Grant Hart – co-founder, drummer and singer for American independent legends Hüsker Dü passed away earlier this week. The artist had been struggling with kidney cancer and that illness was reportedly the cause of his death. Former band mate, guitarist/singer Bob Mould, has confirmed this information on his Facebook profile, saying:
“The tragic news of Grant’s passing was not unexpected to me. My deepest condolences and thoughts to Grant’s family, friends, and fans around the world. Grant Hart was a gifted visual artist, a wonderful story teller, and a frighteningly talented musician. Everyone touched by his spirit will always remember. Godspeed, Grant. I miss you. Be with the angels.”
Hüsker Dü in the 80s. From left to right: Greg Norton, Grant Hart, Bob Mould.
Grant Hart started playing the drums at the age of 10, after his older brother had been tragically killed by a drunk driver. He inherited his late brother’s record collection and drum set, and soon learned how to play.
Hüsker Dü formed in 1979. It was founded by Grant Hart, Bob Mould and bassist Greg Norton. They started out as a hardcore punk band, only to shift towards melodic punk at a later stage of their career. After the band’s demise in 1988, Grant Hart started a successful solo career which lasted until 2013.
Classic Hüsker Dü albums include Zen Arcade (1984), New Day Rising (1985), Flip Your Wig (1985) and Candy Apple Grey (1986).
The band has left a considerable stamp on independent rock in the following decade. Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic has notably said: “What Nirvana did was nothing new, Hüsker Dü did it before us“. Billy Joe Armstrong said Green Day were influenced by the group (they have covered “Don’t Want To Know If You Are Lonely“). Dave Grohl said in an interview: “No Hüsker Dü, no Foo Fighters“. Independent scene stars who admit to being influenced by Hüsker Dü include the likes of Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Andy Cairns (Therapy?) and members of The Pixies.
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