Emerging from the sunbaked soil of Phoenix, Arizona, the Meat Puppets carved out a niche in the rock world that has influenced generations of bands. Formed in 1980 by brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood alongside drummer Derrick Bostrom, the group's blend of punk, country, and psychedelic rock has left an indelible mark on the landscape of alternative music.
Initially a punk rock band, the Meat Puppets stood out on SST Records with their unique style. The warbling vocals of Curt Kirkwood laid over the psychedelic-inflected tunes defined their sound. But perhaps their most significant moment came when they guest-starred on Nirvana's iconic MTV Unplugged performance in 1993, which propelled their album Too High to Die into the mainstream.
Despite disbanding twice, the Meat Puppets' essence never truly dissipated, and their influence can be seen in acts like Soundgarden, Dinosaur Jr, and Sublime.
If you're looking to dive into their discography or discover the roots of alternative rock, there's no better place than the TikTok Music App. Here you can explore the Meat Puppets' sonic journey and find playlists that trace their impact within the genre.
For those looking to experience the Meat Puppets' legacy live, the band is actively touring with members both old and new, including Elmo Kirkwood and Ron Stabinsky. Check their official website for tour dates and immerse yourself in their influential sound, which continues to resonate through the ages.
