Hole Biography

Hole was an alternative rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1989 and disbanded in 2002. The band was fronted by Courtney Love, and co-founded by Love, Eric Erlandson (lead guitar) and Lisa Roberts (bassist and Courtney's neighbor who dropped the project very early on). The band had a brief period as a three-guitar lineup, with the musician Errol Stewert, but the lineup that recorded the first album included only Love, Erlandson, bassist Jill Emery and drummer Caroline Rue. Emery and Rue left in 1992, to be replaced by Leslie Hardy and Patty Schemel, respectively. Hardy left after recording just one single with the band, Beautiful Son and was subsequently replaced by Kristen Pfaff in 1993. After bassist Kristen Pfaff died of an apparent drug overdose in 1994, Melissa Auf der Maur took her place from 1995 until the band's dissolution in 2002. When Schemel left the band in 1998, Samantha Maloney took her place as drummer. On Vh1's countdown of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Bands Hole was number 77.

Hole has released three official albums, Pretty on the Inside, Live Through This and Celebrity Skin. Each of these albums reflect a distinctive sound and approach. The first release is often described as a raw, punk influenced record. Experimenting with alternate tunings, the guitar parts are chaotic and distorted. Most themes (musically and lyrically) seem to be inspired by the title of the record: harsh, brutal and violent on the outside, but melodic underneath. The second release showcased a more power pop approach, still infused with a raw punk rock edge. The lyrics and guitar parts are less abstract but increasingly powerful in their simplicity. The third release can be seen as a full embrace of power pop. The theme of architecture is present throughout, the attempt to build something from nothing and create a lasting monument. Erlandson's guitar style has been innovative and complex and the lyrics of Love have been multi-layered and sophisticated throughout. Hole have been credited for bridging punk to pop, making the connection between various styles and approaches to reveal the way in which they do not exist independent of one another. Having challenged the underground/indie aesthetic and having put forth the notion that pop music can be complex and sophisticated, Hole has been heralded by some as having made a significant contribution to the canon of rock.