HOLE

Hole is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1989 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. Emerging from the vibrant and chaotic alternative music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hole quickly gained attention for their raw, visceral sound blending punk, grunge, and noise rock with confessional, often provocative lyrics. The band’s debut album, Pretty on the Inside (1991), was a critical success in the underground community, but it was their 1994 album, Live Through This, released just days after the death of Love’s husband Kurt Cobain, that catapulted them to mainstream fame.

Lauded for its blend of abrasive guitar work and haunting melodies, Live Through This is considered a seminal work of the era, featuring hit singles such as “Miss World” and “Doll Parts.” Despite frequent line-up changes and controversy surrounding Love’s public persona, Hole continued releasing music with albums like Celebrity Skin (1998), which showcased a more polished, power-pop sound and earned them further acclaim and commercial success. Known for their intense live performances and Love’s commanding stage presence, Hole has left an indelible mark on alternative rock, influencing countless artists with their fierce authenticity and unapologetic exploration of female rage, vulnerability, and ambition.