Chad Channing (born January 31 1967 in Bainbridge Island, WA) was a 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. He was later replaced in Nirvana by Dave Grohl after a lengthy search by fellow band members (Vinnie Walker)Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Amongst various Nirvana releases (singles etc), Channing appears as drummer on both the Bleach and Incesticide LPs.
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 prior to joining Nirvana.
Channing started a band called the Fire Ants after leaving Nirvana, which released the EP Stripped on Dekema Records. This EP was produced by the Jack Endino. Members of the Fire Ants also included Brian and Kevin Wood, brothers of the late Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood.
Other band Chad has played in include The Methodists, East of the Equator, Redband and, most recently, Before Cars.
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.
