Post-grunge is an offshoot of grunge that has a less abrasive or intense tone than traditional grunge. Originally, the term was used almost pejoratively to label mid-1990s rock bands such as Bush, Candlebox, Collective Soul, Live, Foo Fighters, and Silverchair, that emulated the original sound of grunge.
Post-grunge band Nickelback in 2008
British band Bush (pictured) were described by Matt Diehl of Rolling Stone as "the most successful and shameless mimics of Nirvana's music".
Live, one of the first post-grunge bands, performing in 2013
Post-grunge band Creed in 2002
Grunge is an alternative rock genre and subculture which emerged during the mid-1980s in the U.S. state of Washington, particularly in Seattle and nearby towns. Grunge fuses elements of punk rock and heavy metal. The genre featured the distorted electric guitar sound used in both genres, although some bands performed with more emphasis on one or the other. Like these genres, grunge typically uses electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals. Grunge also incorporates influences from indie rock bands such as Sonic Youth. Lyrics are typically angst-filled and introspective, often addressing themes such as social alienation, self-doubt, abuse, neglect, betrayal, social and emotional isolation, addiction, psychological trauma and a desire for freedom.
American rock band Nirvana (pictured in 1992) is the most commercially successful band of the genre, having sold over 27 million albums in the United States alone.
Mark Arm of Green River whose Dry as a Bone EP was described as "ultra-loose grunge" in 1987
A museum exhibition about the Seattle music scene, with record sleeves of Nevermind and In Utero by Nirvana and Badmotorfinger by Soundgarden
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready
