Why Krist Novoselic Was the "Unsung Hero" of Nirvana

[@Ballington]

Its actually a crime how little recognition Krist gets, compared to the other two

[@behelit1997]

Krist Novoselic by keeping the band together in the songs, actually kept them as friends in real life. He's a real underrated hero, and also a very friendly guy.

[@Whale-mt4xz]

My dad met him back in like 1992 I think. Didn't see him for very long, but said he was a very friendly guy. Didn't meet Kurt or Dave though. So your definitely right about him being friendly.q

[@Beavisofficial]

yeah im glad the nirvanas never broke up and just stuck it out, it what john lennon wanted for his band in the end

[@jonvia]

You can see in interviews that Krist was always the goofy, yet very level headed one out of the trio

[@rexx9496]

While Dave was the shy one who barely spoke in interviews. It's incredible how much Dave's personality changed later in life.

[@eltoro969]

He was probably the back bone of the band and you can tell Kurt loved him from those interviews. Dave, on the other hand, seemed more and more uncomfortable in the band.

[@erikwettergren1986]

Come on, people, now Smile on your brother Everybody get together Try to love one another right now

[@FaultyLogic-my1mo]

Well said

[@RahetiyohsthaSkye]

I'm surprised he didn't mention that, welp guess we GOTTA FIND A WAY, to get him to mention that.

[@nessy9022]

Cobain's sardonic tone reciting those lyrics was such a sharp contrast to the sincerity of the original. Perhaps if he'd been open to the way Krist invested in that sentiment he'd still be with us.

[@PhDFlopper_peter]

Monkey See Monkey Do Rather Be Dead Than Cool Every Line Ends in Rime Less Is More Love Is Blind

[@RahetiyohsthaSkye]

@@nessy9022 Krist sang it.

[@tonysimons9254]

Favourite Krist bass line?... got to be either Sliver or Lounge Act. Let's go with Lounge Act as the bass line makes that song something special!

[@adamdavis5312]

Lounge act

[@ianherron1895]

I think he makes many of the nevermind songs special - or certainly adds to them: Lounge Act, Lithium, In Bloom...he seemed to hear the song with the same ears - which may sound strange to some but if you're a songwriter you know what I mean...

[@dementedmidget05]

@@ianherron1895absolutely

[@joemolina4351]

that Stay Away bass line is one i dont hear many talk about but it is so good. sliver and lounge act are also some of my favorites

[@psygin]

It was always lovely buzz for me personally

[@Nickyeyes]

It's about time someone's given Krist his props! He also seems like the only person in Kurt's life who truly mourned his death.

[@hourglass-pastor]

Dave didnt?

[@adamdavis5312]

@@hourglass-pastornah

[@Nickyeyes]

​@@hourglass-pastor I understand what you're saying. You never know what's in a person's heart, but years after Kurt's death it was Krist who would tell stories about seeing left handed guitars and think, "I need to tell Kurt about this" momentarily forgetting that Kurt was gone. It was Krist who say that he missed Kurt everyday. You just didn't hear Dave say those kind of things. Maybe he he just keep his feelings to himself, idk. But I do know is that when NIRVANA was inducted into the R&RHOF, Dave spoke first and didn't mention Kurt's name or anything about him. NOT ONCE! Dave went on about Chad Channing creating a drum fill on "In Bloom" but not a single mention of what Kurt created? That was intentional. Krist gave a loving a tribute to Kurt, while Dave just nodded his head in the background. That has to tell you something about Dave's feelings for Kurt. So that's why I left that comment. Sorry this reply is so long.

[@eoncatalyst]

@@adamdavis5312 Dave was so depressed he even thought of quitting music and he still can't listen to Nirvana's songs. Don't speak about stuff you know nothing about as if you know everything about it.

[@chaseleopold]

@@eoncatalystbro didn’t care…..he could care less….hes a millionaire, wake up!

[@sjd1446]

Almost nobody talks about how great Krist’s baselines are. They added rhythmic and melodic movement and intrigue, with a firm grounding in and understanding of what the song was supposed to be. His contributions were significant. And he did it in a band that was the biggest band in the world in their time. So, Definitely one of the most underrated musicians in the last 40 years.

[@ianclevenger9714]

Krist is my favorite member of nirvana for the reasons described in the video and why I have so much respect for bass players

[@marcelinomedina3232]

I’m 43 and Nirvana has meant a lot to me since I was a kid. I always believed that Krist is very important to Kurt and the band. No Krist no Nirvana. To me I always think of Kurt and Krist friendship when I think of Nirvana.

[@eltoro969]

I`m 54 and everyone loved the bass lines Krist made and the sound of his bass on Nevermind. I love Dave, but he didn`t have much impact back in 1991. In fact, he was very much in the shadows of most other drummers at the time. Everyone loved how he looked like the Animal from The Muppet Show (which was _the_ show most of Generation X watched as kids) but Dave`s drumming was rarely a factor when speaking about the musicality of the band. No one really thought of Nirvana as great musicians. People didn`t start praising Dave for his drumming until sometimes in the 2000s when he appeared on the Killing Joke- and QOTSA albums and made the fantastic Probot album. I still remember people saying Dave was a great copy of Chad Channing (Drummer on Bleach) which I understand. Dave took what Chad did and ran with it.

[@jonvia]

Dave laughing during the 'Scentless Apprentice' clip gave away what was going on behind the scenes with how they wrote music. Wouldve been cool to hear early Foo Fighters tracks but as Nirvana tunes with Kurt's guitar and vocals, as well as Krist's bass parts. Egos in bands get insane and this is why Im a solo act.

[@markkunkel7401]

Yea Kurt didn't seem sincere and he struggled to give anyone any credit

[@eltoro969]

Dave did not seem very happy with Nirvana in 1994. He wrote songs Kurt didn`t want. My guess is that Kurt wanted to move as far away from Nevermind as they could, getting rid of all the mainstream fans, while Dave wanted to continue on the Nevermind sound. His solo album (Foo Fighters) is basically a continuance from Nevermind. I have always believed that Nirvana was on their way to break up after the `94 Tour. (I`m 54 and been a fan since Bleach)

[@RestrainingHollywood]

​@@eltoro969Kurt couldn't stand Dave during the in Utero era. Grohl is insufferable. Foo Fighters are Proof of that.

[@horrorbusiness78]

It has always astounded me how articulate (and funny) Krist was in interviews at such a young age, especially when talking about important issues - benefits etc that Nirvana got involved with. Musically Krist showed his bass solo skills off in an alternative take of Been a Son where his bass solo can be clearly heard, it makes the song more memorable than the version that made Incesticide. His bass playing throughout Nirvana was outstanding. The songs would not have been so memorable without his contribution

[@BradyIsAfagInHeat]

great comment

[@hkfiorill]

Preaching heart filled facts. I love that you brought that cover out of the box. He is able to convey much more emotion and insight with his homage to said song. ❤

[@georgiadailey182]

Earnie Bailey (Nirvana's guitar tech) commented on Krist's role in the band: "Krist was very protective of Kurt, it was very much a Sam and Frodo kind of a thing. I mean, Krist really fostered Kurt's ability to do what he did. And I think you really need these two elements."

[@organicfunkk]

krist is genuinely my favorite person in the world i love him so much

[@isaiahrodriquezgothboy]

I love his bass line in Teen Spirit and in Heart shaped box

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

The bass player is the "unsung hero" of most bands. There's something about holding down the foundation that keeps one grounded.

[@piai]

Krist Novoselic bass line in "Heart Shaped Box" "Lounge act", "sliver" "on a plain" are incredible

[@candicemorland2939]

I was just thinking the other day how melodic his bass lines were. And how no one ever ever talked about that

[@mywhychromosome]

Heart-Shaped Box. The way he taps the eighth-notes in that smooth, moody way creates such a great contrast to Cobain’s spiky, sharp arpeggio riff

[@OZKÄRSTALIN]

He is my inspiration as a bass player, I really like how he play! He is my favorite bass player, honestly.

[@sidpablo]

The Lithium baseline is very underrated.

[@adamjosey1543]

A great bass player will be practically unnoticeable. I've seen some bass players muddle up a good song by trying to play solo lines the whole time.

[@frankr.6305]

this.

[@Whale-mt4xz]

His short bass solo in love buzz. Is just amazing. Same with Sliver.

[@xWESTICLESx]

Been A Son has a tasty bass solo too

[@hkfiorill]

Agree with both of you.

[@HGZMO]

He is the one that really held down the groove and note/chord progressions that were the most important part of getting the song and solid melody and jn the pocket. It allows Kurt to make his own similar progressions and freedom to express himself freely without losing the in grooves that we all remember and him and Dave were locked in.

[@lightbeforethetunnel]

I don't think Krist ever really cared particularly about public recognition. And that's part of what made him so valuable. Hitting #1 on the charts oftentimes brings out egos for all involved. Not in Krist's case.

[@RahetiyohsthaSkye]

Nirvana taught me how to dissect music for what it is, hearing the beat of the drums, the bassline, how the guitar riff intertwines with the bassline and how the compliment each other. Favourite bass line from Nirvana has either got to be Lounge Act or Sliver.

[@_caustics_]

His bass sound was so good. So low and deep. Amazing.

[@mckracken8314]

in bloom bass = unbelievably good.

[@nomadwolfox2140]

each band member does their part in making the band, its not your favorite band member, or their favorite band member, its all. they are all working together

[@Hello-u3u3b]

The intro to Dive is iconic

[@milenakorovljev4209]

Chris is a Croatian boy, who after spending some time in Croatia in '70s, heard of a Slovenian band called "Nirvana"....that's where he got the name for American version of " "Nirvana". I know that, because I've played in the band that supported Slovenian " Nirvana" in '70s....

[@hkfiorill]

I would love to hear this band. And yours. Can you let me know where to go and listen to them? I heard about the name of the bad coming out of Krist’s roots.

[@milenakorovljev4209]

You can try internet typing "Boom festival" '74, '75, '76, ' 77 or '78.....Slovenian "Nirvana" I'm sure, have played on at least one of them. As for my band, we didn't do much except being locally known, that is, "famous in our own lunchtime"..... But it was a great and interesting time to be young !!

[@hkfiorill]

@@milenakorovljev4209 your band was named, “ famous in our own lunchtime”..?? What did you play, and or vocals. Also. I didn’t properly ask the question which was about listening to your band. I believe the 70’s were amazing to be a part of. So many people in my chosen family have lived and experienced music and/or touring through the 60’s-90’s and beyond. But there’s nothing like grunge. Pre grunge is an art of its own. Been drawn to it since I was a tiny child.

[@milenakorovljev4209]

@@hkfiorill "Famous in our own lunch time" was NOT the name of the band I played in....I live now in Australia, and if someone here is pretending to be more then one is, he or she would be characterised as " famous in their own lunchtime"....It is just a mocking expression people use when pretending to be more than who they are !! As for my band in Yugoslavia at that time of my life, I've played lead guitar and sang, and we called our selves " Process". We named ourselves that way because the music we have listened at that time was very rich, and influences were indeed, many ! Hard Rock (Deep Purple, Led Zepelin ) so called progresiv music (Genesis, Yes etc) , jazz- rock, funk, all of those were our influences and we were active in the battles of the bands scenarios, as well as playing around in the province where we lived and around our beloved town of Novi Sad..... But mainly, we played blues and rock and roll (Cream, Bad Company, ZZTop and so on...) in the locals around the town. But, In 1976 we've won one of the battle of the bands occasion with a 20 minute song that really included all of the influences I've mentioned, and that year we performed it at the " Boom festival". It was recorded but it never made it officially on any of the records. Since I've moved to Australia in 1979, I continued playing in local bands, the last one of them called " The Others" and in 2015 or ' 16, the band has earned the place in the local, South Australian Hall of Fame for contribution to the original music. It was basically a blues- rock band. In the mean time, I've made my own little 8 track studio, bought many guitars and even made some my self, recording my own music and singing on it for my own amusement. I have retired now, but I still have my studio, my guitars, and many great memories . And the certificate of being inducted in the "Hall of Fame" is proudly exhibited on the wall in my house. That is the only visable proof of my musicianship....that, and my recordings that no one would hear. But I'm not complaining: I've enjoyed every minute of it !!! Thank you for asking ! Hope I didn't bore you. Cheers !!!

[@hkfiorill]

@@milenakorovljev4209 🐦‍🔥💕🎶🙏💯🫶🏼 First. You most certainly did NOT, bore me! I even more so wanting to sing with you via the internet maybe someday. I grew up with all the musicians that inspired you. Also. My sister lived in Australia for 2.5 years and stayed for like 4-6 weeks many other times. She called so frequently we were even closer. Sounds like you got it.

[@donnix1192]

Krist was the reason I picked up a bass guitar, his bass parts always served the song rhythmically and melodically. He would have the most interesting lines during the verses instead of simply doubling the guitar part. His tone was the stuff of legends-Gibson basses through an Ampeg SVT-such a fat bottom end but with top end snap. An incredible player no question.

[@MantaraSast]

His basslines in slts and polly are perfect.

[@eSSEPAPIRET1]

My favourite bassline among Nirvana songs, are those on On a Plain. I think that version from Roskilde really nails it.

[@Jay-xy7yi]

I am a bass player,and i can tell you Krist is a top notch bassist.

[@ScratchdHelp]

i feel like after watching this channel for so long its like seeing it evolve and rise in production quality, nice videos and keep it up!

[@leeprobert7420]

Who doesn’t love krist,,, Great bass player ,, witty and Funny and very clever 😊

[@leeprobert7420]

He should do a nirvana documentary for the fans in he’s own words or an audio book that would be killer 👍🏼

[@damiencottrell1564]

I love the Bassline he came up with in Sappy!

[@Polyfusia]

I'm partial to the Lounge Act bassline. Simple but very memorable and it serves the song perfectly. Dive and Blew both start out with just bass and are both iconic. Krist and Kurt were the nucleus of the band. They got each other and complimented each other as people. They were both very funny as well.

[@jonnybarnard8578]

Mark Lanegan said Krist tried to quit and join Screaming Trees in the early days cuz he said "it always has to be how kurt wants it." Mark told him to stick with nirvana because he knew how good they were. Thank god Krist listened.

[@losethOS88]

Junkies say a lot of crap, take it with a grain of salt.

[@jonnybarnard8578]

@@losethOS88 it was in his book that he wrote when he was sober. Why would that be so hard to believe? Kurt was the main song writer and he himself said that scentless apprentice was the first thing he didn't exclusively write. Not too crazy to think that he may have been a bit of a control freak with bleach especially.

[@losethOS88]

@jonnybarnard8578 oh, he was sober? Word? I'm sure it's the truth then.

[@sylwestertrytek8062]

Krist's bass line in On a Plain is a killer

[@123theprodigy5]

I always heard that the people who are the most quiet you have to watch out for the most.

[@David_prod-eNGee]

another underrated thing Krist did was distract and jump in on the mic during interview, as kurt hated them, and krist would hugely help alleviate the pressure in those situations.

[@donnieolaughlin1758]

Krist was Kurts brother. Kurt was very reliant on him. Krist really covered with the interviews and emptytv plugs. The bass is badass always. every three piece (core band) has a integral cohesive mix.

[@flamesfearfuture]

Krist Novoselic is a very underrated Bassplayer. Without him - Nirvana would have never be the same.

[@eoncatalyst]

Krist is so underrated. He is one of my favorite bass players together with Alex Webster and Cliff Burton.

[@mobsterlord9021]

I met him today he’s pretty chill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ would recommend

[@pjt3887]

I just want to add my own story about Krist. He was working with a group to campaign for the end of the death penalty in Washington State. They had a fundraiser at the Crocodile Cafe. It was a blast too many cool bands to list. I'll never forget the drunks shouting him down. He looked so defeated leaving the stage. I went up to him thanked him and gave him a few tips. Unfortunately he waited too late in the evening to try to reach drunk people. He needed to put a personal spin. Most people don't realize they could end up in jail and be completely innocent. He agreed and I gave him a hug. Thanked him for giving back to the arts. He was a major benefactor for the Vera Project and other dance and stage shows in the Seattle arts scene. Unlike so many that move to Cali ASAP. He's a real.stand up guy. No one has a bad word to say about him. Real cool 😎.

[@mfiles_official]

Are you a bassist mate? LoL love the video.

[@reubenrozeyt5716]

Krist was the unofficial bodyguard for the band. Nobody would try to take on a 6.4 ft. low bass riding n throwing badass

[@ilyadenisov662]

Awesome video! Yeah, I do think Krist is very important for the band. He was the funny guy, the one who talks and take a step when Kurt is doomed or sleepy or nit in the mood. Interesting, that Krist was in the center of the stage, when Nirvana became 4-peice band with Pat Smear. So Kurt decided to stay on the wing and put Krist in front of the crowd. Krist is awesome, he's manner to hold bass guitar as low as possible is so benchmark and remarkable :-) I love this giant

[@PhDFlopper_peter]

Monkey See Monkey Do Rather Be Dead Than Cool Every Line Ends in Rime Less Is More Love Is Blind Krist from my favorite ever Nirvana song

[@MyToasterIsMoist]

The AI Kurt voice is kind of a massive turn off.

[@eddietasker9110]

My favourite bassist. The perfect musician

[@frenchfriesqc6273]

good job love the effort bro

[@1985cactus]

That photo isn't Flipper

[@ashwinters9315]

Krist truly was the backbone of the band.

[@eltoro969]

Many things point to Nirvana was on their way to break up after the 1994 European Tour. Dave wasn`t happy with In Utero and that Kurt didn`t want any of his songs on the album. (Was probably too Nevermind ish) Kurt had written a letter to Krist, firing him but never sent it. The In Utero Tour was basically a disaster getting bad reviews. Kurt`s hate for the commercial mainstream Nirvana found themselves in after Nevermind made him want In Utero to _not_ become a commercial hit like Nevermind. That kind of self destructive behavior, forced onto the other members, probably made Kurt end up in a downward spiral that ended the marriage, the band and finally his life. That`s my 5 cents anyway.

[@zerozipper4299]

Kurt was planning to dissolve Nirvana and join Hole as Rhythm guitarist after the 94' tour. The proof of this is in how Kurt had the band billed at the 94' Rock in Rio show. The banner read "Welcome Kurt Cobain, and Nirvana".

[@essemmetv]

I've gotta ask who wrote the outro theme to your videos, that arpeggio is amazing.

[@walt_jryippie]

My fav base line is definitely the one from Lithium

[@Wilsco]

lounge act bassline is really good lol

[@michaelsuder486]

Plus he plays the accordion. Don't get more punk than that. He should do a duet with Weird Al

[@stephenkpbyrne]

Kris was the Trunk of the NIRVANA Tree - Love for Kris 😘

[@brianhartline1197]

Those bass parts,Kurt could NOT do it without him.

[@GoblinGoblining]

There would have been no Nirvana without Krist. Kurt was beautifully brilliant but definitely needed Krist. And while we are talking about unsung heroes, let's take a moment to thank the legendary Pat Smear!

[@themom2846]

The band would've never happend, or held it together without Krist ❤

[@RestrainingHollywood]

@ 4:20 - Dave Grohl the moment he knew Kurt had to go..

[@jonschroedinger8360]

The bass line in hairspray queen.

[@mariammarie5840]

Love Krist Novoselic !! ❤ he’s so cooool !!

[@jaynabb1462]

Krist IS the real Nirvana. The band went through drummers. Krist was there since day one. He was the foundation. Krist is Nirvana.

[@satanism_rocks]

nirvana's live shows wouldn't be half as good without Krist, Kurt couldn't move around much because of singing so it was up to Krist to jump around, which he did great, but also his stage destruction was great, and let's not forget the infamous bass toss

[@davidrocha1419]

Been a son, Krist shines awesome bass lines.

[@gkniffen]

Love Krist! Legend!! ⭐❤

[@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re]

It's only the "nice" guys people underappreciate until the S#!T hits the fan.

[@isaiahrodriquezgothboy]

Yea I love Krist😊😊😊

[@Noisy79]

I know it is simple but I always loved the bass line to Dive

[@Polyfusia]

Downtuning for that song was a good idea. Same with Blew.

[@FaultyLogic-my1mo]

Good vid. Did you use ai for your voice tho?

[@BeamMeUpAlready]

Obviously, yes. Ain’t it awful?

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Damn I wouldn’t have thought

[@randallleddy4822]

It is my experience that it is often the bass player that holds the band together as a mediator. As the translator between rhythm & melody, bass players tend to do the same thing with egos.

[@AGENT_MIFTAHUL]

keep up with the videos!

[@ginko276]

maturing is realizing krist is the best

[@dr.awkward9075]

I've watched a lot of Nirvana live videos. The next time Krist misses a note it will be the first time.

[@lpmuzza3274]

Where does it say he came up with in bloom main riff?

[@benstutchbury6221]

Re Krist - Great bass player👍 just listen to his bass work on 'Heart-Shaped Box' - just really superb and ever so slightly off kilter but still with Great skewed melodic sensibilities❤️👍

[@oguerrero031280]

Lounge Act dude!!!!!!!!!! I agree with you 100 per cent man.

[@revminTphresh]

cant believe you didnt mention '3rd secret'. do you have anyone doing research there?

[@AudioReplica2023]

Nirvana - Silver Bass line

[@Weaselthebassist]

I was weird and always thought Krist was cooler than Kurt, he was my main inspiration for picking up bass 11 years ago.

[@michaelaustin808]

krist has another band called 3rd secret

[@bookreaderson]

It’s cuz we can barely hear the bass in rock. If u have 2 ,12 inch woofers in ur trunk n u play Rock , u can’t really tell the bass parts compared edm or hip hop

[@gogoat_2894]

Lounge Act, Love Buzz, great baselines.

[@BradleyLord-e3i]

Can't totally agree with the bassist getting the low end of the stick.i mean look at steve Harris. If it weren't for him there would be No Iron Maiden today!as for Nirvana each band member had an important role. also important to remember Kris and kurt were friends long before they became famous.i personally think when Courtney came into the picture tensions started to arise with all the band members.dave had finally achieved a platform and was beginning to have other ideas too so on a sad note he probably would have end up leaving the band prior to Kurt's unfortunate death. RIP Kurt🌻🌟

[@Teekay617]

He was a great friend to Kurt I Heard best Friend, but Kurt wrote Kris's bass lines, and came up with thr drums, not saying he didn't add his own style. But they didn't question it cause it was Kurt's band

[@frankr.6305]

not true

[@zerozipper4299]

Wrong, Each wrote their own parts during studio sessions. Kurt would give the geneal idea of what he "felt" the song should be and then they did the demos as an entire band. Kurt was known to have given Butch Vig such a hard time that Butch had to "bribe" Kurt by appealing to his ego at times to even get Kurt to record his parts and not act like a whiny child during the Nevermind sessions. Kurt loathed the fact that the record company needed a "polished" sound which is why Incesticide was released and In Utero has a rougher overall sound compaired to Nevermind.

[@streettomato]

If this video doesn't mention Krist letting the band borrow not 1, but 2 of his vans for touring before they became famous, I will dislike it. EDIT: Glad it was mentioned! Very informative

[@tiesb1212]

Whats the name of the first song?

[@krisfrederick5001]

The one that didn't want to start a band with Kurt to begin with.

[@billybats4745]

C'mon lounge act anyone?? Hands down his best bass line.

[@raddastronaut]

He sure is.

[@phromic]

i have always liked nirvana for the catchy groovy bass lines . and his silly nature is/was endearing -- how could you not like the guy ....

[@t7xx885]

I think that you should rethink the ss in your profile pic💀

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

True dat

[@xanyugen1998]

I don't understand why they use AI to make voices with unverified information