10 Rock Stars from the 90s Who Rocked in Unknown Bands

Behind every legendary band lies a not-so-great predecessor, a sonic playground where future rock gods cut their teeth. Picture it: a less-polished version of the iconic acts you know and love, rocking out to an audience of one lone soundman munching on a sandwich. It’s the place where dreams were forged, where future superstars declared, “I’m sticking with this, I’m going to be a bloody rock star!” Here, we explore the earlier, less glamorous chapters of ten 90s rock icons, from awkward funk-rock to punk rabble. Let’s dive into the uncharted waters of their pre-fame endeavors.

Table of Contents

Layne Staley – Before the Chains, There Was N’ Chains

The journey of Layne Staley, the iconic voice behind Alice In Chains, had a peculiar beginning. Before the grunge explosion, Staley fronted a band called Alice N’ Chains, a completely different entity that shared only the vocalist with its famous successor. Departing from the grungy sound later perfected by Jerry Cantrell, Alice N’ Chains specialized in high-energy funk-rock and glam-metal. Imagine the soundtrack to an 80s movie scene where teenagers hit the club, and everyone’s dad dancing. After the band’s dissolution, Staley joined forces with Cantrell, eventually recycling the name to become the Alice In Chains we know today.

Eddie Vedder – Funky Beginnings with Bad Radio

Eddie Vedder, the charismatic frontman of Pearl Jam, had his share of funk-rock misadventures in the late ’80s with San Diego outfit Bad Radio. Their setlist included an unthinkable track titled “What The Funk” and an early version of Pearl Jam’s classic “Better Man.” The latter, although reminiscent of its Vitalogy incarnation, lacked the urgency and crunch of Vedder’s eventual bandmates. It’s like a Mike & The Mechanics version of “Better Man” without the signature Pearl Jam fervor.

Kurt Cobain – Punk Chaos with Fecal Matter

Enter Kurt Cobain, the enigmatic force behind Nirvana, but before grunge conquered the world, there was Fecal Matter. This punk ensemble from Aberdeen, Washington, led by Cobain and featuring Dale Crover of the Melvins, started as a covers band. Their demo, “Illiteracy Will Prevail,” recorded in the mid-80s, showcased a mix of lo-fi thrashing, gruff vocals, and drums that sounded like they were played on a shoebox. While lacking melodic hooks, this was the raw blueprint for Nirvana’s future ramshackle white noise.

Billy Corgan – Electro Vibes with The Marked

Before conquering the alternative rock scene with Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan delved into icy synths, glacial guitar sounds, and taut beats with his pre-Pumpkins band, The Marked. Reflecting a heavy nod to Depeche Mode and ’80s electro, Corgan’s early venture sounds unmistakably like him. The key differences from the Pumpkins’ early days lie in the absence of volcanic guitars and rhythmic pummeling from drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. It’s a glimpse into the evolution of Corgan’s sonic identity.

Radiohead – The Cheerful Prelude: On A Friday

Radiohead, the masters of melancholy, had a chirpier incarnation in their pre-fame days as “On A Friday.” The name reflected their rehearsal schedule, as they practiced in school on Fridays. Notably, this version predates the arrival of Jonny Greenwood, who later became the guitar wizard of Radiohead. Surprisingly, they had a saxophone player in the mix, offering a Smiths-y, R.E.M.-inspired jangle-rock that paints a different picture of the band we know today.

Zack De La Rocha – Hardcore Origins with Inside Out

Before Zack De La Rocha fronted Rage Against The Machine, he cut his teeth with the hardcore punk band Inside Out from Orange County. Unfortunately, the band disbanded before reaching their full potential. Inside Out’s sound featured heavy riffing and generic metal licks, but De La Rocha’s voice already exuded the intensity and vitality that would define his future work with RATM.

Tom Morello – The Unlikely Beginnings with Lock Up

Tom Morello, known for his iconic riffs in Rage Against The Machine, showcased his guitar prowess in the wrong setting with the LA rockers Lock Up. While his playing shines on this track, imagine what RATM might have sounded like if they had a Michael Bolton look and soundalike as a singer. Morello’s unmistakable style was already taking shape, waiting for the right moment to explode onto the scene.

Trent Reznor – Synth Pop Days with Exotic Birds

Trent Reznor, the mastermind behind Nine Inch Nails, had a surprising stint with synth-pop band Exotic Birds. Decked out in A Flock Of Seagulls-style hair, Reznor’s early days showcased a different side of the artist. While the band name might evoke tropical imagery, Reznor’s transition from Exotic Birds to the industrial powerhouse of Nine Inch Nails demonstrates the versatility and evolution of his musical journey.

Shirley Manson – Goodbye Mr Mackenzie: The Scottish Connection

Before fronting Garbage, Shirley Manson contributed her vocals and keyboard skills to the Scottish indie-rock band Goodbye Mr Mackenzie. Unlike other entries on this list, Goodbye Mr Mackenzie experienced some success, reaching number 26 on the UK Album Chart with their debut, “Good Deeds And Dirty Rags.” Despite their accomplishments, the band dissolved in 1993, paving the way for Manson to join Garbage and achieve international acclaim.

Courtney Love – A Glimpse of Pre-Hole Days with Faith No More

Long before Courtney Love founded Hole, she briefly fronted an early version of Faith No More. A rare gem lies in their first TV appearance in 1984, where Love’s Siouxsie Sioux-style vocals added a unique twist to the band’s searing riffs and percussive boom. Although her time with Faith No More was short-lived, it foreshadowed Love’s eventual ascent to alternative rock stardom with Hole.

Conclusion: The Unseen Roots of 90s Rock Icons

These early forays into the world of unknown bands reveal a fascinating side of the 90s rock icons we know today. From funky beginnings and punk chaos to synth-pop and indie-rock ventures, these rock gods experimented with various sounds and styles before finding their true calling. The journey from unknown bands to superstardom is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion for music. As we revisit their lesser-known pasts, it becomes clear that even before fame, these artists were destined to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of 90s rock.

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Holli Greaves: Meet Holly, our versatile freelance journalist and featuers writer who has a passion for dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Your guide to understanding the forces driving our digital age with insightful perspectives and in-depth storytelling.