Meat Puppets

Formation and Early Years: Meat Puppets is an American rock band formed in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, by brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood along with drummer Derrick Bostrom. Initially, they played punk rock, but soon incorporated elements of country and psychedelic rock into their sound. They gained prominence in the underground music scene of the 1980s, especially with their early albums like "Meat Puppets II" (1984) and "Up on the Sun" (1985).

Influence on Alternative Rock: Meat Puppets' eclectic style and experimental approach heavily influenced the emerging alternative rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Bands like Nirvana, who famously covered their songs "Lake of Fire" and "Plateau" during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1993, cited Meat Puppets as a significant influence. Kurt Cobain's admiration for the band helped introduce them to a wider audience.

Commercial Success: While Meat Puppets never achieved mainstream commercial success on the level of some of their contemporaries, they enjoyed a cult following and critical acclaim. Their album "Too High to Die" (1994) brought them the most commercial success, largely due to the single "Backwater", which received heavy airplay on alternative rock radio stations. The album reached gold certification in the United States.

Lineup Changes and Hiatus: Over the years, the band experienced several lineup changes, with the Kirkwood brothers being the only consistent members. Cris Kirkwood struggled with addiction issues, which led to his departure from the band for a period in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Meat Puppets went on hiatus in the mid-2000s but reunited in 2006 with Curt and Cris Kirkwood returning alongside drummer Ted Marcus.

Musical Evolution and Legacy: Throughout their career, Meat Puppets continued to evolve musically, exploring various styles ranging from punk and country to folk and psychedelic rock. Their ability to blend these diverse influences into a cohesive and distinctive sound has cemented their legacy in alternative rock history. Despite periods of inactivity and lineup changes, they remain a revered and influential band, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.