Hüsker Dü and the Birth of Alternative Rock

Initially punk rock was not profitable. Though it might save your life, seldom did it pay the bills. The music was brash, loud and rarely ever played on the radio, but Nirvana and grunge changed that in 1991. Unlike the classic rock/metal indebted versions of grunge pedalled by Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains, Nirvana's version was a slick collision of Black Flag, and The Beatles; a punk, metal, pop hybrid previously unheard by the mainstream public. But as Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic once said in interview: [It] was nothing new, Hüsker Dü did it before us.
Few bands summed up the pre-grunge alternative rock scene of the 1980s like Minneapolis' Hüsker Dü. Their name came from a Danish boardgame that guitarist/songwriter Bob Mould recalled from his youth, ironically translated as "do you remember?" Starting as an underground hardcore band they transformed into what we'd know today as alternative rock, a sound that would attract the attention of radio stations, major labels and the masses. The musical groundwork they put in their 9 years of existence paved the way for the 90s alt rock takeover. But who were Hüsker Dü? Why were they so important? And how did they give birth to alternative rock?
#punkrock #alternativerock #documentary
Soundtrack
Patricia Taxxon - Cowardice (patriciataxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Patricia Taxxon - Comfort (patriciataxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Patricia Taxxon - Safety (erictaxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Patricia Taxxon - Scarcity (patriciataxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Patricia Taxxon - Bellstep (patriciataxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Patricia Taxxon - Home (patriciataxxon.bandcamp.com/)
Luar - Anchor ( / luarbeats )
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[@TrashTheory]

If you like this video and the rest of my content, please consider kicking a buck or two over to me on Patreon. Benefits include specific video-curated Spotify playlists. This one features the Du, those they influenced and a smattering of college radio hits. Check it out and many other playlists now for as little as $1 per month! Link below:

[@littleferrhis]

I remember my brother was a big fan of Husker Du, and my Grandma had the game of Husker Du in the basement. So we played Husker Du while listening to Husker Du.

[@rufuspipemos]

I was in college from 1985-1989. This was the GREATEST period for alt rock ever. Early REM, Replacements, Husker Du.... on and on. The music was so alive and literally every month for 5 years or so something new and interesting came out. Also, the bands you liked released a record every year so there was always something to look forward to.

[@paulthomas5901]

One of the most jaw dropping facts about "Zen Arcade" is that the entire 25-song double-album was a non-stop, whirlwind session of recording for 40 straight hours with 23 of the songs being the first recorded takes. They then spent another 40 hours mixing the entire thing. Let that sink in for a minute.

[@EuphoricTincture]

The Wipers were an extremely underrated band. They were gifted, and influenced many '90's rock bands.

[@vin-cc9nk]

RIP Grant Hart, one of the best songwriters of his generation. He made most of my favorite Hüsker tunes and pretty much everything he put out after the band ended is excellent as well.

[@geecee6764]

RIP Grant, it’s criminal how under appreciated he is.

[@jean-francoispilote5751]

Hüsker Dü = the Beatles of alternative rock

[@souljahroch2519]

I got to see Husker at Liberty Lunch in Austin. I remember Bob's guitar chord winding up tighter than a rubber band on a balsa wood plane. He was a big guy, but I swear his feet never hit the ground. I heard later that he was gay, & remember the shock of thinking I Will Never Forget You was about a dude. It really helped me grow.✌️

[@MetalizedButt]

The greatest musical contributions to the world from Minneapolis are Hüsker Dü and Prince.

[@brianoneil9662]

Zen Arcade is a masterpiece. Beauty and harshness blended into something like nothing else.

[@AlanSantana331]

Spetacular video. Husker Du forged the basis to the grunge, pop punk and alternative rock that came in the 90's. Deserves more recognition.

[@brandonpage7087]

The 80s College Rock scene deserves to be discussed more often! Thank you for shining a light on them & Husker Du.

[@b.deanslife]

I’m 51 and a massive music fan. I’ve followed Everything from 70’s Punk through alt rock to modern prog rock. I haven’t got a clue a clue how I missed Husker du and Bob Mould. Brilliant I love it

[@ProudFilthyCasual]

Husker Du and The Replacements, two excellent bands so deeply connected.

[@richalderson6069]

Husker Du are my favourite rock band ever, they were incredible, a really unique band.

[@stevemccart9109]

I saw Husker Du and immediately clicked. Glad to see great bands get respect these days. Thank you

[@SrSacaninha]

More people need to talk about Hüsker Dü. Amazing band.

[@dj-um7el]

So today, it's been 44 years since their first performance!!!

[@HistorianOfThings]

OK, I thought I'd heard everything but I'd never heard Robert Palmer covering Husker Du before! Great video!