Chad Channing

Chad Channing (born January 31, 1967 in Bainbridge Island, WA) is an American musician who was a former drummer for the band Nirvana from 1988 until 1990, when he left the band due to creative differences. Contrary to popular belief, it was a mutual decision and no hard feelings existed on either side.[citation needed] Amongst various Nirvana releases (singles etc), Channing appears as drummer on both the Bleach and Incesticide LPs, as well as the cymbal crash in the Nevermind version of "Polly." In 2004, Nirvana's With the Lights Out box set featured a DVD of a December 1988 Nirvana rehearsal with Chad Channing on drums. Channing was in the bands Mind Circus and Tic Dolly Row (with future Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd) prior to joining Nirvana. After leaving Nirvana, Channing formed a band called the Fire Ants. The band released the EP Stripped on Dekema Records, produced by Jack Endino, who had also produced Bleach. Members of the Fire Ants also included Brian Wood (vocals) and Kevin Wood (guitars), brothers of Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood, and bassist Dan McDonald. Other bands Chad has played in include The Methodists (w/ Dan McDonald from Fire Ants), East of the Equator, Redband and, most recently, Before Cars ( www.myspace.com/beforecars ). Chad's love of music began with a bass guitar, which his parents bought him after an accident during gym class one day at school. The mishap resulted in 8 surgeries and 5 years of recovery. The bass filled Chad's time as he was unable to go to school. When Channing was out of his leg casts, his parents bought him a drum set to help his legs get stronger. Chad was a natural at the drums and began jamming with friends before playing gigs at local clubs.