I always thought that Hole was a very underrated band. The group was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1989 by singer and guitarist Courtney Love and lead guitarist Eric Erlandson. The band has released four studio albums: Pretty on the Inside (1991), Live Through This (1994), Celebrity Skin (1998), and Nobody’s Daughter (2010). Known for their raw sound and intense live performances, Hole has seen multiple lineup changes over the years. The band’s most commercially successful album, Live Through This, received critical acclaim and achieved multi-platinum status. Hole disbanded in 2002 but reformed in 2009 with a new lineup. They have been nominated for various awards and have had significant chart success, particularly in the mid-1990s.
Courtney Love
Courtney Love is the founding member of Hole, forming the band in 1989. She has been the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist throughout its existence. Love’s tumultuous personal life and outspoken persona have often overshadowed her musical contributions. She played a significant role in writing and shaping the band’s music, contributing heavily to all of Hole’s albums. Outside of Hole, Love has had a successful solo career, releasing the album America’s Sweetheart in 2004. She has also pursued acting, receiving critical acclaim for her role in the 1996 film The People vs. Larry Flynt.
Eric Erlandson
Eric Erlandson co-founded Hole with Courtney Love in 1989 and served as the lead guitarist until the band’s initial breakup in 2002. He played on all of Hole’s studio albums and was instrumental in developing their sound. Erlandson’s contributions to the band include co-writing many of their songs, particularly on Pretty on the Inside and Live Through This. After Hole’s breakup, Erlandson pursued other musical projects, including writing and releasing a book, Letters to Kurt, in 2012, which reflects on his time in Hole and his friendship with Kurt Cobain.
Kristen Pfaff
Kristen Pfaff joined Hole as the bassist in 1993 and played on the critically acclaimed album Live Through This. Her tenure with the band was tragically short, as she died of a heroin overdose in June 1994, just two months after the album’s release. Pfaff’s bass playing was a key element of the band’s sound during this period. Before joining Hole, she was a member of the Minneapolis-based band Janitor Joe.
Melissa Auf der Maur
Melissa Auf der Maur joined Hole in 1994 as the bassist, replacing the late Kristen Pfaff. She played on the band’s third studio album, Celebrity Skin, contributing to its polished and radio-friendly sound. Auf der Maur’s tenure with Hole lasted until 1999. Following her time with Hole, she joined The Smashing Pumpkins for their 2000 tour and later embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut solo album, Auf der Maur, in 2004. She has also pursued photography and film projects.
Patty Schemel
Patty Schemel joined Hole as the drummer in 1992 and played on the albums Live Through This and Celebrity Skin. Known for her powerful drumming style, Schemel left the band during the recording of Celebrity Skin due to personal issues and creative differences. After leaving Hole, she struggled with addiction but later recovered and became an advocate for addiction recovery. Schemel’s experiences are documented in the 2011 documentary Hit So Hard.
Samantha Maloney
Samantha Maloney joined Hole as the drummer in 1998, replacing Patty Schemel during the tour for Celebrity Skin. She played with the band until their initial breakup in 2002. Maloney’s contributions were mainly in live performances rather than studio recordings. After Hole, she played with other bands, including Mötley Crüe, Eagles of Death Metal, and Peaches.
Mike Geisbrecht
Mike Geisbrecht, also known as Geis, played guitar with Hole during their early years from 1990 to 1992. He was part of the band during the recording of Pretty on the Inside, contributing to the raw and abrasive sound of the album. Geisbrecht left the band before the release of Live Through This and has remained relatively out of the public eye since his departure from Hole.
Jill Emery
Jill Emery was Hole’s bassist from 1990 to 1992, playing on the band’s debut album Pretty on the Inside. Her bass work helped shape the band’s early punk-influenced sound. Emery left Hole before they achieved mainstream success with Live Through This. After leaving the band, she continued to play music with various other acts, including Mazzy Star.
Leslie Hardy
Leslie Hardy briefly played keyboards for Hole in 1992, during the tour supporting Pretty on the Inside. Her tenure with the band was short-lived, and she did not contribute to any of the band’s studio recordings. After her time with Hole, Hardy continued her involvement in the music scene, though she has kept a low profile.
Eric Eidel
Eric Eidel played drums for Hole in 1998 during their live performances supporting the album Celebrity Skin. He was a temporary replacement and did not contribute to the band’s studio recordings. Eidel’s time with Hole was short, and he moved on to other musical endeavors following his stint with the band.
Micko Larkin
Micko Larkin joined Hole in 2009 when the band reformed with a new lineup. He played guitar on their 2010 album Nobody’s Daughter. Larkin’s contributions helped shape the sound of Hole’s comeback album, which received mixed reviews. Before joining Hole, Larkin was a member of the British band Larrikin Love. After Hole, he continued to work on various music projects.
Shawn Dailey
Shawn Dailey joined Hole in 2009 as the bassist for their reformation. He played on the album Nobody’s Daughter and participated in the band’s live performances. Dailey’s background includes playing with the rock band Rock Kills Kid. After his time with Hole, he continued his career in music with other projects.
Stu Fisher
Stu Fisher joined Hole in 2009 as the drummer for their reformation. He played on the album Nobody’s Daughter and contributed to the band’s live performances during this period. Fisher’s drumming helped define the sound of Hole’s later work. Before joining Hole, he was a member of the British band Ozric Tentacles and continued his music career after Hole.
Michael Beinhorn
Michael Beinhorn was a producer who worked closely with Hole during the recording of Celebrity Skin. Though not a band member, his influence was significant in shaping the sound of the album, which became one of Hole’s most commercially successful releases. Beinhorn’s production work has also included collaborations with other notable artists like Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Lisa Roberts
Lisa Roberts was a short-term member of Hole in its early days, around 1989-1990. She played guitar during the band’s initial formation but did not participate in any of the band’s recordings. Her time with Hole was brief, and she left before the band gained significant attention.
Caroline Rue
Caroline Rue was the original drummer for Hole, joining the band in 1989. She played on the band’s debut album, Pretty on the Inside, which was released in 1991. Rue’s drumming contributed to the raw, punk-influenced sound of the band’s early music. She left the band in 1992 before the recording of Live Through This. After leaving Hole, Rue continued her involvement in the music scene with various other projects.
Scott Lipps
Scott Lipps played drums for Hole during their 2012-2013 reunion performances. Although he did not participate in any studio recordings with the band, his live performances were part of the band’s efforts to reconnect with fans during this brief reunion period. Outside of Hole, Lipps is known for his work as a drummer in other musical projects and for his career as a successful entrepreneur and founder of the talent management agency One Management.
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