Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Chad Channing

Chad Channing (born January 31, 1967) is an and best known for serving as Nirvana's third and longest-tenured during the band's early years from 1988 to 1990. During his time with the group, Channing performed on their debut studio album (1989), as well as several tracks featured on the compilation album (1992) and the box set (2004). He left Nirvana amid creative tensions just before the recording of their breakthrough second album (1991), which propelled the band to global fame with drummer . Following his departure from Nirvana, Channing pursued a solo career and formed multiple bands, including the alternative rock group Before Cars, with whom he released music and took on songwriting duties in addition to drumming. He has also collaborated with other projects such as Fire Ants and The Methodists, as well as the instrumental duo Can of Clouds (formed in 2024), maintaining an active presence in the and scenes. In later years, Channing has reflected positively on his Nirvana experience without regrets, emphasizing the foundational role he played in shaping the band's raw, energetic sound during its formative era. Despite not participating in Nirvana's major commercial success, Channing remains recognized as a key figure in the band's pre-fame and has occasionally expressed openness to potential reunions with surviving members.

Biography

Early life

Chad Channing was born on January 31, 1967, in Santa Rosa, California, to Wayne and Burnyce Channing. His father worked as a radio disc jockey, which contributed to the family's frequent relocations during his childhood. The Channing family led a nomadic lifestyle, moving across various locations including Idaho, Washington state, Illinois, and other areas as Wayne pursued opportunities in radio. By 1979, they had settled in Washington after a move from Idaho, where Channing spent much of his formative years, eventually residing on Bainbridge Island. This peripatetic upbringing exposed him to diverse environments but also instilled a sense of adaptability that later influenced his musical pursuits. At the age of 13, Channing suffered a severe during gym class that shattered his in seven places, requiring multiple surgeries and an extended period of rehabilitation. Initially aspiring to a career in soccer, the injury derailed those ambitions and confined him to recovery for years. During this time, his parents purchased a drum set to help rebuild strength in his leg through physical activity, which unexpectedly ignited his passion for music and drumming. Channing's early drumming experiences began in his mid-teens amid this recovery, as he practiced diligently and soon joined his first bands while in high school around age 15. These initial forays into group performances on marked the start of his musical development, laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors.

Time with Nirvana

Chad Channing joined Nirvana in 1988 as the band's , providing stability during a formative phase after several prior short-term members. He had previously known guitarist from childhood and connected with and through the local music scene, where his band shared stages with Nirvana. Channing's most prominent contribution came with the recording of Nirvana's debut album, , released in June 1989 on Records. He performed drums on every track during the January 1989 sessions at Reciprocal Recording in , engineered by , helping shape the album's raw, punk-influenced sound. Endino later praised Channing's playing as "pretty tight," noting it was better than often acknowledged and essential to the record's energy. Throughout 1989, Channing supported Nirvana's growing live presence, including the band's first U.S. national tour that summer, which Everman financed using his personal funds to purchase a van and cover expenses despite not contributing musically to Bleach. Channing's drumming style, characterized by swing, agility, and finesse rather than sheer power, influenced key early tracks like "Blew" and "School," adding dynamic subtlety to the band's performances. Tensions arose by early 1990, leading to Channing's departure amid creative differences; Cobain sought a heavier, more aggressive drumming approach to match the band's shifting direction toward a broader sound. The split was exacerbated by disagreements over songwriting credits, with Channing feeling Cobain had backed out of including his compositions. Prior to fully parting ways, Channing joined Cobain and Novoselic for sessions in April 1990 at in , produced by . These recordings yielded early demos for what became , featuring Channing's drumming on tracks including and which captured Nirvana's evolving material before Dave Grohl's arrival later that year.

Post-Nirvana career

After leaving Nirvana in 1990, Channing formed the Seattle-based band Fire Ants in 1992, where he served as the drummer. The group drew from the local scene, releasing their only Stripped on Dekema Records that year. In the mid-1990s, Channing joined The Methodists, a Seattle outfit, contributing drums to their guitar-heavy pop sound and output. Channing founded Before Cars in 2002, shifting from drums to lead vocals, bass, and rhythm guitar while occasionally handling percussion. The band released their debut album Walk Back in 2008, produced by , followed by How We Run in 2011, showcasing Channing's growth as a songwriter with tracks like "Trip to Mars" and "Jerkwater." During the 2010s, Channing explored side projects including Paundy, a band in which he played multiple instruments, and a revival of Magnet Men, originally formed pre-Nirvana but active again with the 2020 release of Tic-Dolly-Row on Pocket Star Records, where he handled drums and vocals alongside Karr on bass and John Hurd on guitar. In March 2024, Channing co-founded the instrumental electronic and acoustic duo Can of Clouds with multi-instrumentalist Justine Jeanotte, blending classical influences from Jeanotte with Channing's percussion and production skills at his home studio "The Box." The project debuted with the album Passing Vistas on February 28, 2025, engineered by the duo and mastered by , featuring tracks like "Popular Planet" and "Answer from the Stars." Can of Clouds has maintained an active performance schedule in 2025, including shows at venues in Seattle-area locations such as The Rabbit Box on May 24 and community events tied to Channing's roots. The duo continued performing through the summer and fall, with appearances at TR2 Ales in Bainbridge Island in July and Messy Jessy's in in October. Channing has continued engaging in live performances and interviews throughout 2025, often reflecting on his Nirvana tenure, including discussions of his energetic drumming style on tracks like those from and the band's early history; in August, he shared stories from his time with in an exclusive . Over the years, Channing's approach has evolved from the raw and foundations of his Nirvana era to more experimental, multi-instrumental work across genres, as evidenced by his roles in acoustic-electronic duos and revival projects.

Discography

With Nirvana

Chad Channing served as the for Nirvana's debut studio , Bleach, released on June 15, 1989, by Records. He performed drums on the majority of the album's tracks, including the singles "" and the Shocking Blue cover "," contributing to the raw, punk-influenced sound of the record. Dale Crover provided drums on a few tracks, such as "Floyd the Barber" and "Paper Cuts," but Channing's work defined much of the album's . Channing also contributed to the band's early single release, the "Blew" EP issued in December 1989 on Tupelo Records. This track, drawn from Bleach, marked one of Nirvana's initial forays into international releases and highlighted Channing's steady, aggressive drumming style during their formative Seattle era. In April 1990, Channing recorded drums for a series of demos at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, produced by Butch Vig. These sessions, intended as material for Nirvana's second album (tentatively titled Sheep), included early versions of songs like "In Bloom," "Polly," and "Lithium." The recordings were later released on the 2004 compilation With the Lights Out and various deluxe editions of Nevermind (2011 20th Anniversary Edition and beyond), preserving Channing's final studio contributions to the band before his departure later that year. Channing appears on several Nirvana compilations and bootlegs from the 1988–1990 period, capturing live performances and outtakes from that lineup. For instance, tracks from this era feature on (1992), a rarities collection that includes pre- material with Channing on drums for songs like "" and "." These releases underscore his role in shaping Nirvana's early discography, though official credits emphasize his drumming over compositional input.

With other bands

Chad Channing's contributions to non-Nirvana projects span pre- and post-Nirvana periods, primarily in the Seattle grunge and alternative rock scenes. His early work includes drumming for Tic Dolly Row, a short-lived band formed in 1987 featuring future Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd on vocals and guitar. The group recorded a live session for KAOS radio in Olympia, Washington, capturing raw performances of original songs, though no official studio album was released at the time. In 2020, Channing reunited with former Tic Dolly Row members John Hurd and Chris Karr under the Magnet Men moniker to re-record and release those 1987-1988 compositions as the Tic-Dolly-Row. Channing handled and vocals on the 10-track effort, which was engineered and mastered by Tad and issued via , preserving the band's punk-influenced sound with modern production. Following his departure from Nirvana, Channing co-founded Fire Ants in 1992 with vocalist Brian Wood, guitarist Kevin Wood (of ), and bassist Dan McDonald. The band released the 7-inch Ant Acid that year on Treehouse Records, featuring two tracks with Channing on drums. They followed with the EP Stripped in 1993 on Dekema Records, a four-song release highlighting their style, before disbanding. Channing also contributed to grunge compilations during this era, including tracks on Seattle scene samplers. Channing formed The Methodists in the mid-1990s with Dan McDonald, John Hurd, and Erik Spicer, recording over 30 songs during their three-year run. Their sole official release was the 13-track album in 1998 (or late 1997 per some pressings) on Mock Records, where Channing played drums on introspective material. Limited singles and EPs were issued prior, but these remain scarce. In 2005, Channing launched Before Cars as , songwriter, bassist, and occasional , shifting toward pop-rock. The band's debut Walk Back emerged in 2006 (with a 2009 reissue), featuring 11 tracks produced by Channing. They released How We Run in 2011 (sometimes dated 2012), another full-length with songs like "Trip to Mars" and "Jerk Water," alongside singles such as "Old Chair" (2007) and extensive touring in the . Channing's most recent project, the electronic duo Can of Clouds with Justine Jeanotte, debuted with the album Passing Vistas in March 2025. The release blends and acoustic elements across tracks, available on CD and streaming platforms, with vinyl forthcoming; Channing contributes drums and production. Throughout the and , Channing made guest appearances on recordings by acts, including drum contributions to tracks by local bands in the ecosystem, though specific credits beyond his primary projects are limited in documentation.

References

  1. [1]
    Endino, Channing Speak Up About Nirvana's "Bleach" Reissue
    Aug 17, 2009 · Today Endino says of the Bleach sessions, “I hardly remember any of it,” but the drummer on most of the record, Chad Channing, has not forgotten ...
  2. [2]
    Ex-Nirvana Drummer Chad Channing Recording New LP
    Jul 22, 2011 · Chad Channing – the drummer who appeared on such Nirvana releases as Bleach, Incesticide and With the Lights Out – is just about finished writing his second ...
  3. [3]
    Chad Channing Recalls His Time in Nirvana Without Regrets
    Apr 4, 2018 · Channing played drums for the band between 1988-90, and was on their 1989 debut, Bleach. He left just before Nirvana hit the mainstream in a huge way with 1991 ...Missing: biography - | Show results with:biography -<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    Ex-Nirvana Drummer Chad Channing Steps Out as Songwriter on ...
    Walk Back, by his new band Before Cars — will be released by Flotation Records at the Rendezvous on ...
  5. [5]
    Fire Ants Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |... - AllMusic
    Fire Ants (followed by 2 users) ; Active. 1990s ; Genre. Pop/Rock ; Styles. Alternative/Indie Rock, Grunge ; Group Members. Chad Channing.
  6. [6]
    Nirvana's Original Drummer Chad Channing Open to Reunion
    Jul 31, 2014 · In case you forgot, there's a surviving Nirvana band member who hasn't been part of the slew of recent reunions: Original drummer Chad Channing.
  7. [7]
    Chad Channing Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & Mo... | AllMusic
    Explore Chad Channing's discography including top tracks, albums, and reviews. Learn all about Chad Channing on AllMusic.
  8. [8]
    Chad Channing/Biography | Music Wiki - Fandom
    Chad Channing was born on January 31, 1967, in Santa Rosa, California, to Wayne and Burnyce Channing. Wayne was a radio disc jockey and the family was ...
  9. [9]
    Star Apps: Chad Channing - Yahoo
    Jun 29, 2014 · You moved around a lot as a child. How did you end up in Washington state in the first place? I moved to Washington in '79 from Idaho. My ...
  10. [10]
    The Story Of Chad Channing's Time In Nirvana - Grunge
    Apr 29, 2023 · Chad Channing is the Pete Best of Nirvana: the drummer who played for the band right before they got someone else and became massive rock stars.
  11. [11]
    Conversations with Chad Channing - The Eye of Faith Vintage
    Nov 22, 2013 · A blister that refuses to blunder, adding tact and excitement to our modern music scene. Thank the lords. kurt cobain chad channing jason ...Missing: life | Show results with:life
  12. [12]
    The Rock 'n' Roll Casualty Who Became a War Hero
    Jul 2, 2013 · Jason's childhood friend Chad Channing happened to meet a guitarist and a bassist from Olympia looking for a drummer. They were Kurt Cobain ...
  13. [13]
    Nirvana's 'Nevermind': 10 Things You Didn't Know
    Sep 23, 2021 · When Nirvana began the original Smart Studios sessions with Vig, Chad Channing – the drummer featured on most of Nirvana's 1989 debut, Bleach – ...
  14. [14]
    Nirvana Drummer Steps Out - Rolling Stone
    Grohl's predecessor, who played on the band's 1989 debut, Bleach — is launching a new project called Before Cars ...
  15. [15]
    The Fire Ants
    Best known for their one and only album 'Stripped' (Dekema Records 1992), the would-be supergroup contained prominent members of the Seattle grunge scene ...<|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Chad Channing, center, and his band, Before Cars, play Lounge ...
    Oct 16, 2009 · ... project, Paundy, Channing's raising his two kids: Lucy, 7, and Nolan, who's less than a month old, at his home near Hood Canal in Kitsap County.
  17. [17]
    Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars) : Songwriter Interviews
    Mar 7, 2013 · At this time it's just an outlet for us to put Before Cars out on. And another band called Paundy, that I also play in, we're going to release ...
  18. [18]
    Tic-Dolly-Row | Magnet Men
    Free deliveryTic-Dolly-Row by Magnet Men, released 07 March 2020 1. Full Shrunk Blues 2. Atlas 3. Captain Ocean 4. Little Digits.Missing: projects | Show results with:projects
  19. [19]
    EPK - Can of Clouds
    Can of Clouds ... Justine Jeanotte and Chad Channing, both multi-instrumentalists. This project started in March of 2024 and Passing Vistas is their debut album.
  20. [20]
    Passing Vistas | Can of Clouds
    Free deliveryPassing Vistas by Can of Clouds, released 28 February 2025 1. Popular Planet 2. Put It on My Tab 3. Answer from the Stars 4. Sand Drawings 5. La Sortie 6.
  21. [21]
    Can of Clouds with Special Guests, Josh Lanza with Anne Matthews ...
    May 24, 2025 · ... Justine Jeanotte and Chad Channing, both multi-instrumentalists. This project started in March of 2024 and Passing Vistas is their debut album.
  22. [22]
    Throwaway Style: Requiem for a Fake Punk 3 (The Nirvana Years)
    May 2, 2025 · He praised the drumming of Chad Channing and Dale Crover—”even though Grohl's drumming is like getting hit by a truck.” We chatted about ...
  23. [23]
    The Exclusive Oral History of Nirvana's 'Bleach' - Yahoo Sports
    Jun 14, 2014 · With a record offer on the table, Nirvana connected with drummer Chad Channing, who played on their first recording for Sub Pop, a cover of ...
  24. [24]
    Bleach - www.LiveNirvana.com
    ... Sub Pop Singles Club'. 'Love Buzz' was then added to the 'Blew EP' as NIRVANA got bigger but the single was not easily available. The 13-track American CD ...
  25. [25]
    Inside the 20th-Anniversary Reissue of 'Nevermind' - Rolling Stone
    Aug 23, 2011 · One afternoon in April 1990, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and drummer Chad Channing arrived at producer Butch Vig's Smart Studios in Madison, ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Sessions History | Studio Sessions | April 2–6, 1990 - Live Nirvana
    Chad Channing (drums). Crew. Doug Olsen (engineer); Butch Vig (producer ... Official CD ( Nevermind , Deluxe Edition, catalog#: 2777903). In Bloom; Breed.
  27. [27]
    Nirvana Turn Piles of Demos and Outtakes into 'Incesticide'
    Dec 15, 2015 · The album opens with "Dive," a track from what some fans refer to as Sheep – the lost follow-up to Bleach featuring Chad Channing on drums.
  28. [28]
    Tic Dolly Row: Chad Channing's Pre-Nirvana Band
    Feb 13, 2018 · The Magnet Men, Chad Channing, John Hurd and Nirvana in 1987. Mysteriously, a cassette of the band performing on KAOS Radio in 1987 has ...Missing: projects | Show results with:projects<|separator|>
  29. [29]
    https://diffuser.fm/nirvana-release-incesticide/
  30. [30]
    https://nirvana-legacy.com/2018/02/13/tic-dolly-row-chad-channings-pre-nirvana-band/
  31. [31]
    Fire Ants discography - Rate Your Music
    Fire Ants discography and songs: Music profile for Fire Ants. Genres: Grunge, Alternative Rock. Albums include Stripped and Ant Acid.
  32. [32]
    https://www.discogs.com/artist/3548387-Fire-Ants
  33. [33]
    Chad Channing | Nirvana Wiki - Fandom
    He's played in several bands since Nirvana, including Fire Ants, The Methodists, and Before Cars. He now sings and plays bass for the rock band Before Cars.Missing: Tad Doyle<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    https://www.discogs.com/artist/5003464-The-Methodists
  35. [35]
    Before Cars discography - Rate Your Music
    Before Cars discography and songs: Music profile for Before Cars, formed 2005. Genres: Rock. Albums include Walk Back, How We Run, and Old Chair / 99 to Go.
  36. [36]
    Chad Channing of Can of Clouds (formerly Nirvana)
    Sep 20, 2025 · We discuss his new electronic due Can of Clouds and their Passing Vistas album. We also cover some of his pre and post Nirvana bands, and more!Missing: discography Paundy
  37. [37]
    Chad Channing
    ### Summary of Chad Channing's Discography (Excluding Nirvana)