the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, are said to have been influenced by Bam Bam’s innovative approach to music. This highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, role Tina Bell and Bam Bam played in the development of grunge.
One of the most telling indicators of Bam Bam’s influence is the trajectory of its original members. Drummer Matt Cameron, for instance, would go on to be a part of two of the biggest bands in the grunge era, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Additionally, Scotty Buttocks, who was also part of Bam Bam’s original lineup, became the singer and guitarist for Sic Sic, another influential Seattle band.
Another evidence of Bam Bam’s immense influence is its relationship with the Melvins, one of the key bands in the grunge movement. The Melvins, who played a major role in developing the sludgy, heavy sound that became synonymous with grunge, were not just fans of Bam Bam but also opened for them at concerts. This is a testament to the respect and admiration the band commanded in its heyday.
Here’s live footage of Tina Bell performing with Bam Bam. What a talent! This woman should be a legend, but she isn’t even acknowledged for being the potent create force that she is!
Sadly, Tina Bell has passed away. But I hope the whole world recognizes her for who she is: the mother of grunge music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZbAkSSY0js
Chris Trottier /
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2023-06-30 22:25:08
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2023-06-30 22:25:08Event JSON
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"content": "Do you know that a black woman may have invented grunge?\n\nI’m not lying.\n\nIn 1983, in Seattle, Tina Bell formed and fronted Bam Bam. At the time, their sound was completely unique – but would prove to contain all the ingredients for grunge.\n\nBam Bam’s unique sound was characterized by its heavy, down-tuned guitars, anguished lyrics, and an overall raw and “dirty” sound – a potent cocktail of punk, metal, and rock that would later be recognized as the sonic blueprint for grunge. With their incendiary live performances and unapologetic sound, they created a new wave in the Seattle music scene, paving the way for a generation of grunge bands.\n\nMany of the early grunge bands, including the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, are said to have been influenced by Bam Bam’s innovative approach to music. This highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, role Tina Bell and Bam Bam played in the development of grunge.\n\nOne of the most telling indicators of Bam Bam’s influence is the trajectory of its original members. Drummer Matt Cameron, for instance, would go on to be a part of two of the biggest bands in the grunge era, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Additionally, Scotty Buttocks, who was also part of Bam Bam’s original lineup, became the singer and guitarist for Sic Sic, another influential Seattle band.\n\nAnother evidence of Bam Bam’s immense influence is its relationship with the Melvins, one of the key bands in the grunge movement. The Melvins, who played a major role in developing the sludgy, heavy sound that became synonymous with grunge, were not just fans of Bam Bam but also opened for them at concerts. This is a testament to the respect and admiration the band commanded in its heyday.\n\nHere’s live footage of Tina Bell performing with Bam Bam. What a talent! This woman should be a legend, but she isn’t even acknowledged for being the potent create force that she is!\n\nSadly, Tina Bell has passed away. But I hope the whole world recognizes her for who she is: the mother of grunge music.\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZbAkSSY0js",
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