WATCH: Dave Grohl Play His First Show With Nirvana

Dave Grohl has always been a better drummer than singer, songwriter, or frontman. His presence behind the kit was exactly what Nirvana needed. His raw energy matched the spark in Kurt Cobain's voice.

But he wasn't the band's first drummer. On September 25, 1990, Grohl replaced Chad Channing, who had been performing with Nirvana. Less than a month later, Grohl played his first show with Nirvana on October 11 at the North Shore Surf Club in Olympia, Washington. During that first gig, the band played "Scoff," "Sliver," and other tracks with Grohl as a total whirlwind on percussion.

This article was first published on esquire.com by Matt Miller.