# 3 College Rock Bands That Invented 90s Bands

> Three 1980s college rock bands laid the groundwork for 90s alternative rock giants.
- Title: 3 College Rock Bands That Invented 90s Bands · VICE | Shortify
- Summary: Three 1980s college rock bands laid the groundwork for 90s alternative rock giants. Hüsker Dü, Violent Femmes, and R.E.M. from the 1980s influenced 90s…
- Keywords: hüsker du, violent femmes, rem, nirvana, green day, college rock, 1980s, 1990s, alternative rock, news, culture, College
- Source: VICE — https://vice.com/en/article/3-college-rock-bands-from-the-1980s-that-basically-invented-your-holy-grail-90s-bands
- Author: Dan Milam
- Published: 2026-10-19T22:54:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hüsker du, violent femmes, rem, nirvana, green day, college rock, 1980s, 1990s, alternative rock, news, culture
## Hüsker Dü
Hüsker Dü formed in 1979 in St. Paul, Minnesota, influencing 90s bands like Nirvana and Green Day.
## Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes released their debut album in 1983, inspiring Nirvana’s acoustic songwriting with their hit 'Blister In The Sun'.
## R.E.M.
R.E.M. became college radio staples in the 1980s, later breaking into mainstream with 'The Only I Love' and 'Out Of Time'.
## Key takeaway

Hüsker Dü, Violent Femmes, and R.E.M. from the 1980s influenced 90s alternative rock bands like Nirvana and Green Day.